3 Cheap(ish) Elevated Finds That Will Make Your Closet Look More Expensive

No matter the season, I am always striving to bring my outfits to the next level without breaking the bank. As a fashion editor and professional shopper I've learned how to pull this off without stress. When piecing together an elevated rotation of outfits, some affordable rich-looking pieces can do much of the heavy lifting with very little effort. Whenever I come across a standout while shopping, adding it to my cart is a no-brainer.
This winter there are three key pieces that I have my eye on that get the job done: sleek trousers, a polished long coat, and chic pieces with a built-in scarf. Thankfully, the selection across my favorite retailers is abundant in the under-$150 range. Keep scrolling to shop my top picks across these three elevated categories that are guaranteed to make your closet look more expensive.
Sleek Trousers
A sleek trouser is an instant way to elevate any look. Pair your favorite style and color with everything from sweaters and blazers to a basic T-shirt.
Shop Trousers:
Polished Long Coats
A long coat in a black, gray, or neutral hue, has the power to transform even the most casual of looks into an ensemble with an undeniably rich-looking feel.
Shop Long Coats
Pieces With Built-In Scarves
I don't know what it is about a built-in scarf, but, to me, it just looks so effortless with a coat or sweater. Not to mention that the style is incredibly convenient on a chilly day.
Shop Pieces With Built-In Scarves

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
Sorry, White Skirts—Zoë Kravitz Just Wore the 2025 Alt That's About to Be All Over NYC This Fall
The perfect choice if ballet flats will be your go-to shoes for the season.
-
My Mom Only Shops at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy for Fall 2025
She had me at under-$100 Uggs and Levi's.
-
52 Elegant Fall Fashion Finds That Whisper Wealth But Don't Top $250
Money talks.
-
The New Elite Way to Shop Is Off the Grid and Invite Only
If you know, you know.
-
Not Classic Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Everyone With Cool Style Will Be Wearing These Shoes With Black Trousers in Fall 2025
As seen on Katie Holmes.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the Part
Effortless and elevated is the goal.
-
If Looking Stylish Is the Goal, These Affordable Nordstrom Fall Items Are It
Expensive-looking jackets, sweaters, and more.
-
My Closet Wouldn't Feel Complete Without Plain Sweaters—23 Styles You'll Get So Much Wear Out Of
Simple yet chic.