Someone once asked me what it is I spend my money on. Clothing? Travel? Food? Honestly, it's all of the above. However, the fiscal emphasis on the things I enjoy is interchangeable. For example, if I'm splurging on a trip, I'm not going to spend a lot on items to wear on said trip. Instead, this is when I would look for things that are expensive looking, and it's also when the fun begins. Indulging in items that look expensive but actually arent can give you more freedom when it comes to experimenting with your style by giving you some leeway to try a trend that you're interested in but don't know if you want to go all in on paycheck-wise. I'd also argue that there's no greater feeling than when someone compliments you on your COS sweater thinking that it's from The Row.
The most pressing attributes that I look for when buying elevated pieces on a budget are cut and silhouette. A lot can be overlooked when something fits well. Quality is important too. For example, you should be buying 100% cotton whenever possible, although it does take some finesse to find these materials at a lower price point. Thankfully, I've already done the heavy lifting for you.
Keep scrolling for 29 expensive-looking items you'll be wearing all summer long.
Cherry good!
This could be Kallmeyer, but it's a fraction of the cost.
Leather sandals for under $100.
So pretty.
A fireman clasp is always so elegant.
A really fabulous cut.
A bag that's pretty much guaranteed to go fast.
Cobalt blue is having a moment, and it looks especially good on a sweater.
If you don't already own this cult cotton tee, well, you need to.
I've been looking for a necklace exactly like this—something that adds a finishing touch to my outfits without breaking the bank.
Cool, cool, cool.
This light-spun wool does a lot to elevate an everyday polo. The pink-and-gray color combo is especially current too.
The way that this skirt is styled with a blue-and-white striped shirt is top-notch.
Donni has become the go-to brand for elevated yet comfortable everyday pieces, and it's easy to see why.
Come summer, you know Reformation is going to grace us with a nonnegotiable airy dress.
Here's an example of a trend I'd like to try but don't want to drop triple zeroes on: 100% leather shoes.
The V-shaped back and contrast stitching give this top a timeless, vintage feel.
An excellent summer wash and cut.
If you want my advice, don't sleep on Massimo Dutti's jacket and trench collection.
For those chilly post-ocean-dip evenings when all you want is to look like you just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren summer catalogue.
These shoes with a pair of vintage jeans and a lightweight pullover could easily be my summer uniform.
I love the crop on these.
There's a lot of good satin on this list, I must say.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a quality trench coat for under $300, but this one fits the bill.
I'm someone who forgets the importance of having a good belt on hand, and I love that this one is reversible.
Incredibly chic.
The squared-off edge of these oval sunglasses gives them such an interesting shape.
Perfect for a summer night out in the city.
I am loving the throwback color combo of these stripes.