41 Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M Items That Look Like Luxury (Without the Price Tag)
The days of layering on as many fashion items as you possibly can in the name of maximalism are officially over. Instead, I've been noticing a slow but significant shift toward a quieter, more luxurious method of dressing. Think soft, neutral-colored sweaters; exquisite tailoring; pretty, timeless dresses; and accessories you'll own and cherish forever. The only downfall is that with simpler, higher-quality pieces, the prices also tend to rise.
That's where I come in. Rather than diving head first into this inherently expensive trend without any sort of budget, I'm suggesting the 41 items from Zara, Nordstrom, Mango, J.Crew, and H&M that are listed out below. Not only are they all $150 or less, making them far easier to justify, but they also look shockingly pricey, easily giving you the quiet luxury look without the strain on your wallet.
Keep scrolling to shop the anti-maximalism trend that's taking over fashion ATM on a $150 budget from across the internet.
You can never have too many pairs of black trousers, especially ones as elevated and cool as these baggy ones.
Slip these on with everything from a knit maxi dress to straight-leg jeans.
These silver earrings are a staple in the Who What Wear offices. They just add that perfect amount of oomph to every outfit.
Didn't you hear? It's time to start transitioning away from your super-oversize blazers and toward more fitted, hourglass shapes like this one.
The shape and hardware on this shoulder bag make it appear designer-made but with a really affordable price.
Simply put, if you don't have a denim maxi skirt in your closet, you need one. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
A bangle like this one works wonders for every outfit, whether it's a T-shirt and jeans or a long-sleeve dress.
When your outfit skews simple, throwing on bold shoes like this pair can make a world of difference.
Watches scream luxury, but depending on the one you pick, they can look a bit showy. Breda is a great option if you want to avoid that aesthetic at a low price.
Sweaters are essential for this trend, specifically thicker-weave styles in classic patterns and colors like cream, navy, charcoal, and black.
If there's one item you need most to pull off the quiet luxury look, it's an oversize poplin shirt, hands down.
With the hype surrounding Miu Miu's and Prada's leather jackets nowhere near dimming down, now is the perfect time to get in on the trend on a budget. May I suggest this $87 H&M alt?
A pair of sheer tights can make a world of difference in an outfit. Pair them with heels, a black minidress, and a maxi coat for the ultimate lavish look for your next night out.
Statement earrings are a big part of the quiet-luxury trend. Opt for gold or silver styles without much or any color.
There's nothing I love more than a dress that looks lavish but feels like pajamas.
These tie-waist pants are beyond cool and surprisingly comfy given the drawstring waist and baggy fit.
Pair this bag with a simple outfit to let the piece really stand out.
Finding great jeans under $100 is harder than you might think. That's why this $80 Topshop pair is coming home with me immediately.
Pair this muscle tank with a great watch, some dark-wash jeans, and a pair of loafers. Done.
Personally, I'm steering my skirt collection more toward knee length and maxi length than mini.
Snakeskin might not seem like a quiet luxury print, but these days, it's being done in a manner that will put your simple, neutral items to shame.
Everyone has a tan trench, but only those in the know get that a denim one is equally low-key and cool.
Great for work as well as a night out, this gray, comfy dress is as easy and versatile as it is compliment-worthy.
Yes, these heeled sandals, which look like they could easily cost $200, are only $120.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is a New York City–based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and celebrity style. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
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