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So You Have an Eye on Everything Designer But Not the Budget—31 Luxe-Looking Finds That Scratch the Itch

By Swedan Margen

So You Have an Eye on Everything Designer But Not the Budget—31 Luxe-Looking Finds That Scratch the Itch
fashion collage of Tylynn Nguyen, Frederika Ekerot, and Mimi Nguyen posing in luxe-looking outfits with pieces like trousers, trench coat, belts, trendy black bags, jeans, and more.

Having lived on a fashion budget for years now, I am well-versed in putting together a wardrobe that only looks expensive. Believe it or not, you can get your outfit rotation to give The Row, Khaite, and Toteme vibes without breaking the bank. With a little patience and with focus on the right retailers you can find a plethora of designer-inspired gems that hit the spot. The proof is in my picks below.

Ahead, you can peruse my handpicked list of luxe-looking finds that are guaranteed to elevate any outfit, along with some visual outfit inspiration as a guide. I focused on pieces that work best in spring and summer, but there is a selection that can be worn year-round. Included are elevated basics, linen pants and dresses, chic shoes, cool belts, stunning bags, and more. Keep scrolling to shop each piece and thank me later.

fashion influencer Tylynn Nguyen poses for a mirror selfie in her bedroom wearing a low-cut black top, black belt with silver hardware, a black east-west bag, butter-yellow pants, and black strappy sandals
AQUA, East West Medium Shoulder Bag - Exclusive

AQUA

East West Medium Shoulder Bag

Tell me this doesn't look designer.

Pleat Front Straight Leg Suit Pants

MANGO

Pleat Front Straight Leg Suit Pants

Madewell, Multi-Keeper Belt

Madewell

Multi-Keeper Belt

A modern take on the classic black belt.

summersalt, The Ruched Backflip

Summersalt

The Ruched Backflip

This swimsuit easily doubles as a chic top.

Cary Heeled Sandal

Steve Madden

Cary Heeled Sandal

Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt

Open Edit

Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt

So many styling possibilities.

Belt-Detail Coated Shopper

H&M

Belt-Detail Coated Shopper

The tiny buckle makes the bag.

Linen-Blend Peplum Jacket

H&M

Linen-Blend Peplum Jacket

This also comes in a rusty-brown color.

501 90s

Selvedge Levi's? Yes, please.

Braided Flats
Drop-Waist Mixy Dress

J.Crew

Drop-Waist Mixy Dress

fashion influencer Fredricka Ekerot poses on a New York City sidewalk wearing black oval sunglasses, a black leather woven bag, white basic top, black belt with silver sculptural belt buckle, beige linen pants, and an oversize trench coat
Taya 53mm Polarized Oval Sunglasses

Fifth & Ninth

Taya 53mm Polarized Oval Sunglasses

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

H&M

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Adeline Tote

A chic way to carry your essentials.

Ribbed Tank Top
Madewell, Triple Metal Keeper Belt

Madewell

Triple Metal Keeper Belt

Wide-Leg Essential Pant in Linen

J.Crew

Wide-Leg Essential Pant in Linen

I want these in every color.

Knot-Detail Flip-Flops

H&M

Knot-Detail Flip-Flops

Gap, Linen-Blend Square-Neck Maxi Dress

Gap

Linen-Blend Square-Neck Maxi Dress

Hello, elegant little black dress.

Heaven Mayhem, Julia Necklace

Heaven Mayhem

Julia Necklace

Gap, 365 High Rise Linen-Blend Trousers

Gap

365 High Rise Linen-Blend Trousers

Another chic pair of linen pants.

fashion influencer Mimi Nguyen poses for a mirror selfie in a store with light blue carpets wearing a black leather jacket, white T-shirt, simple black leather tote bag, straight-leg jeans, and red heeled flip-flop sandals
Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

ZARA

Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Asymmetric Soft Suede Mini Bucket Bag

ZARA

Asymmetric Soft Suede Mini Bucket Bag

Levi's 501 90s Jeans
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

Open Edit

Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

I'll take these in red, black, and white.

Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford

J.Crew

Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford

There's nothing like a crisp white button-down.

Gap, Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag

Gap

Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag

This faux-suede bag also comes in a rich tan version.

Cotton Poplin Smocked-Waist Maxi Skirt

Banana Republic

Cotton Poplin Smocked-Waist Maxi Skirt

This skirt looks so expensive.

Oval Sunglasses

Models and fashion people alike love this sunglasses style.

Gap, Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Ankle Pants

Gap

Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Ankle Pants

These are giving High Sport vibes.

AQUA, East West Medium Crossbody Bag - Exclusive

AQUA

East West Medium Crossbody Bag - Exclusive

Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

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