I Tried on 6 Items That Look Expensive (Psst—They're Under $60)

amazon-picks-290686-1608107942010-image

(Image credit: @katcollings)

Like many, I've seen a major shift in my spending this year. I've been funneling most of my free funds into sprucing up my home, and have been buying fewer clothing items, and largely making do with what I own, since I have fewer places to go.

That said, I still feel the need to inject a little newness into my wardrobe every now again. After all, I can't completely ignore my fashion-loving heart! With this mission in mind, I ordered a little haul from the ever-popular Amazon to see if I could suss out some picks that are easy on the wallet, but don't look it. After trying each of the pieces on, I'm sharing my "keepers" here that look downright expensive, if I don't say so myself. 

amazon-picks-290686-1607469002955-image

1. Shacket $25
(Image credit: @katcollings)

My Review: If you're one of those people who are constantly cold, this shacket is for you. The second I put it on to snap this pic, I was sweating. It's cozy and soft, and I secretly love that I found it in the men's department. The size small was slighly oversized on me, but I could see sizing up even further. For fitting reference throughout, I'm 5'4'' and around 115 pounds.

amazon-picks-290686-1607380872108-image

2. Croc Shoulder Bag $40
(Image credit: @katcollings)

My Review: Wow, they really nailed it with this bag. I love how faux stamped croc can look expensive even at really low price points. I'll admit I own a very similar bag that costs nine times the price, and when these were both laying next to each other, I accidentally grabbed this one when I meant to grab the expensive version, because I couldn't tell them apart at first! Lastly, I'm really only reaching for easy bags I can sling over my shoulder lately, so this fits the bill.

amazon-picks-290686-1607380794765-image

3. Half-Zip Teddy Fleece $29
(Image credit: @katcollings)

My Review: The absolute best quality of this pullover fleece is the softness. I want a pillow made out of it; I want slippers made out of it. It was also a pleasant surprise when I put my hands in the pockets and realized it's a kangaroo pocket that is connected like you often see in hoodies. I love that my hands can warm each other up in the cozy single pocket. I'm wearing a size small, which felt true to size.

amazon-picks-290686-1607380108246-image

3. Off-the-Shoulder Dress $49
(Image credit: @katcollings)

My Review: I didn't know Amazon sold things this chic! I could honestly get away with wearing this to a wedding (one day), because the material is so thick and expensive feeling. The thick material also really helps holds you in. And while it can be dressed up, I also think it looks lovely with a pair of flat slides too. I'm wearing a size small. 

amazon-picks-290686-1607380119448-image

(Image credit: @katcollings)

amazon-picks-290686-1607380720812-image

5. Mock Turtleneck $23
(Image credit: @katcollings)

 My Review: Why does a white or cream sweater always look luxe? I love this one for a few reasons. I like the subtle details like the ribbing at the wrists and hem and the roll neck. Most importantly though, this is not the kind of sweater that pills. I have a pet peeve of spending money on sweaters just to have them pill and look super worn after only a couple wears. I'm wearing an extra small, though I would size up if I planned to wear something under the sweater.

amazon-picks-290686-1607468992640-image

6. Linen Shirtdress $60
(Image credit: @katcollings)

My Review: Linen is one of those fabrics that looks expensive even at lower price points. Just make sure to have a clothing steamer on hand to tackle the inevitable wrinkles that come with the fabric, or honestly just lean into the lived-in rumpled look. I'm not judging! There's something very easy about this dress, which is why it feels perfect for the current times. I also think it would look lovely with a belt, like how I styled it below, if you want to show off your shape a bit more. I'm wearing an extra small, and found it oversized and roomy, just how I wanted it.

amazon-picks-290686-1607468981177-image

(Image credit: @katcollings)

Shop More of My Affordable Picks:

Editor in Chief

Kat Collings has over 15 years of experience in the editorial fashion space, largely in digital publishing. She currently leads the vision for editorial content atReplica Shopping as the site's editor in chief, having risen through the editorial ranks after joining the company in 2012. Collings is a Digiday Future Leader Awards nominee, was named Buzzfeed's best fashion Instagram accounts of the year, and is a member of the CFDA Awards Fashion Guild. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Collings worked on styling projects for brands such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, and Oliver Peoples. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in communications and calls Los Angeles home.