FASHION

The best unexpected high street brands for that designer look

26 April, 2023 / words by IALH Editorial Team

Written by May Mel

Image by @leoniehanne

We admit it, we have expensive taste… but on a budget, darling. We’re trying to look expensive, but without the price tag. The truth is that most of us right now, don’t have a spare £1000 to spend on a designer coat, earrings (think Bottega drop earrings) or pair of heels. With the cost-of-living crisis, most of us are now practising “considered shopping”; putting more thought into what we spend our money on. Asking ourselves do we actually love or need it, or are we just craving “newness”? 


Our wardrobes are a mix of vintage, high street and designer pieces, as we’ve always been about doing more with less. Especially as there are now many high-street brands and lines committed to premium fashion with accessible price points. So here’s our list of a few unexpected high street brands for that expensive or designer look, without the bill…

Mango

Mango has to be our favourite high street brand at the moment, with their runway-ready dresses, luxe accessories and versatile separates. Items that often look 3 times their price tag.

Mango

Satin draped dress

Shop the dress ↗

Mango

Maxi flower halter top

Shop the top ↗

Mango

Oval short handle bag

Shop the bag ↗

Charles & Keith

This brand seems to be a well-kept secret amongst fashion stylists and die-hard fashionistas. Great for designer looking shoes and bags, with their minimalist and elevated pieces (under £100!!!), that can easily pass for designer styles, straight off the catwalk. Even A-list celebrities like J.Lo and Gigi Hadid are fans!

Charles & Keith

Luna Knotted Handle Shoulder Bag

Shop the bag ↗

Charles & Keith

Verity Chain-Link Sculptural Bag

Shop the bag ↗

Charles & Keith

Zania Sculptural D’Orsay Wedges

Shop the wedges ↗

M&S Autograph

Autograph is M&S’s premium collection, made up of luxury staples with an on-trend twist. Their edit includes premium fabrics like leather and cashmere, as well as statement prints and bold shades.

M&S Autograph

Cotton Rich Cropped Trench Coat

Shop the coat ↗

M&S Autograph

Pure Irish Linen Blazer

Shop the blazer ↗

M&S Autograph

Leather Straight Leg Ankle Grazer Trousers

Shop the dress ↗

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IALH Editorial Team

@AUTHOR HANDLE

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