Picture the scene: you’ve just bought THE most stylish and comfortable ASOS dress and you’re on your way to work buzzing about it. You spot another woman on the Central line wearing it (but with trainers instead of chunky sandals like you), a colleague says it’s in her ASOS basket ready to snap up come payday, then you spot another in it that evening as you’re scrolling Insta.
*That* is the story of almost every great high street dress for you. But what if you invested in one from the lesser-shopped premium range?
What is a premium high street range?
Many high street stores offer a smaller collection separate to the mainline offering that sits at a higher price point. With the extra cost comes luxe fabrics, sleek shapes and expensive-looking styles that makes for a piece that’s likely to be less ubiquitous than its mainline counterpart. The premium line might have better sustainability credentials since it’s less ‘fast’ fashion, and will be of a higher quality meaning it’s a great investment.
The best premium high street buys to snap up now
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Is it worth shopping a high street premium range?
Because a higher quality piece in a classic design will last longer in your wardrobe in every sense, yes, high street premium ranges are well worth a look. That’s not to say you’re immediately entering the ‘high high’ street arena that the likes of Jigsaw, Whistles and Reiss sit under: on one hand, the higher quality might meet these standards in some cases and still at a lower price point, each high street range is different in the same way that mainline collections can be tricky to compare.
Which high street stores have premium ranges?
H&M’s offering is likely the most well-known given the fact that us fashion editors rave about it 24/7. Similarly, River Island’s studio collection and M&S’ premium line Autograph. But given both & Other Stories and Mango have recently launched luxe lines, it was high time we rounded up the best ranges around right now.
These are the premium departments on the high street that are actually worth your time and money…
H&M Premium
For me, H&M’s Premium Collection is top tier. It combines everything you’d want from a luxe high street line: from high quality fabrics like 100% silk, cashmere and leather, to chic minimal designs (a key component to looking expensive), and with price points that are actually doable come payday. I’d recommend filtering the section down by material and shopping its linen pieces for summer.
& Other Stories Savoir Collection
& Other Stories’ Savoir range is one of the newest entries for high street luxe lines, and an interesting one given Stories is often considered one of the pricier high street brands to begin with. But the Savoir Collection makes a strong case for the high price points – expect to pay around £200 for a tulle occasion dress with intricate applique, or £85 for a cinched-waist linen shirt.
Mango Capsule
A glance at Mango’s Capsule evening dresses and separates and you’d swear you were feasting your eyes on a 16 Arlington co-ord or Emilia Wickstead frock such is the luxe design. The debut collection sold out quicker than you could say Cult Gaia dupe, but its latest drop has come at the perfect time given we’re in the midst of summer weddings galore.
These price points are steep – around £300 for a full length dress – but the resale value is high given the limited production, which is worth noting, and they’d likely do well on rental sites, too.
Read more on high street shopping:
- The 6 It Zara dresses trending right now that you can still get your hands on
- These are the & Other Stories buys you’ll keep forever
- The most expensive-looking pieces in H&M right now
- From crochet dresses to denim midi skirts, here’s the best of Mango new-in
River Island’s RI Studio
Given I’m a fan of minimal pieces and neutral colourways, River island’s main line isn’t necessarily on my high street hit list, but its Studio line, comprising of sleek cuts and heavier-duty fabrics, is.
Take this trench coat, which is the perfect example of its classic-with-a-twist design approach. From the front, it’s a timeless buy, while the button design to the sides as interest and makes it look pricier than its tag suggests.
Nobody’s Child NC Boutique
Eliza’s fashion content creator Lottie Franklin is a midi dress connoisseur so was the perfect expert to critique Nobody’s Childs Boutique line when it launched. It got top marks which is no mean feat, and pieces sell out fast, so head there ASAP if you’re still after a dress for Ascot.
M&S Autograph
I don’t know where my winter wardrobe would have been without Autograph’s luxe knits, and I’m not the only super fan – Eliza columnist Nicole Ocran massively rates the British label’s sub-brand for expensive-looking dresses and chic trouser suits. Top tip: Save yourself some time and shop the Autograph online rather than in-store – the selection is bigger, and the styling is gorgeous.
Warehouse Premium
Warehouse Premium is a hidden gem that I’m almost nervous about sharing since it’s my go-to for last-minute occasion frocks, sleek workwear and great jackets. This cargo jumpsuit would look great with a denim jacket, a leather shoulder bag and strappy heels for summer, and I can’t wait to wear this sunshine yellow shorts suit to the office with chunky sandals and a teeny straw bag.
ASOS Design Premium
Any avid ASOS shopper will know that the site’s filtering system is key to a successful e-shop, and if you’re shopping ASOS’ own brands, the Design collection is the one to head to first, offering fashion-forward pieces that won’t break the bank.
Within the collection are ‘premium’ pieces that combine quality materials like 100% leather or suede with a particularly good fit and shape, so it’s worth adding ‘premium’ as a keyword in the search bar after filtering down to the section.
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