These 44 Expensive-Looking Basics From Zara, Nordstrom, and H&M Will Get Mistaken for Designer

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Illirida poses in black tube dress with column-like skirt, heels, and a handbag.

(Image credit: @illiridakrasniqi)

We all know how fun a little retail therapy can be, but the reality is that swiping that card can quickly add up. I am all for investing in solid pieces, especially buys I'll get a lot of wear out of, but a few quality retailers like H&M, Zara, and Nordstrom are stocking expensive-looking basics that are surprisingly affordable. Below, I'm highlighting 44 stylish pieces that scream designer.

Keep scrolling to uncover elevated staples and other lovely essentials that won't break the bank. There's a slew of beautiful styles that could be easily confused for high-ticket items, from elevated tops that give off a designer feel to simple dresses with luxe details. Scoop these pieces up while they're available because finds like these rarely stay in stock long.

Zara

H&M

Nordstrom

Chichi Offor
Chichi Offor
Associate Shopping Editor

Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor who relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast office in 2022. At WWW, she utilizes over 10 years of editorial experience to dish out shopping advice to the masses and analyze key pop-cultural moments. Chichi previously worked at Refinery29, where she helped revolutionize the brand’s plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage. In her spare time, she’s keeping up with the latest movie releases, enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, or obsessing over her latest ADHD-fueled hyperfixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, the negative effects of bicoastal intellectual elitism, and Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic). You can find her online @thechichio on Instagram.

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