I Tried on 6 Items That Look Expensive (Psst—They're Under $60)
Like many, I've seen a major shift in my spending this year. I've been funneling most of my free funds into sprucing up my home, and have been buying fewer clothing items, and largely making do with what I own, since I have fewer places to go.
That said, I still feel the need to inject a little newness into my wardrobe every now again. After all, I can't completely ignore my fashion-loving heart! With this mission in mind, I ordered a little haul from the ever-popular Amazon to see if I could suss out some picks that are easy on the wallet, but don't look it. After trying each of the pieces on, I'm sharing my "keepers" here that look downright expensive, if I don't say so myself.
My Review: If you're one of those people who are constantly cold, this shacket is for you. The second I put it on to snap this pic, I was sweating. It's cozy and soft, and I secretly love that I found it in the men's department. The size small was slighly oversized on me, but I could see sizing up even further. For fitting reference throughout, I'm 5'4'' and around 115 pounds.
Amazon Customer Review: "I wasn’t sure what to expect from Amazon Essentials, but this shirt is surprisingly high quality. It’s thick, nice fleece, and it is really warm. I love that it has pockets. I’m a female, 5'5'' and 110 pounds, and I bought the large for an oversized fit. I probably could have gotten a medium and been pretty oversized still, but I’m still happy with the large."
My Review: Wow, they really nailed it with this bag. I love how faux stamped croc can look expensive even at really low price points. I'll admit I own a very similar bag that costs nine times the price, and when these were both laying next to each other, I accidentally grabbed this one when I meant to grab the expensive version, because I couldn't tell them apart at first! Lastly, I'm really only reaching for easy bags I can sling over my shoulder lately, so this fits the bill.
My Review: The absolute best quality of this pullover fleece is the softness. I want a pillow made out of it; I want slippers made out of it. It was also a pleasant surprise when I put my hands in the pockets and realized it's a kangaroo pocket that is connected like you often see in hoodies. I love that my hands can warm each other up in the cozy single pocket. I'm wearing a size small, which felt true to size.
Amazon Customer Review: "I am surprised at how great this jacket is. I am going to buy more. The zip pockets are perfect; my hands fit inside them. Love the zippers. They are substantial, and the ruggedness of them goes well with the fleece. The inside lining is soft and feels nice against bare skin. This is a winner!"
Amazon Customer Review: "I've been looking at sherpas since it was mildly chilly outside. I'm not willing to shell out $65 for a sweater I'll wear a handful of times, so I held out. Then by chance, I stumbled upon this little gem. It came yesterday morning, and I was instantly surprised at how thick and soft it is. My 3-year-old couldn't stop touching it, and I've worn it both yesterday and today. Today, I'm in my work office, and it's always so cold in here that I wear my jacket usually. Instead, I wore this today, and I've been toasty warm all day without the need for my personal heater."
My Review: I didn't know Amazon sold things this chic! I could honestly get away with wearing this to a wedding (one day), because the material is so thick and expensive feeling. The thick material also really helps holds you in. And while it can be dressed up, I also think it looks lovely with a pair of flat slides too. I'm wearing a size small.
My Review: Why does a white or cream sweater always look luxe? I love this one for a few reasons. I like the subtle details like the ribbing at the wrists and hem and the roll neck. Most importantly though, this is not the kind of sweater that pills. I have a pet peeve of spending money on sweaters just to have them pill and look super worn after only a couple wears. I'm wearing an extra small, though I would size up if I planned to wear something under the sweater.
My Review: Linen is one of those fabrics that looks expensive even at lower price points. Just make sure to have a clothing steamer on hand to tackle the inevitable wrinkles that come with the fabric, or honestly just lean into the lived-in rumpled look. I'm not judging! There's something very easy about this dress, which is why it feels perfect for the current times. I also think it would look lovely with a belt, like how I styled it below, if you want to show off your shape a bit more. I'm wearing an extra small, and found it oversized and roomy, just how I wanted it.
Amazon Customer Review: "I love this dress. The only problem is that I would not be comfortable wearing it without shorts or skinny ankle jeans. Other than that the quality is amazing and I look forward to wearing it."
Editor note: I'm 5'4'' and would absolutely wear it without anything underneath. The shortest part hit right at the knees for me.
Shop More of My Affordable Picks:
Shop the matching Sylvie Tank ($30) and Adrienne Knit Shorts ($35).
A gorgeous, yet affordable three-piece set that goes up to size 3x? I think we just struck gold.
I own this bra, and can vouch it's ridiculously comfortable. Emily Ratajkowski likes it too.
This color is sending me!
Next up, check out the small, but life-changing items we can't get enough of.
Kat Collings has over 15 years of experience in the editorial fashion space, largely in digital publishing. She currently leads the vision for editorial content at WhoWhatWear.com as the site's editor in chief, having risen through the editorial ranks after joining the company in 2012. Collings is a Digiday Future Leader Awards nominee, was named Buzzfeed's best fashion Instagram accounts of the year, and is a member of the CFDA Awards Fashion Guild. Prior to Who What Wear, Collings worked on styling projects for brands such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, and Oliver Peoples. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in communications and calls Los Angeles home.
-
Shoes Are Rarely Classic, Trendy, and Pretty—That's Why This Style Sells Out Every Year
There's a pair for everyone.
-
My Mom Somehow Always Finds the Best Items at Walmart—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy
Yes, I was surprised too.
-
Aritzia Is a Fashion-Person Paradise—These 25 Standouts Are Now on Major Sale
The basics alone are worth checking out.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer Wardrobe
Imagine the chic outfits.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits: 25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the Bill
Just about everything is under $25.
-
It's Now or Never—54 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Day Deals You'll Regret Skipping
Elevated basics, celeb dupes, luxe-like styles, and more on sale.
-
If You Have Amazon Prime Day FOMO, See What Our Fashion and Beauty Editors Actually Bought This Year
The sale ends today.