High-street buys that look so designer a fashion pro can’t tell the difference

WHEN I wander around the stores or have a peruse online, I can’t help thinking that some of the new-in pieces look like they should be hanging in a designer store like Harvey Nichols or Selfridges.

As a Fashion Director, I am constantly scrolling the new-ins for Fabulous.

I am also an expert in knowing good quality pieces that will last season after season.

Here are the seven high-street pieces that I think have a whiff of designer, look uber-expensive and will elevate your wardrobe this summer – and for years to come.

THE RED DRESS

Wow. Wow. Wow!

This Reserved dress will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

Perfect for making an entrance in, this gorgeous maxi-dress with oversized bow and plunging back would stand out at any black-tie event – and it’s only £139.99 from the store that people in the biz have nicknamed “The Polish Zara”.

THE STATEMENT SHOES

I first saw these Zara shoes on an influencer and thought they would be mega expensive, and then I discovered them on my weekly scroll through the new-ins at Zara.

There is even a matching oversized basket bag, which has the giant lily attached – if the shoes aren’t your bag!

THE OTT TOP

If you were to ask me the one store I would go to that ticks the”‘jeans and a nice top” box, hands down I would say & Other Stories.

This Scandi brand always comes up trumps when it comes to great blouses and tops.

While this lilac ruffled one is more occasion-worthy and would look great with wide-leg white palazzo pants for a summer wedding, it would also work with baggy jeans and heels for a night out at a rooftop bar.

THE SUPERSIZED NECKLACE

The statement necklace is back – you heard it here first.

After a decade in fashion’s Room 101, big statement jewellery is a trend, and I am totally here for it!

If anything can elevate a simple dress it is a big statement necklace.

This faux-coral one from Zara would look amazing with a bandeau maxi-dress and Grecian sandals on holiday in the Med this summer.

THE WHITE ONE-PIECE

Occasion wear can be tricky if, like me, you don’t really love dresses.

This wide-leg jumpsuit from Reiss is a little bit more expensive, but it is a classic and will last you for years to come.

While white might not be widely acceptable at a wedding, my advice is always to check with the bride, as some people don’t actually mind, I got married in black, so wouldn’t have minded in the slightest!

This elegant jumpsuit is also perfect for the races, summer garden parties and a special date night, if the bride objects!

THE LONGLINE WAISTCOAT

The high street is awash with fitted longline waistcoats, but this Rochelle Humes X Next one stands out because it has all the designer feels.

Chic, black and with shiny gold buttons, it will elevate your summer work wear to the next level.

Like Rochelle, I would team it with a black pencil skirt, or even a white poplin skirt with gold ballet pumps, big statement gold earrings to pull in the button and a mini bag.

THE OFF-WHITE BAG

Bags with clean lines and no hardware in a neutral colour are always my go-to, but I can’t afford a Loewe, so this Massimo Dutti is the closest I’ll get.

In my opinion, Massimo Dutti does the best leather on the high street, which always looks and feels premium.

I also find that off-white goes with everything in my summer wardrobe, from neutrals and brights to stripes and prints, so this is a maximum-use investment buy.

THE ONE-PIECE WONDER

I am a new convert to one-piece swimsuits, after being a bikini gal for decades.

It’s not because I feel any different about my body, it is just because they suddenly feel like such a chic option.

This Marks & Spencer bandeau (which comes with removable straps) also comes in black and beige and has tummy control.

It feels designer and would look amazing worn with linen trousers or a full maxi-skirt and sandals on holiday.

It’s swimsuit that gives you more bang-for your buck, because you can wear it in loads of different ways.

I am in!

THE FLORAL FROCK

The high street may be awash with florals, but this one stands out from the crowd.

Mint Velvet always does a more premium offering in summer dresses. 

Just check out the amount of fabric in the bottom of the dress, the pretty detail in the sleeves and the cute floral print that looks more Milan fashion week than a wet weekend in Margate!

Here’s praying the sun is here to stay, so this dress can swish into summer.