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

Under $150 and super chic.

Jennifer Camp Forbes's avatar
By
published
in Buying Guides
fashion collage of five style influencers wearing elevated outfit ideas for 2026
(Image credit: @sylviemus_; @mimixn; @christietyler; @johannapiispa; @lovisabarkman)
Jump to category:

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 spring there are five key pieces that I have my eye on that get the job done spanning from classic outerwear to designer-like bags and chic pieces with satin and lace details. Thankfully, the selection across my favorite retailers is abundant in the under-$150 range. Keep scrolling to shop my top picks across these elevated options that are guaranteed to make your closet look more expensive.

Lace-Trim Skirts

NYC style influencer Christie Tyler poses on steps wearing oval sunglasses, a silk neck-tie top, a lace-trim skirt, Hermes bag, and black ankle-strap heels

(Image credit: @christietyler)

One thing I thing that I love most about a lace-trim skirt, other than its romantic touch, is that it looks so effortless with everything from a tee to a sweater.

Polished Trench Coats

Paris style influencer Sylvie Mus poses wearing a light-colored belted trench coat, suede tote bag, bootcut jeans, and pointed-te slingback heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

A classic trench coat has the power to transform even the most casual of looks into an ensemble with an undeniably rich-looking feel.

Satin Pants

style influencer Lovisa Barkman poses on a sidewalk in Côte d'Azur French Riviera wearing a white button-down shirt with a beige sweater around her shoulder, ivory satin pants, and leopard-print ballet flats

(Image credit: @lovisabarkman)

A satin pant 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.

Structured Bags

Finnish style influencer Johanna Piispa poses in black sunglasses, a long gray coat, white satin pants, heeled flip-flop sandals, a structure black bag.

(Image credit: @johannapiispa)

Many structured bags have held icon status throughout the years thanks to designer favorites like the Hermès Birkin, the Ferragamo Hug, and more. Similar-shaped styles instantly make an outfit more rich-looking.

Fitted Blazers

style influencer Mimi Nguyen poses in a black fitted blazer, a black clutch, black trousers, and leopard-print heels

(Image credit: @mimixn)

The polished look a blazer provides is nothing new. This season, it's all about styles with a fitted waist. Hailey Bieber is a known fan of this silhouette.

Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

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.