As much as I'd like to fill my wardrobe with best-of-the-best designer pieces, that's not a viable option for a 27-year-old who lives in Manhattan, loves shoe shopping, and has a tendency to buy multiple coffees a day. And yes, I am pretending I don't splurge on a salad and fries every Saturday afternoon like clockwork. Since crafting a closet that allows me to put together outfits on the fly that always appear elegant, timeless, and chic is my ultimate goal in life, I've had to find ways to cut corners, sourcing pieces that aren't necessarily priced like designer but look the part nonetheless.
Since I'm currently laser-focused on adding necessary fall pieces to my rotation before the season begins, I thought I'd share the wealth by offering up a few of the items that, due to their on-budget prices but outside-of-budget appearance, are high on my shopping list. From ivory blazers and pastel button-downs to trench coats and Mary Janes, scroll down for 36 of the most impressive and most expensive-looking fall finds I've added thus far, all of which are from J.Crew, H&M, and Nordstrom.
Nothing says elegant like an off-white blazer.
This isn't like your other tank tops even though it's priced as such.
You can't go wrong with a pastel button-down in any color, but this blue is probably my favorite.
Can you believe these are $60? I can't.
It's surprisingly hard to find good jeans, but I discovered a pair for just $45.
The '80s called, and they said cuff bracelets are back in a major way.
I'm basically a halter-top aficionado at this point.
I feel like you need this. I don't know why, just a guess.
I continue to be shocked that this coat is $90.
The perfect incognito shades.
This is essential—essential.
I could see an Olsen twin wearing this dress with Birks or some Vans slip-ons.
Contrast piping makes everything look more expensive.
Since these are so lightweight, they can be worn daily and dress up every outfit.
It's 1998 in Manhattan, and you're going out to meet friends at the city's newest hot spot. Obviously, this is what you're wearing.
Pretty in pink.
H&M cashmere for less than $150? Say less.
I can see Sofia Richie Grainge wearing this waistcoat.
These Jeffrey Campbell flats look like a designer pair of shoes I've had for ages and adore.
The back is so subtle and sexy.
The voluminous-skirt trend is pure elegance.
An affordable belt is surprisingly hard to come by.
Just pretty.
There's a reason Madewell calls these "perfect."
This color gets me every single time.
Tortoiseshell shades will get me every single time.
This dress is giving me serious Alaïa vibes.
A classic shoulder bag like this one belongs in everyone's fall wardrobe—period.
Perfect for those days when you want to look like you're heading out on the boat, even if you don't have a boat.
Don't hesitate—this gorgeous midi just dropped and is already selling out.
Wait until you see the chic shearling collar.
I'm smitten with these.
I'm not usually a sneaker fan, but these look so luxe.
The tailoring on this vest is elite.
This whole look screams chic.
*Sprinting to checkout.*
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Bella Hadid Just Put a Sexy Spin on the Runway Trend You'll See Everywhere in 2026Leave it to Hadid and creative director Adam Selman to reimagine a major ready-to-wear runway trend.
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Fashion People Have Been Waiting for the Alex Eagle x J.Crew Launch—29 Chic British-Meets-American Pieces Worth Scooping Up NowWait until you see the sneakers.
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Nordstrom's Fall Sale Is Almost Over: Tory Burch Shoes and Ralph Lauren Jackets to Shop Before It EndsOnly two days left.
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My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These Rich-Looking Picks From Nordstrom and Old NavyAll but three of these chic pieces are under $100.
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Calf-Hair, Suede, Espresso—30 Luxurious Nordstrom Items I'm a Little Too in Love WithSimply stunning.
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I Stalked Nordstrom's New Arrivals All Week—30 Sophisticated Fall Finds I Can't Stop Thinking AboutSuede totes and pleated trousers ahead.
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A Definitive Guide to the 21 Best Wallets Money Can BuyIt's time for an upgrade.
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Psst: Nordstrom's Having a Sneaky Fall Sale—These 40 Finds Are Classy, Elevated, and Under $150Don't miss out.
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I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist, and I Just Got Back From France—I Wore These 7 Items to Look Chic in ParisParisian-inspired looks.
