My Dad Asked Me to Max Out My 401(K), But I Bought These COS, H&M, and Mango Items Instead (Sorry)
I can't be the only person whose father insists they max out their 401(k) every single time you speak with them. I swear it's the first thing he brings up during our weekly catch-ups. Usually, I'm happy to oblige, but after my morning new-arrivals scroll, I'm not convinced it's the best use of my finances—at least, not this month. Instead, I'd rather invest in my wardrobe, specifically with the 30 finds I just discovered at COS, Mango, and H&M. Sure, I might be a little bit less prepared for retirement in a decade, but I'll have a rich-looking wardrobe, and right now, that's priority number one.
Ahead, discover the 10 pieces from each of the aforementioned retailers that look far more expensive than they are. None cost more than $250, and the only ones that reach that limit are cashmere aka the material most worth splurging on. Before they dare to sell out, scroll down to start picking out your favorites. Trust me. They'll be worth giving up this month's 401(k) allocation for, even if it means getting that disappointed dad look over FaceTime.
H&M
This belted jacket might cost $60, but everyone will estimate its value to be $600+.
Just wait until you see the matching pants.
Shop the matching Bootcut Dress Pants ($70).
No, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a suede jacket that looks luxurious.
This sporty jacket will look so cool and fashion-forward when paired with an unexpected formal skirt or dress.
These moto boots were calling my name, but I'm not sure my dad will accept this as an excuse.
Mango
The sheer layer makes this dress feel far more formal and rich than a standard slip.
"Need" is a strong word, but it's the only one appropriate when this anorak is the subject in question.
Of course, I need this drop-waist minidress to wear underneath the above anorak.
Peep-toe shoes are going to be huge in 2025. Just you wait.
I know, I know—I own a lot of sweaters, but this one is different than all of those.
Dress for the tax bracket you want to be in, starting with this seriously pricey-looking coat.
As if anyone needed an excuse to buy this east-west bowling bag, it just went on sale.
COS
My wallet hates to see a cute pair of in-stock court shoes coming.
I might not need another pair of straight-leg jeans, but I want them, and that's enough for me today.
World, meet the necklace set to make every one of my boring outfits chic.
The red version of these already sold out. Don't let this gorgeous brown option follow suit.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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