The 9 most amazing high-quality designery things you can buy on the high street now

There’s nothing more satisfying than finding an item on the high street that looks so high-end your friends think you’ve spent hundreds on it.

I had it recently with a Next purchase. I have been using my faithful brown suede tote bag daily for work, mostly due to its roomy practicality. It’s a brilliant copycat for last season’s Margaux tote from The Row — now selling on resale websites for £8,000, and an admiring colleague was none the wiser at the high street label hidden inside.

Knowing I can get a designer-looking item for a snip is something that allows me to sleep a little better at night, which is one of the reasons at GH we make it our mission to guide you with our style wisdom on how and where to pick up premium-looking pieces, for a lot less. And now, it’s never been easier.

Why? Over the past few years, there has been a flurry of Creative Directors from luxury labels crossing over into the high street, which simply means we have easier access to high-end designs, but for less.

Clare Waight Keller, the creative behind Givenchy and Meghan Markle's wedding dress, is now Uniqlo's new Creative Director, while American designer Zac Posen was appointed to the newly created roles of Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy and Executive Vice President of Gap Inc. in February last year. Even Zara pushed their design boundaries by collaborating with YSL’s previous Creative Director Stefano Pilati.

Secondly, as many shoppers become more mindful of sustainability, high streets are leaning into more premium collections and quality fabrics.

Once again, the high street is proving that every day wardrobe staples, can be both affordable, wearable and elevated. But, where do you start?

To find high-quality pieces on the high street, check fabric composition and construction quality. Natural fabrics like cotton, wool, silk and linen will always last longer and feel more luxurious to wear. Neat stitching and well-finished seams give a high-end finish, and consider brands with dedicated 'premium' or 'collaboration' lines — these often feature better materials and fits.

Interesting silhouettes and design details, on staple items such as the & Other Stories asymmetric cotton shirt and the oversized denim jacket from Arket in our edit, are a one-way ticket to affordable luxury.

In the mix you'll also discover a new-in suede jacket from M&S, at £299 it's an investment piece that will only get better over time, plaid trousers from Zara's directional ZW collection and a pair of the season's must-have penny loafers. Made from 100% suede and leather uppers, they'll be soft and supple to wear.

These 9 designery buys not only bring newness, but they'll save you money, and last you more than one season. That's win-win, right?