I Have Expensive Taste, But Swear By These 4 Cheap and Chic Outfits
I, like many, love designer clothes. I appreciate everything from the luxurious fabrics to the forward and innovative cuts. However, my closet is in no way stocked full of said fanciful items. Sure, I have a few investment accessories sprinkled throughout my wardrobe that have strong cost-per-wear value, but a hefty chunk of my ready-to-wear pieces skew on the more affordable end. That said, I try to fill that range with those cheaper items that look expensive. That way, I still always have that high-end vibe.
In fact, many of my favorite outfits—those that often get compliments thanks to their chic nature—all actually feature those high-end-feeling pieces that are lower in price. To highlight, I assembled four inspired outfits for different occasions that I rely on or recommend to my friends—all made up of affordable stales. I’m also sharing corresponding styling tricks, digging into why I think each cheap outfit (the total looks are under $150—sans accessories and shoes, but those are affordable too) is particularly elevated and chic. Keep scrolling for more—you may just uncover your new go-to fit.
Keep your work outfit polished by opting for sleek separates with modern details like a scarf-neck blouse in an on-trend hue and wide-leg check pants. Smart accessories—kitten-heel mules included—complete this elevated office fit.
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If you’re tired of your standard LBD and want to jazz it up for cocktail hour, consider a forward sweater silhouette (all about the V-neck cardigan) teamed with a playful satin slip skirt. Bold extras, including statement-making knee-high boots and a decorated top-handle bag, will make this going-out ensemble feel even more impactful—and expensive-looking. Note: A faux-fur coat topped over this look would also bring it to the next level.
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Need a professional yet modern outfit idea for an important meeting? Don’t underestimate the power of a tailored blazer to bring just the right amount of sophistication to your look. Choosing a style with a little something extra (like the tie detail here) will make it appear far pricier than it actually is. While standard black trousers would work with this look, faux-leather trousers add another luxurious dimension to the vibe. Of course, chic accessories will only add to the elevated factor, like a chunky chain necklace around a turtleneck and elegant pointed mules.
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Kick back in a casual-cool outfit for a Sunday running around town. A jacket in faux suede (one fabric that always looks triple its price) brings a luxe contrast to a cozy waffle-knit tee. Straight-leg jeans with just the right amount of stretch (too much stretch can skew cheap-looking), of-the-moment sunglasses, and high-end-feeling snakeskin booties finish off this weekend ensemble.
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Next, check out basic skinny-jean outfits that look pretty expensive.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
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