How to Look Expensive Without Blowing Your Budget

If your career, social life, taste for luxury, and overall sense of style are on the up but your disposable income isn’t necessarily following suit, this story is for you. While there are so many ways to look expensive without spending a ton, one simple key to a luxe-looking (and lasting) wardrobe starts with purchasing pieces that feel upscale to begin with. Think textured fabrics, sleek accessories, elevated essentials, chic third pieces, and more things to give every outfit you put together an elevated touch. Luckily, these can be found at any price —we've done the research to prove it, rounding up 14 pieces that will have everyone you know fooled.

Scroll through to see for yourself!

Do you have any go-to stores for scoring luxe-looking clothes on a budget? Share them in the comments!

Opening Image: Shot by Gio

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.