Wardrobe basics are the backbone of any good wardrobe, and though we’d all love to blow the budget on every single piece, that isn’t always possible. The good news? It’s absolutely possible to find some brilliant wardrobe staples at the more affordable end of the high street. So sit back, take a read, and let me share the best of the bunch. These are the ten high street basics I’d actually recommend: Consider this as your ‘chic for less edit’ and proof that style over 40 doesn’t need a huge budget to look stylish.

1. The Classic White Tee

I have a lot of favourites when it comes to t-shirts, but for the best price to quality ratio, this one wins every time. It’s 100% cotton and the weight is noticeably heavier than most others I’ve found, which makes it particularly good for Autumn layering. It washes and dries brilliantly, every single time. Style it under the shirt below, or on its own with the jeans and pumps for an easy everyday look.

2. T-Shirt Bra

A genuinely good t-shirt bra isn’t easy to find. I’ve spent far too many hours trying them on, so you don’t have to. The best across the entire high street, regardless of price, has to be H&M. It’s invisible under everything, which is really all you’re asking of it.

3. Affordable High-Street Jeans

At the more affordable end of the high street, I’d recommend both White Stuff and River Island. Both do brilliant quality denim for the price, with a huge range of shapes, so whichever style is your favourite, they’ll more than likely have it. My pick is the cropped wide-leg in beige from White Stuff. And from River Island, I always find they do great straight-leg options.

4. Shirts

For a shirt, you want 100% cotton, ideally organic if possible, though that’s not always easy to find at the more affordable end of the high street. Arket, though, is consistently brilliant quality for the price. They’re always up to date with the trends too, changing their silhouettes accordingly, while still making high quality basics that won’t break the bank. Wear it open over the white tee, or buttoned up and tucked into the jeans for a crisper look.

5. On Trend Blazer at High Street Prices

For chic for less, Mango is always worth a look. I’ll admit, it’s still a little annoying they aren’t using more sustainable fabrics like lyocell by now. Please hear my plea, Mango! But they’re doing some gorgeous on-trend shapes this season for the price, so I’m feeling forced to forgive them today. Blazers in general are hard to find without polyester to be honest, even at the higher end of the high street, but if you have a few more pennies to spend, this one has a similar shape and uses recycled polyester instead. Thrown over the white tee and jeans, it’s an instant “I made an effort” outfit that actually took no effort at all.

6. Classic Crew Neck

For a classic that won’t break the bank, I’d always look at & Other Stories for knitwear. I love this pop of red for Autumn, and come Winter, even their wool and merino options don’t get too silly on the price. Layer it over a shirt with the collar peeking up for a smart-casual look that works for most of the day.

7. Pointed Pumps

These look brilliant with a pair of straight leg jeans, and I love them. So much so, I bought them in this neutral shade and in black, and both have been worn on repeat. There’s a version with a higher heel too, but I prefer this lower heel for everyday style. It’s far more comfortable to wear all day too, which matters more than most shoes admit.

8. Tailored Wool Trousers

This pair tips just over the £100 mark, but I couldn’t bring myself to opt for a 100% polyester alternative. Spend a little more here and you get a huge jump up in quality with 100% wool. I love the shape too. Perfectly placed pleats and that straight leg, tailored suit vibe, which I’d dress down a touch for everyday style. A look that always looks and feels chic when I wear it and no doubt a pair of tailored trousers that you’d have for years to come.

9. The Faux Suede Jacket

We’ve seen no end of leather bomber jackets for 2026, and their faux leather counterparts too, but I’d actually choose faux suede over faux leather to be honest. Faux leather can look as cheap as it often is, depending on the option of course. Faux suede hides a lot of that. It feels far more luxe than its price tag would suggest, and it’s often hard to tell the difference from the real thing, on the outside at least. Layer it over the white tee for an off-duty simplistic look that gives a little nod to the trends while you’re at it:)

10. The Trench Coat

I love a good trench come Autumn, so it’s always high on my list of wardrobe basics. Across the more affordable end of the high street, though, a great shape isn’t always easy to find. Then I spotted this one. Cropped, belted, funnel neck. It’s coming soon with a waitlist, you’re welcome;)

I’m Wearing In This Video

As always, some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them — at no extra cost to you.

Read Next