It's a tale as old as time, but it rings true: You don't have to spend a lot on your outfit for it to look elevated and expensive. Just to prove that this is a thing, I searched some of my favorite affordable brands and retailers for all of the summer shopping picks that appear, in my mind, to be the definition of luxe looking. I even found that many of them repeated the same few themes, including neutrals, ribbed fabrics, and sumptuous knits.
While you might be looking to refresh your wardrobe for summer or just peruse this edit for a little mental escape, look no further than the below 27 items that I happen to think emulate this elevated vibe. From the celeb-approved sandals that are selling out quickly on Nordstrom to the stunning underwire bikini that you'd never guess is $70, I'm highlighting the best expensive-looking shopping picks of the moment.
One of the most wearable ways to do midriff floss.
Vanessa Hudgens nearly sold these out, but luckily, they're still in stock in several sizes.
The back is even better, if you can believe it.
Now, that's a stunner.
Okay, H&M—I see you.
No words necessary.
Mermaid vibes.
Shop the matching Tie Bikini Bottom ($30).
The kind of throw-on dress you'll be so glad you added to your closet.
The color and wide stitching set this apart from other basic tanks.
Prepare to get loads of compliments on this one.
A summer 2021 key piece.
Ribbing just always looks so luxe. I don't make the rules.
Shop the matching High Waist Ribbed Bikini Bottom ($45).
Pretty!
Well, this certainly doesn't look like it costs $50…
I think I just found my next going-out top.
Not to be biased, but we kind of went off with these.
If you told me this was a rare vintage find, I would totally believe you.
Sunglasses from the same factory as Prada and Superdry for $35? Sign me up.
The easy set I want to be wearing all summer long.
Shop the matching Paperbag Waist Shorts ($78).
The twisted detail here emulates a designer T-shirt.
Easy, simple, and chic.
Stacking a few rings is one of my favorite simple ways to elevate an outfit.
This set is selling out quickly (no surprise here), so I suggest you move quickly.
The polished basic everyone needs.
Tinx claimed this as *the* rich-mom dress of the summer. Enough said.
Anything in this color has my heart.
Stunning and timeless.
Up next, these are the best under-$100 items from Nordstrom's epic sales.
-
From Pilates in L.A. to Meetings in Paris, Kendall Jenner Can't Stop Wearing These Classic Designer FlatsI don't blame her—they look sleek and so comfortable.
-
Dancer Isabella Boylston on Fighting Ballet Stereotypes, Content Creation, and Listening to Her AnklesShe's changing minds one performance and social media post at a time.
-
Looking Stylish This Fall Means Wearing Your Pretty Dresses With This Unexpected ItemHere's how to master the look.
-
Yes, Affordable Cashmere Lounge Sets Do Exist—These Are the 17 Best OnesThese will sell out fast.
-
Anyone Can Wear a Cardigan, But Only Fashion People Wear Them Like *This*Take note.
-
Here's the Comfy Yet Incredibly Chic Boot Style Fashion People Are Already Wearing on RepeatThese make any outfit look more expensive.
-
This Is the Chic Bag Trend Fashion People Swear By Right NowBring on the compliments!
-
These 25 Chic Sweaters From Mango Will Be the Guaranteed Stars of Your Fall and Winter Highlight ReelShop them before they sell out.
-
The 35 Most-Wanted Luxury Buys of Fall 2025, PeriodThe It heels, celebrity-approved handbags, and statement outerwear pieces that are defining the season.
-
These 29 Free People Finds Will Sell Out by November 15Everything we're eyeing (and buying).
