Everyone from Catherine, Princess of Wales (familiarly known as Kate Middleton), to Fearne Cotton mixes high street with designer sometimes; it’s not just an affordability thing, it’s also a style thing. With high street clothes having some incredible and good-quality pieces (if you know where to look), you can pull together an outfit on a budget for spring.
However, it’s worth considering mixing in a few designer pieces if your budget allows for it. Accessories are an easy way to elevate your outfits. Here are a few tips on how to get that high-low look, using Pinterest as our inspiration. We’ll be focusing on elements that can be seen both indoors and outdoors, no matter the weather – so even if you’re dealing with the springtime elements, you’ll still look great.
Bags
Handbags are probably the easiest way to add glamour to your outfits without having to put much effort in at all; a good-quality designer bag will see you through dozens of high street outfits, depending on which one you go for.
For example, this outfit:
This is an incredibly laid-back outfit that can be recreated using high street pieces. But the Birkin is the star here, the obvious luxury touch that elevates the rest of the outfit. A structured bag is particularly good for this, as it adds a more formal element to your look (and also works very well for work, too).
And here’s Sienna Miller carrying a Gucci Giglio tote:
Again, this is a super basic look (jeans and a shirt) but the bag lifts it to another level. (It also ties in beautifully with the shoes.)
If you think about your basic building blocks for a regular spring outfit – trousers or jeans and a shirt, or maybe a midi dress and trainers – all of them can be made more special with a good handbag.
Scarves
As far as designer pieces go, Hermes scarves are a good investment if you have a smaller budget. While they’re still pricey compared to high street dupes, they’re gorgeous, and they can be more affordable than a designer handbag.
I’m not on a Hermes budget myself, but I do love a scarf, because they can be worn in so many ways: around your neck, tied onto your bag strap, as a hairband, or wrapped around a ponytail. A flash of colour and texture can lift a spring outfit.
Shoes
I’ve gone through enough cheap high street shoes to tell you that it’s worth splurging on footwear. (There’s nothing more annoying than stepping in a puddle and realising those boots you bought two weeks ago are already letting in water.)
A pair of gorgeous Louboutin flats for example, can work in both formal and informal settings. Flats, in general, are slightly more affordable designer options and are having a bit of a moment right now. They also look great with everything:
High-low look guidelines
There are a few things to think about when mixing designer items into your look:
- Consider buying second-hand. I love thrifting, but it can take a little bit of effort. Check out our guide on how to buy good-quality pieces second hand for more tips. If you’re buying designer, make sure you’re going through a refutable platform; that way, if you get the item and realise it’s a dupe, you’ll have support.
- Get the best-quality basics you can afford. You don’t have to go designer for your basic jeans and t-shirt, but good quality pieces will mix more seamlessly with the higher-end stuff.
- Go for bold designer items. A handbag or a scarf can add a pop of colour that brightens up grey spring days.
Featured image: Godisable Jacob, Pexels
