I Won't Go Near Basics With These Cheap-Looking Details

One of my fellow WWW editors recently wrote about why she’ll never buy shoes with excess hardware for risk of them looking cheap. And you know what, it really got me thinking. What I realized is that I actually tend to avoid basics (which is what makes up the majority of my wardrobe) that have very specific design details as well because they skew somewhat cheap to me. To highlight further, I rounded up the culprits that can make staple items like jeans and sweaters feel chintzy. I also shopped out high-end-feeling iterations of each of the basics in question. Oh, and because an expensive-looking outfit doesn’t have to actually be expensive, everything highlighted below rings in under $100.
Jeans
While I like a little stretch in my jeans for comfort, I don’t like excess stretch because the denim can then appear a bit too flimsy and unsubstantial for my liking. My perfect formula is either 100% cotton, or 99% cotton and 1% to 2% elastane.
Sweaters
Thin cashmere sweaters are undoubtedly glorious, but if I’m shopping for a more affordable cotton pick, I tend stick to more heavy-duty, thicker knits. It always feels just slightly off to me to have my undershirt shape show through the sweater, creating awkward ripples.
Blazers
I’m all for a tailored silhouette for an expensive-looking vibe, but I’m not into those super-tight, shorter blazers. A slightly slouchier style that’s a bit longer feels more elevated and modern to me at the moment.
Black Booties
In line with what my fellow WWW editor covered recently, I specifically tend to skip basic black boots that feature shiny accents like studs and zippers that are too in your face. A streamlined style (even the under-$50 picks out there) just feels so much more luxe.
Next, check out more cheap wardrobe staples to buy when you want to look chic.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
Shop 31 of This Week's Best New Arrivals
Buckle up.
-
I Went to Shop the Zara Sale But Got Distracted by These 27 New-In Buys and Never Looked Back
They are too good.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things Around
Effortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
I Just Got Back From NYC, and Now, I Want to Order These 7 Trends From Reformation
My cart is very full.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)
Timeless with a capital T.
-
Let Me Cure Your Zara Fatigue One Chic Massimo Dutti Find at a Time
From summer-sale deals to brand-new arrivals.
-
A Rich-Looking Closet Is the Goal—31 Amazon Picks That Surprisingly Fit the Bill
Bring on the compliments.
-
There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your Attention
I'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.