When it comes to choosing which affordable items to buy from the thousands of options on the internet, the first question I ask myself is, Does this look cheap? If the answer is yes or even maybe, I remove it from my cart immediately. While I support investing in special designer pieces from time to time, a well-rounded, functional wardrobe is one that contains a good mix of high-low pieces.
Since I shop all day for a living and have spotted quite a few incredibly chic, inexpensive pieces that truly look like designer buys lately, I saved them all to share with you. Among them, you’ll find versatile wardrobe basics and more statement-making pieces to wear all summer and beyond. Believe it or not, everything is under $150. Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop all of the elevated, wallet-friendly pieces your heart desires. Reformation, Zara, J.Crew, and H&M (to name a few of the brands) are all present and accounted for.
Massimo Dutti
Crochet Knit Top
This sophisticated crochet top also comes in black, and I might need both.
H&M shoes never fail to impress me.
I have so many things from Shopbop’s new in-house brand in my cart—including this dress.
Banana Republic
Lightweight Cashmere Off-Shoulder Top
This pretty cashmere top is cool and unique. I’ll be wearing it with black linen pants this summer.
Open Edit
Crepe Capri Leggings
This is such a good pair of capris, and the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
J.Crew
Malta Handwoven Straw Tote
Reformation
Wren Knit Top in Sundried Tomato
It’s so good that you’ll want it in every color—trust me.
& Other Stories
One-Shoulder Midi Dress in Pastel Yellow
Anyone shopping for a summer vacation dress?
H&M
Denim Shorts in Dark Denim Blue
These polished shorts are such a smart buy for summer.
ZARA
50th Anniversary Short Dress
You’ll wear this perfect LBD for years to come.
Nordstrom
A-Line Maxi Skirt
I honestly would’ve guessed this was triple the price.
Jenny Bird
Mini Florence Earrings
The quality of Jenny Bird jewelry is always excellent. I’ve been wearing these particular earrings nonstop.
Massimo Dutti
100% Linen Flare Fit Trousers
These aren’t your typical drawstring linen pants.
MANGO
Knotted-Hem Cotton Top
J.Crew
Gwen Knee-Length Slip Skirt in Viscose Charmeuse in Rich Pear
I just tried this skirt on IRL, and the quality is so good.
Madewell
Flat Studded Western Belt in Dried Acorn
No brand does affordable belts better than Madewell.
Layer it over another polo top for a Miu Miu–coded look.
All of your summer outfits are about to look cooler.
COS
Boat-Neck Tank Top in Ivory Brown Striped
I love that the stripes are brown as opposed to the usual black.
Reformation
Jessie Thong Sandals in Ruby Suede
I’m obsessed with this color and the fact that they’re suede.
Lioness
Workwear Jacket in Ivory
The perfect light jacket for this time of year.
Spanx
Stretch Twill 5 Shorts in Classic Black
I’d wear these constantly—day or night.
Babaton
Record Vest in Nomad Taupe
This vest trend is going in the cropped and boxy direction.
If you need a new white midi skirt, this one is pretty much perfect.
Open Edit
Luxe Sculpt Rib Tank in Pink Beauty
The ribbed fabric makes this pretty basic look pricey.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Twill Classic Sport Cap
We all know the price point on this and that it kind of is designer, but it still looks like it’d be more expensive than it is.
Madewell
The 1997 Denim Bermuda Shorts in Dove Wash
I’ve yet to come across a pair of denim Bermuda shorts I like more than these.
Banana Republic
High-Rise Linen 3-Inch Shorts in Espresso Brown
Just add a white tee and flat sandals.
Free-est
Halo Babydoll Midi Dress in Cherry Tomato
You have to see the back too.
It’s pretty-white-blouse season.
Wilfred
Veil Skirt in Black
Such a pretty, wearable take on the sheer skirt trend.
Mango
Openwork Knitted Jacket
So many pretty outfits will start with this.
Damson Madder
Organic Cotton Midi Skirt in Yellow
Everyone’s talking about this affordable UK brand.