My Dad Asked Me to Max Out My 401(K), But I Bought These COS, H&M, and Mango Items Instead (Sorry)
I can't be the only person whose father insists they max out their 401(k) every single time you speak with them. I swear it's the first thing he brings up during our weekly catch-ups. Usually, I'm happy to oblige, but after my morning new-arrivals scroll, I'm not convinced it's the best use of my finances—at least, not this month. Instead, I'd rather invest in my wardrobe, specifically with the 30 finds I just discovered at COS, Mango, and H&M. Sure, I might be a little bit less prepared for retirement in a decade, but I'll have a rich-looking wardrobe, and right now, that's priority number one.
Ahead, discover the 10 pieces from each of the aforementioned retailers that look far more expensive than they are. None cost more than $250, and the only ones that reach that limit are cashmere aka the material most worth splurging on. Before they dare to sell out, scroll down to start picking out your favorites. Trust me. They'll be worth giving up this month's 401(k) allocation for, even if it means getting that disappointed dad look over FaceTime.
H&M
Just wait until you see the matching pants.
Shop the matching Bootcut Dress Pants ($70).
This sporty jacket will look so cool and fashion-forward when paired with an unexpected formal skirt or dress.
Mango
COS
My wallet hates to see a cute pair of in-stock court shoes coming.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025
Everything is under $100.
-
Shopbop Lovers to the Front—These 40 Styles Are Going to Be Huge This Fall
Give your wardrobe a fall facelift.
-
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.
-
Sure, Trousers Are a Fall Staple, But IMO, Dresses Are So Much Better—33 Gorgeous Styles From Mango, Reformation, and Anthropologie
An underrated essential.
-
The New Elite Way to Shop Is Off the Grid and Invite Only
If you know, you know.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the Part
Effortless and elevated is the goal.