There once was a time when differentiating between expensive pieces and affordable ones could be done in seconds, no matter how trained in fashion a person was. The dramatically opposing fabrics, cuts, and construction gave everything away. But today, that's not exactly the case. Brands are savvier than ever, making it easy to be tricked and, in turn, to trick others with $20 pieces that look and feel like they cost $200 or even $2000. (I won't tell if you won't.) Therefore, looking like someone with a closet full of designer items no longer comes with a steep price tag.
I've done the research and crunched the numbers, and by my calculations, the perfect budget for a designer-esque wardrobe is $150. And no, I'm not pulling one on you. To prove it, I went ahead and rounded up 35 under-$150 pieces from H&M, Zara, and Nordstrom that even the most discerning fashion critics would assume were from the designer floor. Scroll down for the receipts.
I think about this dress at least once a day.
This top paired with gray trousers—nothing could ever be chicer.
Get the F/W 23 Saint Laurent look for way, way less.
Same goes for these sky-high slingbacks.
I love how this skirt can be transformed with the pull or push of a zipper.
Nothing says luxe like velvet.
If this sweater were from another brand, it would cost 10 times more.
Capris are having a serious moment, and it's only expected to grow.
Say yes to the boots. You won't regret it.
This '90s-era tube dress is simply lovely.
In my opinion, tortoiseshell is far pricier looking than black.
The denim version of a classic skirt suit.
No piercings necessary.
The shoulder pads take this tee to a whole new level.
What a color.
This gorgeous shoulder bag came in under budget by just *this* much.
Trust me, once you discover Zara denim, you'll wish you never spent hundreds on designer jeans.
For those people who can't bear to wear stilettos but still want a formal look.
Throw this dress on with a long coat and boots and wait for compliments. They'll arrive in no time.
This jacket belongs in your closet. It's as simple as that.
I can imagine this knit hoodie hanging in Khaite's or The Row's NYC stores.
Anything suede looks expensive to me.
Skip basic long-sleeve tees and replace them all with off-the-shoulder styles like this one.
Excuse me while I freak the F out.
Gorgeous, gorgeous girls wear big silver earrings.
How a dress this perfect can also be this affordable baffles me.
Do it. I know you want to.
Heavy satin pieces, from skirts to tops to dresses, are everywhere after a strong showing on the S/S 24 runways.
This is the kind of dress you could wear four days in a row and no one would know as long as you switched out the accessories.
The little rhinestone touches are too pretty to pass up.
Gimme, gimme, gimme.
The more bracelets the better.
Denim shirts tend to be oversize, so this fitted one is a breathe of fresh air.
The color! The simplicity! The price! Clearly, I'm in awe of this $36 oxblood belt from Zara.
*Pays for overnight shipping.*
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