Some people can play piano beautifully or make a mean Victoria sponge, while others are amazing at any sport they put their hand to. But me? I can pick an expensive-looking fashion item from a line-up of high-street pieces. I know, with great power comes great responsibility, right? Ok, but seriously, it’s turned out to be quite a useful skill in my role as Shopping Editor, as I honestly believe that when you look carefully enough, there are plenty of time-tested gems to be found on the high-street.
Arket is probably up there with my favourite high-street brands, as I really rate its commitment to clean-lined staples and high-quality fabrics. I always buy my white T-shirts there and I have a lovely red jumper that I literally bought the first week the brand launched in the UK, and it’s still going strong. The menswear offering is also one of the best on the high-street IMO. Okay, enough fawning. Here’s the crux: What is it that I look for when trying to spot an elevated piece at Arket? Well, fabrics always play an important role, and heavy-weight offerings will always feel more premium. I also think more unusual fabrics, such as crinkled plisse (as seen in this dress) or quilting (see Arket’s Pia Warren collab) are a shortcut to creating a designer-worthy outfit. Styling-wise, tonal dressing is a favourite of the fashion crowd for emulating that ‘rich and unbothered’ aesthetic. Try Arket’s beige wool cape over a colour-match roll neck and slouchy tailored trousers. Oh so chic. Want to see the full line-up? From tailored trousers to silken slips, scroll down to shop my definitive edit of expensive-looking Arket items.
You can’t go wrong with a classic Breton stripe.
I’m looking for the perfect pair of tailored trousers, and this Arket pair tick all the boxes.
The colours! The print! The symmetry. This is one chic scarf.
The pleated fabric on this midi dress look so premium IMO.
Oh so simple and elegant.
Throw this over everything from dresses to denim.
I’m obsessed with this shade of blue-grey.
Practicality meets style.
Yep, Arket’s sellout knit is back in a new colourway.
A wool cape is the perfect expensive-looking layering tool.
Use this roll neck to create a tonal ensemble.
Arket has such a good selection of classic denim.
I wear gold chains with everything.
The tuxedo detailing makes this shirt feel a little more interesting.
The quilted fabric on Arket’s Pia Wallen collab could easily be designer.
Just add a black roll neck and chunky boots.
A Cheslea boot is the classic shoe style that will never get old.
This is one of Arket’s best-sellers.
It’s always worth checking out the men’s department for premium staples, particularly knitwear.
Just layer under a cashmere jumper or wear by itself with heels.
Keep an eye out for interesting details, such as this asymmetrical zip.
Wear these silk trousers at home with a sweater or dress them up with a black blazer.
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