There's a misconception that you can't find classic wardrobe items on the high street—that the pieces are too trend-led and their appeal will fade when new sartorial movements come into play. However, we're here to prove otherwise.
All of our favourite high-street brands are known for getting specific things right, whether that's an entire product category, such as COS's trousers, or a particular item, for example, Other Stories' wool-blend blazer. These are the items that are either available all year round or re-released every season, and it's no coincidence that they're also the brands' bestsellers.
To save you time and help you identify these high street items that are genuinely worth investing in we've rounded up all the most expensive-looking pieces that tick the 'classic' box as well. And the list you'll find below also happens to be perfect for helping you build out year-round capsule wardrobes. You're welcome!
The Best High-Street Classic Items to Wear on Repeat:
1. OTHER STORIES STRIPED JUMPERS
Rachael wears a striped jumper from Other Stories.
Style Notes: Many high street destinations do striped knits, but none compare with Other Stories' elite selection in our opinion.
Shop Other Stories Striped Jumpers:
Stripes are so reliable.
This style will carry you through winter, spring, summer and autumn.
Made from responsible wool and mohair.
2. ARKET BLAZERS
Emily wears the Arket blazer.
Style Notes: There are only a few high street items with good enough quality and longevity for me to recommend buying them even if you had an unlimited budget—but I would choose ARKET's blazers over any other brand every time.
Shop Arket Blazers:
The best-selling blazer.
Looking to take your blazer looks further? Why not add grey into the mix.
This new colour is just gorgeous.
3. COS TROUSERS
Yatri wears COS wide-leg trousers.
Style Notes: Fashion people everywhere have been wearing COS trousers on repeat for years. The quality and fit is impeccable.
Shop COS Trousers:
The precise pleating makes this pair look so expensive.
This chic pair also comes in black.
The grey looks so chic.
4. ARKET CREW-NECK T-SHIRT
Lorna wears a t-shirt from Arket.
Style Notes: Our editors have proclaimed this Arket T-shirt the perfect style. Need we say more?
Shop Arket Crew Neck T-Shirt:
So many great outfits start with a great t-shirt.
The cut and 100% cotton composition make this a really good choice.
I wear a grey t-shirt and blue jeans at least once a week.
5. MANGO WOOL COATS
Mona wears a coat from Mango.
Style Notes: Celebs, influencers and editors everywhere know the best place to turn to for expensive-looking wool coats on the high street is Mango.
Shop Mango Wool Coats:
This elegant coat is truly timeless.
Tan styles are eternally chic.
This cropped style is perfect with jeans
6. M&S CASHMERE
Monikh wears a jumper and trousers from Marks Spencer.
Style Notes: I've tried so many different brands for cashmere, from uber-luxury to the high street's offering, and M&S are the styles that have lasted in my wardrobe the longest.
Shop M&S Cashmere:
M&S's beloved cashmere comes in every shade of the rainbow.
A soft layering piece you'll rely on on cooler days all year round.
If you told me this was three times the price, I'd believe you.
7. ARKET JEANS
Louisa wears jeans from Arket.
Style Notes: Straight, flared, wide and more, Arket takes jeans seriously with a style to suit all preferences. What's more, the styles come in a range of colours and washes so you're sure to find a pair to treasure forever.
Shop Arket Jeans:
A pair many of our editors swear by.
Loose jeans are here to stay.
These have such a retro feel to them.
8. WHISTLES LEATHER
Marisa wears the Whistles leather jacket.
Style Notes: Although their pieces are still an investment, if you're looking for real leather wardrobe items that will last forever thanks to their classic design and luxury quality, we'd always recommend making your way to Whistles.
Shop Whistles Leather:
A classic piece that will earn its keep.
Brown leather will never go out of style.
A classic biker jacket will serve your wardrobe for years.
9. COS HANDBAGS
Brittany wears the COS leather crossbody bag.
Style Notes: Some high-street brands are guilty of taking their accessories a step too far, be it with oversized zips or unnecessary branding. COS, however, opts for the pared-back approach, making its arm candy the most expensive-looking out there.
Shop COS Bags:
This bag is so good, they've brought it out in a variety of colours.
Carry as a tote or wear crossbody.
Style and practicality combined.
10. M&S SHOES
Danielle wears shoes from Marks Spencer.
Style Notes: As fashion editors we take shoes very seriously. If you're looking for comfort, style, quality and excellent value—you can't beat M&S.
Shop M&S Shoes:
Style with skirts, trousers, jeans and dresses.
A penny loafer is a true classic.
It's hard to find a pair of leather boots this classic for under £100.
11. ALINGE TAILORING
Ellie wears an Aligne blazer.
Style Notes: While cinched in blazers have proven popular across the high street, it goes without saying that Aligne's blazer collection is the chicest of them all. This pretty pale yellow is no longer available, however there are plenty of elegant colours and pattern on offer for autumn 2024.
Shop Aligne's Tailoring:
The high neckline looks so elegant.
Burgundy will be everywhere this autumn.
This went into my basket immediately.
12. H&M KNIT DRESSES
Lydia wears a knit dress from H&M.
Style Notes: There's so many classics sold at H&M, but it's their knitted dresses we come back to year after year as being the best, with the most inclusive sizing too.
Shop H&M Knit Dresses:
Throw on and go with this sleek knit dress.
I'd style this with camel or brown tones.
Such a pretty shade.
13. Zara Bodysuits
Aida wears a bodysuit from Zara
Style Notes: A bodysuit is arguably the most versatile item you can have in your closet. Available in a myriad of different cuts and colours, it will act as the basis for your wardrobe all year-round. There are plenty of options on the high street however, Zara has consistently been releasing styles that rival much more expensive brands for awhile now.
Shop Zara Bodysuits
I love the button details on this bodysuit.
The styling possibilities are endless.
This comes in so many different colours.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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