Confession time. I spend a lot of time looking at clothes. More specifically, I spend a lot of time scouring the high street for the best pieces from new-in drops. We're lucky that our high street is filled with great staples of course, but every once in a while an extra special find will pop up that blows us away. And I can wholeheartedly say, there is nothing more satisfying than finding those rare high-street pieces that look like they came straight from the runway. You know, the ones that make friends, colleagues and even strangers on the street say "where did you get that?", followed by "wait, it's from the high street?".
Whether it’s through incredibly intricate details or high-quality fabrics, these kinds of pieces make you walk a little taller and fill you with a sense of (almost smug) satisfaction at having been one of the few to find and bag an elevated wardrobe hero at a covetable price point.
@_livmadeline wears a canvas jacket from Arket
Well, needless to say, there are only a few select brands that can deliver these kinds of pieces and there are three in particular that have become my go-to for not only wardrobe staples, but pieces with a certain je ne sais quio; Arket, COS and Zara are responsible for so many of the pieces that I can’t believe come from the high street. Need some proof? I’ve managed to narrow down a few of the new-in pieces that have made me click add-to-basket a little quicker than usual and have shared them below.
Keep reading to discover my edit of the new-in Arket, COS and Zara pieces that I just can't believe are high-street.
The Best New-In Items From Arket, Cos Zara
1. ARKET
We're all about cropped trenches at the moment, and this will look great layered over t-shirts, tanks and jumpers alike.
We think this is pretty much the perfect office trousers and it's a pair you'll want to keep wearing long after you've clocked off for the weekend too.
No capsule wardrobe can call itself such without a good pair of flats, and a variety of them at that. These are cut from buttery soft leather, so you know they will comfortably take you from day to night.
Equal parts smart and chic, this wrap dress will outdo itself as a wardrobe staple. It's made from crisp 100% cotton so you know it'll hold its distinctive shape.
You'll have to forgive how much I rant about knitwear, but that's because it bridges the gap between high street and designer so effortlessly. This number is made from alpaca blend for a cosy finish you won't want to take off.
We can guarantee the complements you'll receive will be endless when wearing these flattering jeans. And who doesn't love pleated denim?
This is so low-key, slinky and stylish; it gives us some serious '90s vibes. It's so easy to dress up or down and all you'll have to do is add a tonal, fuss-free outfit to achieve maximum sophistication.
I've been looking for the perfect canvas jacket, and this one has really caught my eye. IT also comes in a lighter cream shade.
This minimalist denim skirt will look beautiful with all your shoes.
We just love the luxe finish of this cardigan. The tailored fit, on-trend stripes and attention to detail give it an air of French glamour, making it the ultimate high-street find. Style it with everything from sneakers to Mary Janes.
Proof that animal print is not just for the maximalists.
2. COS
It's such a simple detail, but the tied belt gives this trench a designer feel. You can exaggerate the look with the incorporated belt or simply leave a few buttons undone to show off the outfit underneath.
I haven't seen anything that mimics the quality and luxury of a designer tote quite like the bowling bag.
Good denim is a wardrobe foundation, but these turned up jeans have elevated the basic style into something cool for 2025.
How to get designer-looking trainers for a high street price,
COS knows how to do minimalism to perfection, and this cardigan is a lesson in refined restraint.
These trousers will look flattering on every figure and from every angle., and the cleverly placed pleats create a leg-lengthening illusion.
When its finally mild enough to forgo a chunky knit, consider this elegant scarf blouse.
These shoes make looking like you put tons of effort into your outfit a breeze. Simple and classic, the wearable heel height is just enough lift without compromising on comfort.
As you can probably guess, I'm a bit of a sucker for a glossy finish and these earrings will make every outfit look far more expensive.
It's so hard to believe this is high-street and not designer.
Simple, yet so very effective.
3. ZARA
I love this take on the leather bomber, and it doesn't scrimp on looking both chic and expensive.
So elegant.
Picture this with strappy sandals once the weather heats up...
Mark my words, pointed flats will continue to be the shoe of summer 2025.
Yes, this really is from Zara.
This jacket is the epitome of high luxury on the high street, and Its simple silhouette is one that just doesn't age.
This jumper is too good to relegate to just the autumn and winter months, so you can throw it over your shoulders in spring and summer too.
I could wax lyrical about the beautiful colour of these colours for hours but I think they pretty much speaks for itself.
Black kitten boots will work hard for you, all year round.
Shoulder pads are having a comeback and this mini into the trend without being too overt.
An easy way to elevate a casual outfitt.
-
I'm Obsessed With Zara, so Naturally, I Can't Wait for Its Black Friday Sale—Here's What's in My CartFrom gorgeous sweaters to holiday-party pieces.
-
Sorry, Crewneck Tees—in 2026, Everyone With Taste Will Be Layering Sweaters Like ThisThe recipe for a perfect winter outfit.
-
Is This Fashion's Favorite Sweater? No Wonder It's Set to Sell Out by Next WeekOnly two colors are left.
-
H&M Just Dropped a $40 Version of The Row's Winter Flats I Keep Seeing on Chic New YorkersA sellout is imminent.
-
The Ashley Olsen Way to Make Simple Black Coats Look Chic, Not BoringIt's so easy, yet so impactful.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—29 Pieces I'm Eyeing Ahead of Black Friday That Will Get You Envious Stares and ComplimentsThese are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
-
Yes, Chic Outfits Will Happen With These 32 New Items From Zara, J.Crew, COS, and H&MElevated knits, trend-forward outerwear, and more.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor Living in L.A.—30 New Zara Finds I'm Wearing From Now Until the New YearSomething chic for every occasion.
