Over at Who What Wear HQ, we're big fans of high-low dressing, that is to say, our wardrobes are a balanced mix of affordable, high-street finds, as well as quality, luxury buys that bolster our everyday wardrobes. Sound familiar? Like most shoppers, we can see the benefits of owning a beautiful designer handbag, or a pair of luxury leather shoes that combine longevity and versatility, but we also know that Arket does some of the best white shirts in the business, and Marks and Spencer accessories aren't easily topped. So, when it comes to shopping for new pieces to refresh our wardrobes, we've managed to put together a list of go-to brands that always deliver on design, price and quality, and thankfully, you won't have to empty your bank account to be able shop them.
If you are in a position to invest in your wardrobe this season, we generally recommend buying less and of better quality for a responsible approach to shopping, and just one or two of these key buys can be cherished for longer, and elevate even the most basic of outfits. Win, win.
Where and what we choose to spend our money on will vary depending on personal taste, but after many years of shopping experience, I'm confident that I can put together an edit of premium pieces that will really speak your language. Some are seasonal heroes that will make the most of the sunshine, others are anti-trend buys that you'll want to wear whatever the weather, but all of them are head-swivellingly good, so just know that you're in safe hands.
To see which pieces this editor thinks are worth spending a little extra on, keep scrolling for 30 of the best new season designer, high-street and premium buys to invest in now. Expect plenty of pretty dresses, covetable handbags, perfect jeans and summer sandals ahead.
SHOP THE BEST DESIGNER, PREMIUM AND HIGH STREET BUYS UNDER £250
Just imagine how good this would look with jeans and sandals.
Cargo trousers made chic.
Who What Wear contributor Monikh Dale has got an eye for good looking jewellery, just look at her collaboration with Daphine for proof.
Easily the best looking straw bag on the high street.
The ruching makes this look like so much more than a basic cami.
Leather flip flops that don't cost three figures? Sign me up.
There's something impossibly stylish about a floor-skimming maxi.
Chunky gold hoops go with every outfit combination.
If you haven't already been convinced that waistcoats are better than any jersey top, this might be the one to do it.
Add a chunky sandal and wear on repeat.
And speaking of sandals, the Birkenstock is a timelss classic.
This is exactly the kind of universally flattering dress that everyone should own.
A wide-leg silhouette + linen = a match made in heaven.
This skirt is so beautiful, but the full co-ord is even better.
Is it even spring if you haven't dusted off your floral dress?
Your next evening look, sorted.
From the beach to the city, this chic wrap skirt blows the "dated" sarong out of the water.
I know, I can't believe these aren't designer either.
I predict these dress is about to be huge. You saw it here first.
The bag so good it had a waitlist.
Chiffon blouses pair with everything from jeans to slip skirts.
You just can't beat an indigo wash, high-rise straight-leg.
How to do bohemian stacking the "grown up" way.
Honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about this bag since I first saw it.
This flared skirt is part of COS' Atelier collection, so it has all of the special craftsmanship you saw on the runway.
A NET-A-PORTER bestseller that combines wide-leg jeans and cargo pants in one.
The perfect accompaniment to a wicker bag and espadrilles.
How good is this full look?
Denim skirts are big news right now, and this washed grey stands out from the crowd.
Okay, I'm calling it–Abercrombie and Fitch have some of this summer's best dresses, hands down.
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