33 of the Best Elevated Basics at H&M

last updated 13 December 2023

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When it comes to putting together an expensive-looking wardrobe, many people get caught up in the idea that the pricer the pieces are, the better. I'm here to completely change your mind. With the right pieces, any closet can look designer, regardless of the price tag. It's all in the cut, the fabric, the fit, and, most importantly, the styling. One type of fashion item that almost always achieves an expensive feel is an elevated basic.

One retailer that is well-known for offering stellar elevated basics that only look expensive is H&M. I recently did a deep dive with all this in mind and came up with a plethora of options that fit the bill—all but one piece is under $100. Below, you'll find a chic selection of sweaters, dressed, coats, shoes, and even bags that will easily give you that rich-girl vibe you seek. Make sure to take note of how each piece is styled for the added benefit.

H&M

Knit Sweater

The styling possibilities are endless.

H&M

Wide Regular Jeans

Slightly relaxed but ever so chic.

H&M

Shoulder Bag

This bag looks designer.

H&M

Hole-Knit Sweater

This sweater makes a subtle statement.

H&M

Cat Eye Sunglasses

You can never go wrong with black cat-eye sunglasses.

H&M

Rib-Knit Sweater

I am obsessed.

H&M

Square-Neck Crop Top

The chicest neckline.

H&M

Double-Breasted Coat

Neutral coats are a personal favorite.

H&M

Leather Slingbacks

Slingbacks give an instant chic boost.

H&M

Oversized Rib-Knit Sweater

Very into this texture.

H&M

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

How is this coat under $100?

H&M

Wool-Blend Sweater

This only looks expensive.

H&M

Small Shoulder Bag

A cool crossbody option.

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

Gray sweaterdresses are always elegant.

H&M

Knot-Detail Skirt

Easy to style year-round.

H&M

Tapered-Waist Dress

Just think of the amount of wear this dress will get.

H&M

Loafers

Loafer season.

H&M

High-Waist Dress Pants

These pants can easily be dressed up or down.

H&M

Oversized Sweater

Seriously so chic.

H&M

Teddy-Lined Jacket

Tell me this won't get compliments.

H&M

Knit Dress

Did I mention I love sweaterdresses?

H&M

Warm-Lined Boots

These are cozy and chic.

H&M

Knit Sweater

A sleek black sweater.

H&M

Dress Pants

Audrey Hepburn comes to mind.

H&M

Double-Breasted Coat

Navy coats are a great alternative to the usual black options.

H&M

Wool-Blend Jacket

A worthy investment.

H&M

Small Shoulder Bag

Perfectly polished.

H&M

Lyocell-Blend Satin Dress

The way this dress drapes caught my eye.

H&M

High Waist Leggings

Luxe-looking leggings.

H&M

Pumps

These scream "French girl."

H&M

Wide-Leg Pants

Just look at this silhouette.

H&M

Double-Breasted Twill Coat

Maxi coats are having a moment.

H&M

Rib-Knit Bodycon Dress

To wear over and over again.

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Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.