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

Associate Shopping Editor
Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor and model who has recently relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast offices. For WWW, she utilizes her love of personal style to dish out shopping advice to the masses.After graduating from the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism, Chichi moved to Brooklyn and began hustling to make it in the NYC media world. Before landing at WWW, she spent some time at Vice Media Group, where she helped revolutionize Refinery29's plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage and even co-hosted a summer styling series. Prior to R29, she supported Bustle Digital Group's commerce team and freelanced for various publications.Chichi is a multi-passionate, pop culture–obsessed television and music lover who enjoys a good concert and a yummy meal just as much as she loves analyzing cultural trends and throwing together a solid outfit. After work, you can probably find her bopping around the best L.A. restaurants talking about her latest ADHD-fueled hyper-fixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, TikTok black hole discoveries, and theories on the emo-rock music revival).