Small Budget, Expensive Taste: 36 Items I'd Buy to Look On-Trend This Season

When it comes to fashion, I'll admit that my preferences don't quite reflect my available bank balance. I always seem to be drawn to those low-key luxurious designer pieces—sumptuous fabrics, sophisticated silhouettes, elevated styles—that tend to carry a hefty price tag. In other words, I have "expensive taste, small budget" syndrome, and I know I'm probably not alone.
Fortunately, as WWW's associate shopping director, it's my job to test and see every new-season trend and product as soon as it hits the market. You'd be right in thinking I have a running list of trend-forward items on my computer that not only look luxurious but also carry favorable price tags. Today, I want to share some of these trending spring and summer pieces that undoubtedly look expensive and, more importantly, don't cost a fortune.

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the Part
Effortless and elevated is the goal.
-
I Shopped so You Don't Have to—the Ultimate Fashion-Editor Fall 2025 Wish List
It-girl fall has arrived.
-
The Refined Edit: 32 Luxury Finds on Sale at Saks
Starting at just $58.
-
Editor Instincts Activated: We're Grabbing These 18 Fall Pieces Before Everyone Else Does
Run, don't walk.
-
What to Buy for Fall If You Don't Want to Regret It Next Year (or the Year After)
Investments only.
-
The Top 10 Things to Buy This September If You Want Cooler Outfits and More Compliments
Fall shopping is in full swing.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One Pair
Prepare for endless compliments.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 Finds
So, so good.