The Expensive-Looking Dress Brand I Buy When I Want to Fake a Designer Look

I'd like to think I have many shopping hacks up my sleeve, but faking an expensive-looking party look is one of my best-kept secrets. Knowing what to look for in terms of materials and silhouettes is one thing, but in terms of brands, there is one I have been gatekeeping until this very moment. The brand I always turn to for those designer-looking dresses is Norma Kamali. No, this brand is not under the radar by any means, but it's one that people seem to be surprised to hear me gush about when they ask for recommendations for a cocktail, black tie, or party dress.
The price points are extremely reasonable with my favorite styles often ringing in at around $175. The dresses are timeless, comfortable (seriously, so comfortable), and always look triple the price. Would I like to splurge on a Versace dress for some of my upcoming holiday events? Of course. But sadly that is not in the budget for me at this time in my life and luckily, Norma Kamali dresses give me the same designer look and feel for a much more approachable price point. Below, I rounded up 18 of my favorite Norma Kamali dresses for you to shop here featuring a variety of colors and styles that are perfect for all your party dressing needs and beyond.
Metallics are finally making a comeback and I am so here for it.
I normally hate shirt dresses, but I love this one.
One more metallic beauty before you go.
Next: I Tried on 15 Pairs of Cult Designer Shoes—These 4 Are Worth the Hype
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
Until It's Warm Enough For Summery White Dresses, This Right-Now Alt Will Be Your Chic Best Friend
The perfect way to ease into cotton and linen.
By Eliza Huber
-
Kate Hudson Talks Rom-Com Beauty, Moon Rituals, and the Good Hair Day Products She Swears By
The actress has partnered with Joico as its first-ever global spokesperson.
By Marie Lodi
-
I Just Saved $360 by Purchasing These New H&M Flats Instead of the Designer Pair I Originally Wanted
Talk about a win.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
10 Who What Wear Editors, 64 Spring Buys—Inside Our Seasonal Mood Boards
Everything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
This Hailey Bieber–Backed Handbag Trend Is Everything to Me Right Now
I need it.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Found: The Only Nordstrom Spring Sale Picks You Need for Expensive-Looking Outfits
These gems are all under $150.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style This Spring
From Prada to Phoebe Philo.
By Eliza Huber
-
These Are the 2025 Versions of Every Basic Your Closet Needs
Bookmark this.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go for These 5 Staples
Effortless outfit ideas ahead.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes