Working out what to wear can bring joy and stress in equal measure, depending on who you ask. But even Stylist’s well-versed fashion team has had its fair share of crazy mornings, pulling out shelves full of jeans and trousers when trying to work out what to wear. 

However, one styling trick has stood the test of time, and not only are we big fans of the outfit-building hack ourselves, but we also spotted it across the front row at recent fashion weeks. So, we caught up with three of our favourite fashion front rowers to find out exactly how – and why – it works.

“You might have heard of the high-low trick in styling. It’s when you pair a luxury item with something less expensive, and it works,” says stylist and author Zeena Shah. Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, agrees. “It just makes sense for the way we live and style ourselves today,” she says.

“A top-to-toe high-end look is not only unattainable, but it also feels dated. Wearing core high street pieces with contemporary brands and an element of designer included feels more modern, and it’s how a lot of stylists love to dress, myself included,” Reber adds. 

So, while having a wardrobe stocked full of Miu Miu and Prada may be a dream for many, it seems it may not necessarily be the most fashionable way forward. Plus, we’re willing to bet that many stylists, editors and influencers you look to for outfit inspiration all use the high-low trick. Here’s how to start weaving it into your own wardrobe.

In order to use the high-low styling trick, you need to have at least one or two higher-end items in your wardrobe, whether that’s a Fendi bag or a pre-loved pair of Chanel ballet flats. For Reber, it’s a statement bag. “My high street basics are T-shirts and shirts from Cos and H&M. Then, I’ll opt for a trouser from The Frankie Shop and finish it off with a leather bag from Loewe,” she says.

For Shah, it’s all about the shoes. “I have a pair of Chanel loafers that I invested in last year, and they are the hardest-working item in my wardrobe. They instantly elevate an outfit, regardless of whether it’s a white summer dress, double denim or a suit,” she says, speaking to the importance of choosing a versatile luxury find. “Accessories are a great way to elevate your outfits and make your looks feel more chic. You can’t go wrong with a great pair of designer sunglasses; I love Prada’s angular tortoiseshell styles.”

Influencer Mimi Cai believes less is more when shopping for luxury fashion finds, and these items don’t always have to be new. “I feel like I now care more about quality than quantity. With luxury bags, I used to love getting a brand new one, like a Goyard tote or a Louis Vuitton monogram, but now I prefer some secondhand bits, like those you’d find in Reselfridges [Selfridges’ range of pre-loved items]. You can find better value but also authentic quality.” After all, luxury is for using, not for displaying, Cai says. 

Equally important when choosing some key high-end finds is deciding what you can pair them with from the high street. “My tip for keeping your look expensive, even when you’re shopping on the high street, is to look for natural fabrics. Cotton, cashmere and leather pieces wear well and look fabulous too,” says Reber.

If you’d prefer to stick to synthetic fabric options, perhaps for the ease of looking after them or the huge variety of items available, Cai stresses the importance of shade. “Just choose any minimalist or natural colours, like beige or clean blue,” she says. And for Shah, while quality is important, truly loving an item is the most important factor. “As I get older, I’m definitely drawn to certain brands for quality, fabrication and style, but it’s not a deal breaker. I dress to bring joy, so for me, it’s about creating a mood and feeling with my outfit and being more instinctive.” 

So, now you’ve got your high and your low pieces picked out, it’s time to combine the two. “I don’t have any rules on which elements of my outfits should be high or low,” says Reber. “I once thought you should invest in coats or tailoring, but the high street is so good these days. You can get amazing pieces from John Lewis or Jigsaw that look and feel high-end.” 

For Shah, there’s certainly more of a set styling routine. “I can be quite formulaic when it comes to building an outfit,” she says. “I love a great pair of trousers and a jumper; it can become my uniform. I’ll then rotate pieces around to create similar looks, but in different colourways and print clashes. It makes getting dressed in a timeframe much easier.

“Start bottom up,” she says. And, when it comes to weaving in your ‘high’ items, a brightly coloured pair of socks or a fun pair of shoes or trousers can transform an outfit. “I’ll spend a few minutes playing with bags to see which works best as I love being playful with my style, and it’s a great way to add some fun.”

According to Cai,  you should always mix the ‘low’ fashion item with at least one ‘high’ item to highlight your outfit: “Some vintage well-made jewellery or a luxury leather shoulder bag, for example.” Plus, playing close attention to colour can help plan any look. “My mum always said to choose no more than three colours in one outfit, and I totally agree. It works,” says Cai, who’s always looking to those around her for outfit inspiration, whether that’s a stranger on the Tube or a curated Pinterest profile.

Images: courtesy of contributors; brands