I'm not going to lie to you: Zara and Mango are usually the places I beeline to when I'm in the mood to indulge myself with a cheap and trendy buy. As I was idly scrolling through their new arrivals and J.Crew's staples on my last visit, I couldn't help but notice all the chic and timeless pieces, especially the pieces that looked destined for a forever wardrobe. With a certain anti-trend, quiet-luxury aesthetic on the rise, these three retailers are clearly taking notes on the growing interest in paring things back and have been acting accordingly.
Once I spotted a few quiet-luxury finds, I searched up and down the sites and found a trove of items that were so chic, so luxurious, and so wealthy looking that they shocked me to my very core. From the languid cream-toned trousers you'll want to skip your jeans for to the striped knits that will make you look like you just spent time on a yacht, I'm uncovering the best expensive-looking Zara, Mango, and J.Crew finds to buy now and wear forever.
Zara
Capes are like a cheat code for looking luxurious and worldly, and that's a fact.
If you told me these were designer, I'd believe you.
It's giving "trust fund and an offshore bank account."
Even your white tee will look like luxury when you wear this.
Whoever said jeans couldn't be elevated obviously never saw this jacket to wear with them.
This entire outfit has me swooning—hard.
Dreamy.
Cable-knits are a wealthy-wardrobe nonnegotiable.
To wear with a full skirt and kitten heels à la Prada.
Metallic shoes are so hot.
When you have an LBD this good in your closet, you don't need to look at any others.
Hello, beautiful.
Ruched details have my heart.
Mango
Style it like this if you know what you're doing.
In case you were also eyeing the Toteme version…
As chic as can be.
Yes, even certain colors can give off that quiet-luxury vibe, and this soft pink is one of them.
The kind of jacket that makes anything you wear it with look better.
She looks booked and busy.
Now, all you need is a country club membership.
The bigger the bag, the bigger the bank account.
Versatile without being boring.
Yep, I want to copy the whole outfit.
Wear this with cream trousers and gold jewelry if you know what you're doing.
Tweed time.
This color feels very old money to me.
J.Crew
Confirmed: Everyone's wearing boxy jackets right now.
Yes, yes, and yes.
Ooh.
There are a zillion ankle boots on the market, but the slim toes and discreet heels are incredibly chic.
Love that fitted shape.
Immediately yes.
East Coast fall > East Coast summer.
Simply a must.
The buttons, though.
Collarless wool coats are about as luxe as it gets.
To wear with trousers, jeans, and skirts alike.
Celine taste on a J.Crew budget.
Style this with white jeans and ballet flats like a true fashion person.
This skirt!
This darker wash and tailored fit are about as sophisticated as jeans can get.
This Fair Isle sweater is comparable to designer options I've seen.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.