10 Functional Basics That Are Guaranteed to Make Any Outfit Look Expensive

As the new year has begun, I'm sure many of us have already taken deep dives into our closet to see what's missing or what needs to go. For me, I've realized that while I own a good amount of average basics like solid t-shirts and jeans, I'm missing out on more stylish yet functional items that can take an outfit to the next level, all while acting as a minimal piece that can be worn in a variety of ways. It's important not to only own minimal items to act as outfit bases, but also pieces that meet the lines of style and function right at the middle. 

Luckily for me, (and you too), our namesake line's latest drop does exactly that. From faux leather pants to cloud-like cardigans, you'll keep the items below on rotation not only this season but beyond. And if the under $100 prices don't convince you to add-to-cart immediately, we've also included outfit inspiration that will pretty much seal the deal on these looks. 

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(Image credit: @gracejeramie)

I'm convinced these pants can go with almost anything.

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

All you need is a sleek pair of boots and you're good to go.

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(Image credit: @inourcart)

The ruffle sleeve detailing adds the perfect amount of flair to this sweater. 

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(Image credit: @helen.guu)

I can't get over how expensive this jacket looks, and it's still under $100.

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(Image credit: @annaliseogelby)

If you think this cardigan looks cozy, imagine how it must feel.

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(Image credit: @karinaablackk)

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(Image credit: @annalaplaca)

Who said loungewear can't look expensive?

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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.