Dressing for winter doesn’t need to be all black woollen coats, jeans and oversized beige jumpers (though, that’s not to say these classic pieces don’t deserve a place in your wardrobe). There’s plenty of fun and creativity to be had when it comes to assembling your cold-weather get-ups, and the high street is the perfect place to find new additions to breathe life into your existing wares. This is why I decided to curate an edit of the best high-street winter fashion 2021 has to offer.
Basma Kahie’s Arket trench coat, boiler suit and white boots are perfect for winter.
The high street is always the first place I turn when I’m in need of a fashionable fix, but that doesn’t mean its appeal is fleeting. In fact, some of my favourite pieces that I pull out year after year come from the high street, and this year it has some of the strongest winter collections I’ve seen, so I decided to handpick items that I believe have staying power but that will also bring your look up to date.
I’ve whittled down what I consider to be the three must-see pieces from some of the high street’s biggest brands, which should hopefully give you an idea of each’s overarching aesthetic for the season ahead. From staples with a hint of trendiness to items that tap into the year’s biggest moments, continue on to see and shop the high-street winter fashion that’s really standing out in 2021.
H&M
1. Cable-Knit Jumper
H&M
Cable-Knit Jumper
It doesn’t get more classic than a cream cable knit.
2. Satin Dress
H&M
Stand-Up Collar Dress
Pink, satin and a thigh-high split? Hello, party season.
3. Wool-Blend Coat
H&M
Wool-Blend Coat
H&M does some of the best affordable wool coats.
MARKS AND SPENCER
1. Cashmere Jumper
Marks and Spencer
Pure Cashmere Ombre Crew Neck Jumper
Cashmere under £100 is hard to come by, especially when it looks this premium. Don’t miss out on this It knit a second time.
2. Leather Shirt
Autograph
Leather Collared Long Sleeve Shirt
Every wardrobe should boast versatile shirts, and this one is perfect for styling with jeans.
3. Jumper Dress
Mark and Spencer
Pure Merino Wool Knitted Midi Column Dress
An entire outfit I’d quite like to re-create.
ZARA
1. Party Blazer
Zara
Animal Print Blazer
I had a blazer like this in my early 20s, and now, thanks to Zara, I’m wishing I kept it.
2. Velvet Trousers
Zara
Wide-Leg Velvet Trousers
The ideal trousers for a house party or when you want to feel fancy working from home.
3. Cropped Cardigan
Zara
Knit Cropped Cardigan
And the award for the cutest cardigan goes to…
MANGO
1. Jazzy Jeans
Mango
Straight-Fit Strass Jeans
If you live in jeans, then you’ll want to add this embellished pair into your denim repertoire.
2. Faux-Fur Bag
Mango
Checked Faux Fur Bag
I didn’t think bags like this existed on the high street. So strong. Plus, it’s checkerboard, which is a surefire winner for 2021.
3. LBD
Mango
Cut-Out Detail Dress
This midi makes me excited at the prospect of wearing a little black dress again. Just look at that those cut-outs.
REISS
1. Puffer Coat
Reiss
Maura Black Puffer Coat
This well-executed puffer coat deserves a slow clap of approval.
2. Fair Isle Jumper
Reiss
Amy Grey Fair Isle Roll-Neck Jumper
Finally, a Fair Isle jumper that doesn’t feel naff—and that I’d gladly wear post-Christmas.
3. Versatile Belt
Reiss
Blossom Tan Braided Metal Buckle Leather Belt
Though belts have year-round appeal, I’m already planning on wearing this beauty with woollen trousers and a cashmere jumper.
RIVER ISLAND
1. Oversized Coat
River Island
Brown Wrap Scarf Coat
The only thing better than a stylish coat? A stylish coat that comes with a matching scarf.
2. Colour-Pop Knit
River Island
Yellow Ribbed Roll Neck Jumper
Fashion people are still very drawn to this specific shade of green.
3. Leather Blazer
River Island
Plus Black Lace Hem Midi Skirt
Slip skirts have stuck around for seasons now, cementing them as a sound style investment.
MONKI
1. Statement Shirt
Monki
Cotton Shirt
Use this shirt to pep up your winter outfits.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers
Monki
Tailored Trousers
These trousers will give you some respite from your jeans.
3. Relaxed Knit
Monki
Loose-Knit Sweater
If you’re dedicated to the Y2K aesthetic, you need this in your life.
OTHER STORIES
1. Belted Blazer
Other Stories
Belted Wool Blazer
From the sophisticated cut to the heavy-duty fabric, this is everything I want my next blazer to be.
2. Tailored Trousers
Other Stories
A-Line Mini Skirt
Again, this is an outfit I’d really like to re-create.
3. High-Neck Dress
Other Stories
Scarf Tie Midi Dress
The scarf-detail collar is so pretty—and will help keep the winter chill at bay.
GAP
1. Shearling Shacket
Gap
Oversized Sherpa Shirt Jacket
Two of my favourite winter trends come together in this borg shacket.
2. Lightweight Cardigan
Gap
Merino Crewneck Cardigan
I practically collect cardigans, and I’m quite taken with this option, which I’d wear on its own as a top.
3. High-Waist Trousers
Gap
High Rise Corduroy Joggers
Corduroys are making a comeback.
ARKET
1. Knitted Vest
Arket
Wool Jacquard Vest
Hands down, the prettiest knitted vest I’ve come across.
2. Chain Jewellery
Arket
Chunky Silver-Plated Bracelet
It might not keep you warm, but this bracelet is an excellent way to elevate basic roll-necks and jumpers.
3. Slip Skirt
Arket
Satin Midi Skirt
Arket’s sell-out skirt is back in a glorious on-trend colour.
KAREN MILLEN
1. Quilted Coat
Karen Millen
Reversible Quilted Trench Coat
I love trench coats, and this quilted style is different from any I already own.
2. Winter Florals
Karen Millen
Floral Woven Lace Up Midi Dress
Good winter floral prints can be hard to come by, but not at Karen Millen. This lace-up dress also comes in a mini hemline, which is just as good.
3. Corduroy Trousers
Karen Millen
Curve Cord Button Detail Kickflare Jean
You heard it here first—cords are back.
COS
1. V-Neck Jumper
COS
Ribbed Knitted V-Neck Jumper
A simple knit, but one you’ll reach for again and again.
2. Checked Coat
COS
Tailored Checked Coat
Of all the checked coats I’ve seen this season, this is the one I can’t stop thinking about.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.