Luckily, in the UK, we have a wide range of online high-street offerings available to us, and brands are getting smarter about designing pieces that aren’t going to fall out of favour the following season. The likes of Arket and & Other Stories, in particular, have become known for their quality, expensive-looking designs that are indiscernible from their designer counterparts. Add to this the fact that the minimalist aesthetic has ruled over the past 12 months, meaning it’s even easier to hunt down those affordable yet premium-looking gems.
As someone who has spent many years following high-street brands—both in my spare time and as part of my job—I have a good sense of what to look out for when it comes to finding the good stuff for less. To help you on your way, I’ve rounded up 12 chic basics items that no one will ever guess were from the Great British high street. From chunky sandals to tailored shorts, scroll down to shop my edit.