These Elevated Basics Are Guaranteed to Make Your Outfit Look More Expensive
When it comes to putting together an expensive-looking wardrobe, many people get caught up in the idea that the pricer the pieces are, the better. I'm here to completely change your mind. With the right pieces, any closet can look designer, regardless of the price tag. It's all in the cut, the fabric, the fit, and, most importantly, the styling. One type of fashion item that almost always achieves an expensive feel is an elevated basic.
One retailer that is well-known for offering stellar elevated basics that only look expensive is H&M. I recently did a deep dive with all this in mind and came up with a plethora of options that fit the bill—all but one piece is under $100. Below, you'll find a chic selection of sweaters, dressed, coats, shoes, and even bags that will easily give you that rich-girl vibe you seek. Make sure to take note of how each piece is styled for the added benefit.
Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
-
Sorry to My Black Coats, But Chic Women in NYC Convinced Me to Prioritize This Color Instead
From Gisele to Katie.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Only 6 Winter Coat Trends Celebrities Seem to Care About
By Anna LaPlaca
-
So Long, Classic Loafers—It Girls in Every Stylish City Are Wearing This Cool Alternative
Dress like an in-the-know fashion girl.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The Rumors Are True: Peep-Toe Pumps Are Making a Chic Comeback in 2025
Ready or not, here they come.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday Sale
Get a head start with these chic gems.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Nicole Kidman Wore the Easy Heel Trend Every French Girl Wears With Skirts
Great minds think alike.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Winter Outfits—30 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Finds That Fit the Bill
Cheap *and* cheerful.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—30 Elegant Picks I'm Eyeing From Mango, COS, and Nordstrom
These are too chic to pass up.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes