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Lower-Priced Fashion Buys That Only Look Expensive
Enrich your wardrobe with these beauties
(Left to right) NYDJ Faux Leather A Line Skirt in Black; H&M Double-Breasted Coat in Dark Gray; Oma The Knot Bracelet in Gold; Poppy Women’s Vegan Leather Quilted Crossbody Drawstring Bucket Bag in Black; A New Day Women’s Long-Sleeve Button Front Shirt in Cream
Bloomingdale's; H&M; Oma The Label; Walmart; Target
The idea of spending as little as possible to look as expensive as possible is not new. Savvy women have been faking it forever by shopping for designer duds and accessories on sale. However, the “quiet luxury” trend has everyone from mass market retailers to fast-fashion sites opting for a rich look without the boastful logos and initial-plastered prints of the past. Here’s how to get cashmere posh on a cotton budget with six buys that elevate everything you wear:
(Left to right) Uniqlo Women Double Face Long Coat in 32 Beige; Mango Handmade Oversized Wool Coat in Light/Pastel Gray; H&M Double-Breasted Coat in Dark Gray
Uniqlo; Mango; H&M
1. A tailored coat in a sophisticated color
The structure, sharp shoulders, notched lapels and sleek lines of a topcoat level up whatever lies beneath — from the most casual jeans and tees to a flowing midi dress. Yes, it’s fancier than a parka, but think of a structured topcoat as a heavier, more extended blazer that’s roomy enough for layers. It’s your priciest low-cost buy on this list (more upscale versions run anywhere from $500 to $900), but if you love updated classics, have reasons to dress up (work, job interviews and evenings out), a tailored wool coat is a chic investment. Choose a streamlined style (stay away from too many yokes, buttons, pockets, epaulets that clutter the impact) and a length that makes sense for you — knee or midi. Lower-priced coats in neutral colors with a relaxed fit such as the double-breasted Mango Handmade Oversized Wool Coat in Medium Brown, Light/Pastel Gray or Khaki ($230, mango.com/us), the one-button Uniqlo Women Double Face Long Coat in 32 Beige or 30 Natural ($150, uniqlo.com/us) and the raglan-sleeved H&M Double-Breasted Coat in Dark Gray ($99, hm.com/en_us) are actually more wearable than pricier coats, which tend to be overly structured. They send a moneyed message that’s contemporary and right on target. You won’t regret it.
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(Left to right) Nikasha Faux Leather Cutwork Midi Skirt in Brown; NYDJ Faux Leather A Line Skirt in Black; New York & Company A-Line Midi Skirt in Caramel Brown
Anthropologie; Bloomingdale's; New York & Company
2. A leather skirt
Posh personified! While versions in real leather do feel upscale, so do affordable faux leather styles … if you opt for the right fit and length. Avoid those with thigh-high slits, super-clingy pencil-style skirt and minis (all ooze the wrong kind of sultriness), and stick to brown or black in longer lengths — from knee-grazing to midi. The new “vegan” styles have a big-ticket vibe that will please your credit card and an eco-friendly attitude. The only choice to make is between a straight pencil style with pockets such as the Nikasha Faux Leather Cutwork Midi Skirt in Brown ($190, anthropologie.com) or the New York & Company A-Line Midi Skirt in Caramel Brown ($39, nyandcompany.com) or a sleek fit and flare A-line version such as the NYDJ Faux Leather A Line Skirt in Black ($89, bloomingdales.com) with a flat-front silhouette. A tip from fashion editor/wardrobe consultant me: Faux leather skirts are easier to wear than leather pants for those who have been on the fence about the latter.
(Left to right) Old Navy Faux Leather Square Toe Boots for Women in Chocolate; Aqua Large Croc Embossed Tote in Black; Poppy Women’s Vegan Leather Quilted Crossbody Drawstring Bucket Bag in Black
Old Navy; Bloomingdale's; Walmart
3. Textured bags and boots
Regardless of price, embossed and quilted leather accessories simply look more opulent. Though plenty of steeply priced boots and bags are so smooth and spare in design you can’t believe the hefty price tag, those with obvious extra workmanship and embellishment are instantly identifiable as “expensive.” Moc croc and quilting head the list, and they camouflage any small hiccups in quality too. That said, take a peek at the Old Navy Faux Leather Square Toe Boots for Women in Chocolate ($40, oldnavy.gap.com), Aqua Large Croc Embossed Tote in Black ($118, bloomingdales.com) and Poppy Women’s Vegan Leather Quilted Crossbody Drawstring Bucket Bag in Black ($26, walmart.com), and what do you spy at first glance? First-class accessories at coach prices.
