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.
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Reformation
Callista Jacket
COS
Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt
This could be Kallmeyer, but it's a fraction of the cost.
ZARA
Leather Toe Loop Sandals
Leather sandals for under $100.
MASSIMO DUTTI
Flowing Satin Midi Dress
Zw Collection
Satin Effect Fireman Clasp Shirt
A fireman clasp is always so elegant.
THEORY
Crepe Straight-Leg Pants
COS
Paradigm Mini Tote Bag
A bag that's pretty much guaranteed to go fast.
COS
Knitted Linen Cardigan
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.
J.Crew
Oval Pendant Necklace With Leather Cord
I've been looking for a necklace exactly like this—something that adds a finishing touch to my outfits without breaking the bank.
COS
Wide-Leg Denim Shorts
ZARA
Extra-Fine Wool Striped Polo
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
The Thermal Stripe Crop Pant
Donni has become the go-to brand for elevated yet comfortable everyday pieces, and it's easy to see why.
Reformation
Venice Linen Dress
Come summer, you know Reformation is going to grace us with a nonnegotiable airy dress.
ZARA
Leather Lace-Up Low Heel Shoes
Here's an example of a trend I'd like to try but don't want to drop triple zeroes on: 100% leather shoes.
J.Crew
Contrast-Stitch Shell Top in Double Cotton Poplin
The V-shaped back and contrast stitching give this top a timeless, vintage feel.
MASSIMO DUTTI
High-Waist Boot-Cut Jeans
An excellent summer wash and cut.
MASSIMO DUTTI
Bomber Jacket With Snap Buttons
If you want my advice, don't sleep on Massimo Dutti's jacket and trench collection.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Island Fleece Polo Sweatshirt
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.
Reformation
Tilda Heeled Mule
These shoes with a pair of vintage jeans and a lightweight pullover could easily be my summer uniform.
Moussy Vintage
Gusset Cargo Pants
I love the crop on these.
LESET
Barb Satin Tank Top
There's a lot of good satin on this list, I must say.
MANGO
Angela Belted Trench Coat
You'll be hard-pressed to find a quality trench coat for under $300, but this one fits the bill.
COS
Reversible Leather Belt
I'm someone who forgets the importance of having a good belt on hand, and I love that this one is reversible.
Zw Collection
High-Waist Cropped Pants
The squared-off edge of these oval sunglasses gives them such an interesting shape.
Reformation
Olina Cropped Pant
Perfect for a summer night out in the city.
LESET
Yoshi Striped Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt
I am loving the throwback color combo of these stripes.