IDK About You, But I'm Upgrading My Basics—30 Expensive-Looking Styles From Zara, H&M, and Nordstrom

Lida wears black tank and beige colored trousers with pointed boots and brown handbag.

(Image credit: @iliridakrasniqi)

We all know how fun a little retail therapy can be. However, the reality is that swiping that card can quickly add up. I am all for investing in solid pieces, especially buys I'll get a lot of wear out of, but a few quality retailers like H&M, Zara, and Nordstrom are stocking expensive-looking basics that are surprisingly affordable. I've highlighted 30 stylish pieces that scream sophistication.

Keep scrolling to uncover lovely staple basics that won't break the bank. From elevated tops that give off a designer feel to simple dresses with unique details, there's a slew of beautiful styles that could be easily confused for high-ticket items. Scoop these pieces up while they're available because finds like these rarely stay in stock long.

Zara

H&M

Nordstrom

Chichi Offor
Associate Shopping Editor

Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor who relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast office in 2022. At WWW, she utilizes over 10 years of editorial experience to dish out shopping advice to the masses and analyze key pop-cultural moments. Chichi previously worked at Refinery29, where she helped revolutionize the brand’s plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage. In her spare time, she’s keeping up with the latest movie releases, enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, or obsessing over her latest ADHD-fueled hyperfixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, the negative effects of bicoastal intellectual elitism, and Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic). You can find her online @thechichio on Instagram.