It’s a new season, which means my biannual wardrobe reassessment has officially begun. The charity and Vinted piles have been set aside, leaving some rather convenient gaps in my wardrobe that I’m already itching to fill. With a strict budget and expensive-looking pieces at the top of my wish list, there are three brands I immediately headed to: Zara, H&M and COS.

Each has its own speciality. Zara’s outerwear never ceases to impress me, from reversible jackets that could easily pass for designer to beautifully cut trench coats I’ll rely on for years. H&M is where I turn for the foundations of my winter wardrobe—think premium-feeling knitwear, great denim and elevated basics that make everything else I own work harder. Then there’s COS, which consistently excels at the pieces I’m willing to spend a little more on, from 100% cashmere knits and sumptuous scarves to impeccable tailoring and seriously good accessories.

So, if you’re also looking to give your wardrobe a winter update without the designer price tags, keep scrolling for the Zara, H&M and COS pieces I think look far more expensive than they are.

Shop The Best Zara, H&M and COS Winter Buys

ZARA Reversible Double-Faced Jacket

I’m a sucker for a reversible jacket—especially when both sides look this chic.

H&M Oversized Mohair-Blend Jumper

H&M’s mohair-blend knits sell out every single year.

COS Chord Straight-Leg Jeans

These straight-leg jeans are an easy choice for smarter winter outfits.

ZARA Wool Blend and Alpaca Jumper

Navy knitwear is having a real moment this season, and this wool-and-alpaca blend is exactly the kind of elevated basic I’ll wear on repeat.

H&M Handmade Wool-Blend Coat

Rich brown tones always look particularly luxurious in winter.

ZARA Short High Collar Coat

Funnel-neck outerwear continues to dominate. Case in point: this expensive-looking coat.

ZARA Soft-Touch Knit Jumper

Proof that sometimes the simplest pieces work the hardest.

ZARA Zw Collection Curved Straight Mid-Waist Jeans

The subtle curved shape gives these straight-leg jeans a more directional feel.

COS Rounded Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

Yes, it’s an investment, but 100% cashmere is exactly the kind of thing I’m happy to spend a little more on.

ZARA Maxi Split Suede Tote Bag

The generous proportions of this suede tote bag only add to its luxurious feel.

H&M Oversized Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets will never not be cool.

ZARA Mini Bucket Bag With Topstitching

The chocolate-brown shade, contrast topstitching and compact bucket silhouette make this look far beyond its high-street price point.

ZARA Wool Blend Cape Coat With Belt

Cape coats are one of winter’s most elegant outerwear trends.

H&M Barrel Regular Waist Jeans

If you’re ready to venture beyond classic blue denim, dark khaki is surprisingly easy to style.

ZARA Zw Collection Fluid Ruffled Shirt

Romantic blouses are still firmly on my radar.

COS Scarf Jacket

Scarf jackets will never not look incredibly expensive.

COS Brushed-Cotton Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

Never underestimate the power of a really good white tee.

COS Shawl-Collar Double-Faced Wool Long Coat

COS excels at understated outerwear, and this coat is a perfect example.

ZARA Leather Kitten Ankle Boots

A sleek kitten heel is one of the easiest ways to make a winter outfit feel instantly more polished.

H&M Rib-Knit Jumper

Cream knitwear is the backbone of my winter wardrobe.

H&M Tailored Trousers

Checks are back in a big way this season, and these dark-brown tailored trousers offer a subtle way to tap into the trend.

COS Merino Wool Layered V-Neck Jumper

The layered neckline makes this merino-wool knit feel much more directional than your average grey jumper.

H&M Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat

A double-breasted coat is one of those pieces that makes practically anything underneath it look more expensive.

COS Shawl-Collar Double-Faced Wool Long Coat

This is exactly the kind of coat COS does so well: minimal, beautifully cut and quietly luxurious.

COS Pure Cashmere Triangle Scarf

A little cashmere goes a long way.

H&M Knot-Button Jacket

The knot fastenings transform an otherwise simple black jacket into something that feels much more special.

H&M Wool-Blend Coat

If you already own a classic black coat, consider a light neutral next.