If I Want My Outfit to Look More Expensive, I Add in One of These 3 Items

A major compliment among the Who What Wear crowd is "that looks so expensive." And, yes, occasionally the jacket, shoes, or bag on display is an investment piece, but more often than not, it's a great-looking item that is surprisingly affordable. These pieces are usually wardrobe basics—timeless, well-made, and in a neutral color—and will instantly upgrade any outfit. 

As social events continue to return to our calendars, we're shopping our closets and a few key pieces to make almost any outfit look expensive (and chic, of course): slingback pumps, camel-colored coats, and wide-leg pants. Fortunately, it's easy to find these elevated wardrobe staples at an array of price points, so if you want to splurge on one and save on the others, then, by all means, go for it!

We've also included some styling inspo to help you build outfits around the standout element. Keep scrolling, and you'll see why adding one of these three pieces to any look will create a more expensive outfit without spending an entire month's rent.

Slingback Heels

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Camel Coats

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(Image credit: @mcristinastyling)

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Wide-Leg Pants

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(Image credit: @annaaborisovna)

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Next, Hailey Bieber's Party Dress Is $1950, But I Found a Striking Dupe for $215

Freelance Writer

Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.