I'm not going to lie to you: H&M and Nordstrom are usually the places I beeline to when I'm in the mood to indulge myself with a cheap and trendy buy. As I was idly scrolling through their new arrivals and J.Crew's staples on my last visit, I couldn't help but notice all the chic and timeless pieces, especially the pieces that looked destined for a forever wardrobe. With a certain anti-trend, quiet-luxury aesthetic on the rise, these three retailers are taking notes on the growing interest in paring things back and have been acting accordingly.
Once I spotted a few quiet-luxury finds, I searched up and down the sites and found a trove of items that were so chic, so luxurious, and so wealthy-looking that they shocked me to my very core. From the languid cream-toned trousers you'll want to skip your jeans for to the striped knits that will make you look like you just spent time on a yacht, I'm uncovering the best expensive-looking Nordstrom, H&M, and J.Crew finds to buy now and wear forever.
Nordstrom
Effortless but so elegant.
If you told me these flats were designer, I'd 100% believe you.
Whatever you wear this with will be an A+ look.
It doesn't get more iconic than this.
*The* skirt style of the year.
This belt clasp is really something else.
Did someone say mob wife?
Just as easy to wear as your average T-shirt, but infinitely chicer.
I'm honestly speechless.
This micro belt just gets me.
So sleek and elevated.
Wear several of these stacked on one wrist if you know what you're doing.
The Toteme look on a Nordstrom budget. You're welcome.
H&M
Oh, H&M, you really went there.
It's giving YSL.
For the office.
Just so cool.
Bouclé texture is basically a cheat code for looking wealthy.
This neckline immediately makes everything look better.
You'll wear these so frequently that the cost per wear will basically be zero.
The details like the hardware can make or break a trench coat, and this one is especially lovely.
Chic with a capital C.
A work of art.
Like your favorite black blazer, only smarter.
The texture and frayed edge makes this feel so forward.
Those buttons, though.
My spring style goals look like this if you even care.
This silhouette just feels so sophisticated.
J.Crew
My mom has been wearing capes for ages and I'm starting to think she was onto something—the draped look is just oozing with polish.
I'm not saying to go and dump all your hoop earrings, but I am saying these are quite an expensive-looking alt.
Nothing says "we're taking the yacht out this weekend" quite like white cable knit.
I stared at these for longer than I care to admit.
If dressing like you're from the Upper East Side is your style goal, let me present this perfect tweed set.
Pro tip: style them with tights and little heels.
J.Crew just released their best-selling cuff in a new textured iteration and I immediately need one.
The '90s Prada energy is potent here.
Refined yet effort-free.
Very Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-coded.
In case you've been eyeing those viral High Sport pants, I think I just found their perfect affordable alt.
The prettiest flats I've seen in a while.
They're called essential for a reason.
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