(Left to right) Express Skimming V-Neck Long Sleeve Pleated Shoulder Top in Swan 121; Gap Women Tie-Neck Shirt in Stone Beige; A New Day Women’s Long-Sleeve Button Front Shirt in Cream; Anne Klein Women’s Textured Charmeuse Nehru Tunic in Crema
Express; Gap; Target; Macy's
4. A silky blouse in a creamy color
There’s something extravagant and elegant about a creamy blouse or shirt that flows over the body and catches the light with a subtle sheen. Expensive silks in the $200 range tend to be very simple in design, but A New Day Women’s Long-Sleeve Button Front Shirt in Cream ($25, target.com) follows that strategy at a much more reasonable price. Consider other variations in this category from the Anne Klein Women’s Textured Charmeuse Nehru Tunic in Crema ($62, macys.com) to relaxed boho styles such as the Gap Women Tie-Neck Shirt in Stone Beige ($70, gap.com) and draped looks, including the Express Skimming V-Neck Long Sleeve Pleated Shoulder Top in Swan 121 or Ballet Pink 2829 ($25, express.com). Stick to pale tints in the ivory, bone, hint-of-pink range rather than brights and jewel tones since a bonus is they illuminate the skin and add radiance to your face. The only caveat? They must be worn over a seamless smooth bra.
(Left to right) Naadam Women’s The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater in Smoke; Aqua Cashmere Drop Shoulder Cashmere Hoodie in Wheat; Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Heather Grey
Naadam; Bloomingdale's; Quince
5. A cashmere sweater
There’s undeniable cashmere (you’ll know it the minute you slip it on), and there’s itchy “I-can’t-believe-it’s-cashmere” cashmere that makes you wonder if someone goofed on the label. Obviously, there are different levels of cashmere from thick and dense to lighter weights and price points from high to economical. Know that fluffy, warm, soft, delicious cashmere can elevate even everyday sweaters. Lower-priced options include the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Heather Grey, Oatmeal or Camel ($50, quince.com), Aqua Cashmere Drop Shoulder Cashmere Hoodie in Wheat ($198, bloomingdales.com) and Naadam Women’s The Essential $75 Cashmere Sweater in Smoke or Navy ($75, naadam.com). And yes, cashmere sweaters come in a wide variety of styles, including hoodies, wraps and tees, as well as classic crews, turtles and V-necks. Again, choose your favorite neutral wardrobe colors. Pink or bright green may feel festive in the moment, but trust me, beige, gray, navy or camel look swankier. The only danger in swapping your synthetic blend sweaters for cashmere is you won’t go back. Ever.
(Clockwise from top left) Mejuri Organic Pearl Hoops in Gold Vermeil, Pearl; Joeybaby New York Pete Necklace; Oma The Knot Bracelet in Gold; Ross Simons Italian Sterling Silver Textured and Polished Multi-Link Bracelet
Mejuri; Joey Baby; Oma The Label; Ross-Simons
6. Modern classic jewelry
You can’t turn around without seeing bargain cheap cubic-zirconia studs and tennis bracelets these days. Many of these give off a frankly fake rainbow glow that’s anything but diamond-like. However, there are plenty of chic but understated low-priced earrings, necklaces and bracelets that truly do look costly, including the Ross Simons Italian Sterling Silver Textured and Polished Multi-Link Bracelet ($99, ross-simons.com) and the Oma The Knot Bracelet in Gold ($65, omathelabel.com). Refined but simple and so beautifully designed they look triple the price. Pearls — freshwater and organic — are another affordable route to elegance, but skip pieces that mimic family heirlooms and opt for contemporary interpretations such as the Mejuri Organic Pearl Hoops in Gold Vermeil, Pearl ($78, mejuri.com) and Joeybaby New York Pete Necklace ($69, joeybaby.com). Will low-cost jewelry look expensive on you? Other than a too shiny appearance in some gold and silver pieces, weight is the only giveaway to price. Only you will know for sure on that point, so keep it to yourself.
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