Can You Tell the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Pieces?

In case you didn't know, "tacky" things are in and good taste is out. In fact, it's gotten to the point where I'm now confused about what looks expensive and what looks affordable. From the Pat Butcher–levels of leopard print to the fact that everyone's swapping traditionally fine-looking jewellery for cutesy plastic beads and bangles, it's a great time to be on a budget (not to mention a fun time to splash some cash on items that are anything but boring).

Think everything from out-there white shoes (once seen as tacky but now a wardrobe staple) to chunky sneakers even the most eagle-eyed fashion expert could mistake for a Topshop purchase (even if they actually cost you more than a month's rent). We're throwing down the A/W 18 gauntlet and asking you to step up to the challenge: Can you really tell what's expensive and what's cheap? I won't judge, and I won't ask which versions you ended up buying.

1. BEADED BAGS

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Beads are quite hard to differentiate from expensive or cheap. However, the good thing about affordable iterations of this trend is that they're almost identical to expensive versions. Should you want to spend more, that's cool with us, but can you tell what's what in the beaded-bag world?

Expensive

Cheap

2. WHITE SHOES

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

How far has the reputation of white shoes come? Quite far. A few years ago, everyone was still tentative about the idea. These days, however, even the most luxurious brands are creating chic white shoes (see the Céline beauties above), and options abound all over the high street. There are some differences to look out for: the colour of the soles, the heel tips, the interiors and whether the leather looks good quality.

Expensive

Related: We Try Before You Buy: 8 Ways You Can Wear Animal Print in 2018

Cheap

3. Mock Croc

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Real croc bags are few and far between, but the look (in either leather or faux leather) is back en vogue for A/W 18.

Expensive

4. Crystals

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Crystals are now on everything for A/W 18. It's hard enough to tell what's expensive from clear diamanté these days, let alone when the jewels start to get colourful. The only guiding principle will be the actual garment or accessory they are adorned on. If it's a cheap-looking dress in the first place, crystals are only going to make it look cheaper.

Expensive

Cheap

5. Animal Prints

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

There isn't a single animal print that's exempt from the dangers of looking cheap. I've decoded some of the signifiers behind leopard print at different price points, but if there's one key takeaway right now, it's this: Try to avoid anything with too much shine, and make sure the pattern is placed nicely. Those are two dead giveaways.

Expensive

Cheap

6. PLASTIC JEWELLERY

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Thanks to the likes of Roxanne Assoulin and Dinosaur Designs, acrylic jewellery is most definitely having a high fashion moment. These pieces are, of course, more intricate and special in their design, but it's quite easy to pick up on the youthful jewellery trend via the high street. Bracelets, in particular, have captured the imaginations of many, but necklaces, earrings and rings are still part of the action. This is one of those trends where if you want to spend more money on it, go for it. If not, no problem.

Expensive

Cheap

7. Chunky Sneakers

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Ah, chunky sneakers. What would 2018 be without them? A far less bouncy place, for sure. Now that the trend has been around for so long, it's no great surprise that cheap options are around. Aside from the obvious differences in leather and production quality (and the all-important brand logos), on the surface of things, can you really tell what's cheap and what's expensive?

Expensive

Related: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

Cheap

8. Satin

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Just like animal print and white shoes, satin has a history of being a bit cheap looking, which is unfair, as quality satins can be really beautiful. The best thing you can do is steer away from anything too polyester- or viscose-heavy. Synthetic fabrics are well and good in many instances, but silk-satin is always going to look more expensive thanks to the weight of its drape and the fact that it's more comfortable to wear. However, no satin fabric is exempt from the inevitable crease problem (sorry!).

Expensive

Cheap

9. Logos and Slogans

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Let's be honest: There are a lot of crap logo-printed sweaters out there that really don't make any sense. I'd suggest always looking out for something that's quite plain (like a simple jumper or tee) and has something genuinely witty or interesting on it.

Expensive

Cheap

Next up, your autumn/winter 2018 trend guide.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.