The #1 Rule for Picking Expensive-Looking High-Street Pieces

When a new season and its biggest trends start to really cement themselves, it's all too easy to get wrapped up in a whirlwind of, shall we say, homages, to the high-fashion designers. But rather than opting for close copies of catwalk goods, we've discovered over the years that your wardrobe looks far chicer—and more expensive—if you plump for simpler, less season-specific pieces when shopping on a budget.

Those in the know can spot a knock-off print at 50 paces, so why not confuse them with an artfully minimal top from COS that could pass for a vintage piece of Jil Sander? Or a sundress that appears thrifty enough to be a retro buy you found at a flea market? So there's our number one tip for looking ultra-sophisticated on a shoestring budget: Step away from the runway rip-offs. Instead, look out for relatively minimal pieces that feature a unique detail or two.

The high street's current selection is well stocked with newness that fits our bill, so keep reading to see the kind of luxe-looking pieces we'd suggest shopping now. Bonus point: They all go together into a capsule wardrobe too!

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. Hannah has been part of the theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.