The Ultimate "If You Know, You Know" Fashion Picks That Are Sneakily Affordable

It's a big, wide world of designer fashion out there, and I know we editors love to talk about it. Truth be told, the items that actually get us the most hyped are often the ones that feel like absolute bargains. There's a special place close to our hearts for secretly affordable fashion discoveries, the ones that punch way above their price tags and that you can't wait to recommend. 

The six items below are absolute editor favorites, all of the caliber that makes a group chat blow up when someone drops in a link. From classic white tees and the best blue jeans to a flawless pair of under-$150 loafers, these are the chic, on-trend, and pleasantly priced buys fashion people love to shop.

Uniqlo's U Crew Neck T-Shirt

Fashion editors love to shop this classic white tee from Uniqlo. The slightly relaxed fit is perfect, and the crewneck sits nicely under any blazer. Honorable mention to the top-selling Hanes option I've also included below. If you don't trust the almost 46,000 reviews on Amazon, you can trust my fellow editor Judith, who tried it on earlier this year.

Shop more IYKYK tees for under $30:

Dolce Vita's Beny Loafers

You may have picked up on the fact that I spend an inordinate amount of time curating, styling, and writing about footwear, so you can trust me when I say the Beny is the best pair of leather loafers this side of $150. 

Shop more IYKYK loafers for $100 and under:

Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

These truly are the OG blue jeans, iconic since they were first designed 1873. As editors, we've tried on countless alternatives in our search for the perfect pair of denim, but we just keep coming back to these Levi's for an impeccable vintage vibe and great value.

Shop more IYKYK Levi's for under $110:

Mango's Structured Wool Blazer

I'm a well-documented fan of Mango's outwear. You've seen me recommending the brand's great-value blazers and wool coats year after year. This winter-weight blazer is Mango's 2023 iteration of a creamy wool-blend style I bought two years ago, and it looks so expensive. I can't wear it without someone stopping me to ask where it's from.

Shop more IYKYK blazers for $130 and under:

Parcelona Headbands

Considering the unrelenting love of all understated fashion choices associated with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, it's hardly a surprise that '90s-inspired tortoiseshell headbands are an editor-favorite bargain buy. Parcelona's set of two is shoppable on Amazon and possibly provides the most minimal chic $15 can buy.

Shop more IYKYK headbands for $20 and under:

Nordstrom's Cashmere

You've no doubt seen many of us at Who What Wear hyping Nordstrom's cashmere sweaters for their incredible value. The classic crewneck style is an editor favorite. It comes in dozens of colorways and (great news) is often on sale. 

Shop more IYKYK Nordstrom cashmere for $200 and under: