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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Zendaya's Cute Tory Burch Tennis Skirt Is Shockingly Still in Stock—Ready, GoI smell a sellout.
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J.Crew Is Having an Epic Linen Sale—These 17 Pieces Need to Come Home With MeSummer prep starts now.
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Zara Didn't Tell Anyone About This Sneaky Sale, But I Still Found the Best ItemsFrom mesh flats to elevated basics.
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Bring on the Compliments—30 Dresses That Are on Sale and Ready to Turn HeadsSo many gems, so little time.
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I'm a Luxury Fashion Director—These Are the Only Designer Buys That Matter for SummerFrom Miu Miu to Alaïa.
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Madewell, J.Crew, and Banana Republic Are Hosting Big-Deal Sales RN—Do Your WorstAnd do it fast.
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I Want an Elegant Spring Wardrobe—These 32 Nordstrom Finds Have My AttentionElevated finds inside.
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I'm Already Prepping My Summer Wardrobe—I Only Have Eyes for These Elegant Nordstrom ItemsPlus, they're all $150 and under.
