I'm not going to lie to you: Affordable retailers like Zara, H&M, and Mango are usually the places I beeline to when I'm in the mood to indulge myself with a cheap and trendy buy. As I was idly scrolling through their new arrivals on my last visit, though, I couldn't help but notice all the chic and timeless pieces, especially the pieces that looked destined for a forever wardrobe. With a certain anti-trend, quiet-luxury aesthetic on the rise, retailers are clearly taking notes on the growing interest in paring things back and have been acting accordingly.
Once I spotted a few quiet-luxury finds, I searched up and down all my usual sites and found a trove of items that were so chic, so luxurious, and so wealthy looking that their surprisingly low price tags shocked me to my very core.
From the languid cream-toned trousers you'll want to skip your jeans for to the luxurious capes that will make you look like you just stepped off a private jet, I'm uncovering the best expensive-looking finds to buy for winter and the best part is that none of them top $150.
Capes, ponchos, and wraps never fail to give off that ultra-luxurious vibe.
Winter whites are like a cheat code for looking polished.
Oh, j'adore.
Can you blame me for wanting to squeeze in this gorgeous faux-fur coat even though it's a tad over our target budget?
Simply divine.
Not only is this TikTok viral boat neck top back in stock in all the colors, but it's also on sale. Do with that knowledge what you will.
Holiday party dressing just got a whole lot prettier.
Trust me—wearing bold '80s earrings makes literally anything look elevated.
Just imagine this dress with tights and pumps.
It's all about that neck detail.
I found these in H&M's premium selection area, so not only do they look top notch, but I know the quality will be, too.
Oh, miss Kimberly really popped off with this one.
Wear this with an open neckline to really let it shine…
…like, ahem, this.
If it looks like something I could have unearthed from my grandma's closet, then I want it.
It's not very often that something is as sophisticated as it is easy, but these are just that.
What did I say about winter whites?
Love this sculptural belt buckle.
The off-white shade is perfection.
For all the aspiring art moms out there.
Business in the front, after hours in the back.
Boring flats, who?
The nipped-waist silhouette here is sublime.
Sorry, just one more cape you have to see!
Shades of oxblood are everywhere right now, making these a timely and chic buy.
Basics that aren't so basic.
Whatever you do, don't sleep on Zara's sister brand Massimo Dutti.
The hardware here looks so premium.
More polished than your average tee but just as easy.
Those buttons, though.
Yep, we're in our halter era yet again.
Just wait until you see the back.
Give your black blazer the 2023 upgrade.
Supremely sleek.
Everybody needs a great silk tank in their closet, and that's a fact.
This would look so good with jeans, skirts, and trousers alike.
Nope, nobody will believe it's Zara.
Nordstrom's in-house brand is getting so good.
It's all about this high neckline.
This silhouette is so beautiful.
This entire outfit is such a vibe.