If the past few seasons have proven anything, it is that great style is less about where you shop and more about how you shop. In fact, some of the most stylish people we follow are mixing in high-street buys so seamlessly, you would never clock them as anything but designer.
From linen co-ords that could pass for cult LA labels to denim that mirrors the silhouettes of premium brands, the high street has quietly become a goldmine for pieces that look far more expensive than they are. And in many cases, fashion insiders are actively choosing them.
Below, we have mapped the high-end labels people used to rely on and the high-street brands they are turning to instead.
Max Mara > Marks & Spencer
When it comes to timeless, investment-looking pieces, Max Mara is the benchmark, but Marks & Spencer is quietly offering a very convincing alternative. Think soft tailoring, neutral co-ords and polished summer layers that look far more expensive than they are. From linen-blend suits to structured shorts and classic tote bags, these are the kind of pieces that anchor a wardrobe for years to come.
- Lyocell Rich Square Neck Waistcoat with Linen
- Lyocell Rich Palazzo Trousers with Linen (£40)
- Pleated Longline Shorts, £27
- Canvas Stitch Tote Bag
Victoria Beckham > Mango
For sleek, grown-up dressing, Victoria Beckham has long been a go-to, but Mango is making a strong case for itself. From sharply tailored blazers to fluid satin dresses and elegant separates, Mango is consistently delivering pieces that feel polished, modern and quietly directional. It is the kind of collection that makes getting dressed feel instantly more put-together, with minimal effort required.
- Satin Dress with Gathered V-Neckline
- Fitted Double-Breasted Blazer
- Scarf Neck Top
- Straight-Fit Linen Suit Trousers (£69.99)
Brunello Cucinelli > The White Company
For those drawn to the understated elegance of Brunello Cucinelli, The White Company has become something of a quiet hero. It taps into that same world of elevated neutrals, relaxed tailoring and fabric-first design, think linen shirts, soft outerwear and easy summer separates. The overall effect is polished but never try-hard, which is exactly why fashion insiders keep coming back to it.
- Oversized Linen Jersey Shirt
- Denim Bermuda Shorts
- Linen Cropped Parka
Reformation > Abercrombie & Fitch
For years, Reformation owned the market on effortless linen dresses and flattering summer sets. Now, Abercrombie & Fitch is quietly stepping into that space. From perfectly cut midi dresses to chic two-piece linen looks, the silhouettes are just as wearable and just as polished. Expect open backs, subtle tailoring and that same 'I just threw this on' ease, ideal for everything from holidays to warm-weather city days.
- 100% Cotton A&F Bra-Free Dylan Midi Dress
- Tie-Back Vest + High Rise Godet Midi Skirt (£62)
- A&F Emerson Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
DÔEN > GAP
If your saved folder is full of floaty, vintage-inspired dresses and delicate blouses, chances are LA-founded label DÔEN used to be your go-to. But lately, fashion people have been finding that same soft, romantic energy in the most unexpected place: GAP. Think pintucks, voile fabrics, ditsy florals and easy, throw-on silhouettes that feel just as charming, without the triple-digit price tag. The current drop is particularly strong on smocked waists and breezy minis that look like they have been lifted straight from a Californian summer wardrobe.
- White Pintuck Drop-Waist Mini Dress
- Blue Check Voile Smocked Waist Maxi Dress
- Blue Floral Smocked-Waist Mini Dress
Isabel Marant > Per Una
That laid-back, bohemian Parisian aesthetic synonymous with Isabel Marant? Per Una has it covered. Expect embroidered cotton, tie-front blouses and easy, floaty skirts that channel the same undone, slightly vintage feel. It is the kind of wardrobe that works just as well in the city as it does on holiday, and right now, it is looking particularly strong on the high street.
- Cotton Rich Printed Tie Front Blouse
- Pure Cotton Pintuck Lace Maxi A-Line Skirt
- Pure Cotton Embroidered Overshirt
Agolde > River Island
Denim is where fashion people are getting especially savvy. While LA-founded label Agolde has long been a favourite for its directional fits, River Island is offering up strikingly similar silhouettes. Barrel legs, turn-up hems and relaxed wide-leg shapes all feature heavily, giving you that same off-duty, model-inspired look without the designer price. The key is in the cut, and right now, River Island is getting it very right.
- White Wide Leg Drawstring Jeans
- Blue Mid Rise Barrel Leg Jeans
- Blue Turn Up Hem Wide Leg Jeans
Toteme > COS
Minimalists will already be familiar with Toteme, but COS is proving just as compelling right now. From sharply cut tailoring to clean, tonal co-ords, COS is delivering that same refined, capsule-wardrobe feel. It is especially strong on modern silhouettes, waistcoats, wide-leg trousers and sculptural shapes that instantly make an outfit feel more considered.
- Shawl-Collar Belted Linen-Blend Waistcoat
- Relaxed Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers (£95)
- Leather Bowling Bag
- Cropped Cotton Balloon Trousers
Aje > Arrange
If you usually turn to Australian fashion label Aje for statement occasionwear, it might be time to look at Arrange, the premium womenswear brand owned by Asos. The brand is delivering those same voluminous silhouettes, sculptural draping and high-impact colours that Aje does so well, but at a fraction of the price. Think cinched waists, dramatic skirts and textured fabrics that feel genuinely event-ready, whether it is a wedding, party or holiday evening.
- Arrange Textured Pintuck Maxi Dress
- Arrange Curve Gathered Drape Maxi Dress with Cinched Waist
- Arrange Wide Scoop Neck Structured Maxi Dress
