27 New Fashion Buys That Only *Look* Really Expensive
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.
Vanessa Hudgens nearly sold these out, but luckily, they're still in stock in several sizes.
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.
Ribbing just always looks so luxe. I don't make the rules.
Shop the matching High Waist Ribbed Bikini Bottom ($45).
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.
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.
Tinx claimed this as *the* rich-mom dress of the summer. Enough said.
Up next, these are the best under-$100 items from Nordstrom's epic sales.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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