I spent hours searching through the new high street collections to find the most expensive-looking autumn buys. From jeans to jackets, these affordable buys look triple the price.
After a summer packed full of trips, events, birthdays and al fresco dinners, my bank balance is definitely feeling the pinch. The new season has slowly eased in, and whilst I've unpacked a selection of trusted autumn staples to see me through the coming months, a few gaps remain where great pieces should be.
So, I've set myself a strict budget and set aside a few hours to deep-dive into the new collections and unearth the most expensive-looking buys that exude autumnal elegance, all under £150. Trust me, you'll want to see these.
Florrie wears the Marks & Spencer Mid Rise Barrel Leg Jeans (£46)
If you’ve ever been asked if your top or shoes are designer and proudly declared “it’s from Zara !” then you’ll understand the satisfaction I felt when tracking down these expensive-looking high street buys . The trick to finding pieces that look like smart investment buys can be found in the finer details of silhouette, composition, shade and classic design.
Lucky for us, autumn naturally reintroduces a refined colour palette, brings back luxe-looking textures and welcomes the return of sumptuous fabrics from merino wool to satin. And if you know where to look like I do, then there are some seriously expensive-looking finds to uncover.
At the top end of my £150 budget you’ll find a cosy merino wool knit in autumn’s trending cobalt blue as well as a water-repellent trench coat that will be a practical and chic addition to your wardrobe throughout the seasons. Whilst the top end of my budget is £150, there are plenty of pieces that come in well below this price point.
Within this selection of sleek autumnal buys, you’ll find a pair of seriously good barrel-leg jeans from Marks & Spencer that I’ve already tried on (and purchased), an affordable leather-look skirt from Zara which is quickly selling out and a selection of refined accessories to tie your looks together. If you’re sticking to a budget this autumn, scroll on to explore the best under-£150 buys on the high street right now.
The beloved Daphne blazer has been reimagined into this sleek cardigan.
I genuinely did a double take when I saw this sleek skirt. It also comes in black but I'm so drawn to this rich berry shade.
Simple yet so effective. Pair with skirts, jeans, tailoring and plenty more.
The chicest way to take on autumn showers.
Soft, comfortable and seriously refined.
This bag could easily pass for a designer style.
Bold cobalt blue is everywhere right now, and I'm investing a little bit more for the luxurious merino finish.
Smart and timeless. You'll wear these for work and off-duty too.
Marks & Spencer shoes are always chic and comfortable. Swap out your sandals now.
A simple shirt in a timeless colourway will work hard throughout the year.
My outfits never feel complete without jewellery, and this chain is one you can keep on day after day.
Rise & Fall's best-selling knit is back, and in even chicer shades.
The Chord jeans come in so many great shades, but fresh white always rejuvenates autumn looks.
The suede finish adds to the elevated look of this bag.
A high neckline, a buttery shade and a cosy 100% wool finish? Yes, please.
The kind of jacket you'll call upon every single year. Plus, it's made from 100% leather.
Layer on this barn coat when heading out for your weekend coffee stroll.
Editors swear by Uniqlo's soft cashmere knits.
Every autumn I find myself layering sleek satin trousers back into my wardrobe. They always look so luxurious.
Save for this coat for when you want to bring a stylish edge to cold-weather dressing.
Trust Nobody's Child to perfect the funnel-neck cardigan.
A refined slip skirt which can be dressed up or down with ease.
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller.
There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping.
Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.