Have you ever experienced the sheer joy of having a fashionable friend ask you where your latest item is from, only to be able to proudly tell them it was a bargain of a purchase? Let me tell you it is a thrill. There's just something so satisfying about finding a piece in a vintage store or on the high street that looks much more expensive than its price tag would suggest. And it's even more satisfying when you can tell people just how affordable the item actually was.
With this in mind, I set out to find a few expensive-looking high-street items under £30 that could act as the subject of my next humble brag, and right now there are certainly some winners around. H&M in particular currently has a very elevated offering, featuring a billowy wrap top and a few puff-sleeve minidresses that could pass as designer. Mango has some very affordable linen pieces, while Zara, as usual, has the affordable trend-led category covered.
When it comes to obtaining an expensive-looking high-street item, my tip would be to go for a timeless style. More often than not, it's a ribbed-knit tank or standard LBD that will always look elevated and expensive despite the price tag. Not to mention these are the types of items that will stay in your closet for years to come, really ensuring you're getting the most value for money. Keep scrolling for 20 expensive-looking high-street items that are all under £30.
Affordable high-street style inspiration:
Style Notes: This outfit looks so polished you'd never believe the top is only £25. It pairs extremely well with its matching skirt but would look equally as cool against vintage blue jeans for a local weekend stroll.
Style Notes: Eni's tank top, available in beige below, features a ribbed knit that looks extremely elevated. Here, she effortlessly pairs it with an H&M skirt in the same colour, another great high-street gem.
Shop expensive-looking high-street items under £30:
Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
Fashionable Clothing Ahead—28 Chic Fall Picks From Zara, Nordstrom, J.Crew, and ShopbopFrom sweaters to jackets.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
These 33 New Fall Zara Items Are Giving Off "I'm Chic Walking in a Metropolitan City" EnergyCool, elevated, and forward pieces.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)Here's to effortless outfits.
-
Don't Blame Me If They Sell Out While You Read This—35 Chic Zara Finds That Need Your Immediate AttentionThese won't be around for long.
-
36 Zara, Madewell, and H&M Essentials I'm Buying to Look Expensive This FallElevated and easy.
-
I've Spent 3 Hours Looking Through Zara, H&M, and Revolve—These Items Are the BestTop-tier picks ahead.
