Sartorially speaking, there’s nothing that gives me more pleasure than unearthing affordable pieces that look like they cost a fortune. It’s part of my job to find these said items and share them with you—our dear readers—so you can be informed of the most cost-effective and trendy items out there. While summer inherently brings with it a laid-back, relaxed aesthetic, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style. The key to a luxurious-looking outfit is comprised of a few factors: Fabrics—silky-satin, linen, suede, and textured fabrics on accessories and shoes, such as mock-croc, give your outfit an opulent look. Playing with lengths also looks upscale. For example, a long shorts suit looks seriously sleek. Moreover, sophisticated shoes and accessories can really take your look to the next level of luxury. Scroll below for six trendy outfit ideas to emulate this summer that look expensive but actually aren’t—a fashion victory if there ever was one.
Polka-Dot Dress + Minimalist Heels
Kate Middleton's favorite print is trending hard for summer—and if it's good enough for the duchess, it's good enough for us. The bonus is it looks sophisticated and expensive, yet you can find so many chic options at affordable prices, such as this sleek slip dress. Minimal heels finish off the luxe look.
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High-Waisted Linen Pants + Asymmetric Top + Toe-Ring Sandals
While inherently relaxed, linen pants are rather luxe-looking, especially when they come high waisted and belted in a dusty pale yellow hue. A minimal asymmetric top look adds a chic touch, and sleek toe-ring sandals always look expensive.
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Head-to-Toe Beige
From oatmeal to biscuit, camel to cream, wearing ecru hues from head to toe makes your outfit look elegant and expensive. Mix textures and fabrics to keep the outfit from looking too uniform.
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Shorts Suit + Strappy Sandals
A shorts suit looks polished, modern, chic, and trendy. For a contemporary-cool look, opt for long shorts just above the knee and keep the blazer long too (almost touching the bottom of the shorts). Delicate strappy sandals that could pass for designer are the perfect finishing touch.
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Matching Camel Pinstripe Blazer ($125)
Belted Swimsuit
There's something about a belted one-piece swimsuit that looks so much more luxurious than all the other swimsuits out there. Opt for one in a chic khaki green hue.
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Ribbed Knit Top + Satin Skirt
Rich tones and textures make your outfit look plush and pricey. We're loving a ribbed tank paired with a satin skirt for one sumptuous looking summer ensemble.
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Up next, the most popular dresses of the summer.
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