This Zara Alternative Is Often Overlooked—12 Expensive-Looking Buys You Need to See

As a shopping editor, a large part of my day is spent exploring the new-in sections, identifying the most high-end-looking pieces and sharing my insights with you.

Often, there's one item that deserves praise, other times, a rising trend brings a premium feel to the wardrobes of our favourite fashion people and very occasionally, it's a whole brand that deserves celebration. Right now, I'm talking about the latter, as I can't stop thinking about the expensive-looking buys I've found at River Island.

I'll admit that River Island isn't a brand I regularly check, but after finding so many great pieces in its new-in section, all that is about to change. The recent drop brings a fresh wave of slick tailoring and clever proportional play and taps into some of the key trends that we'll all be wearing this spring, from barrel-leg silhouettes to belted detailing. One of the identifying features of a piece that can pass for double (if not triple) its price tag is the finer details. Here, think sharp pleats, neutral shades and refined cuts.

Finding expensive-looking high-street buys takes an expert eye and plenty of time to scour the hoards of recent arrivals, but as I think shopping should be a pleasure, not a chore, I've done the hard work for you by bringing together the 12 most premium-looking River Island buys available now. Read on to see and shop my picks.

Shop the 12 Most Expensive-Looking Buys at River Island Right Now: