3 Things That Make Cheap Sweaters Look Expensive
For the most part, sweaters are not something I love to splurge on. I won’t act like I’ve never spent big on a a turtleneck or cardigan—even I'm not immune to the allure of Alexander Wang, and sometimes sweaters can be investment—but if you gave me the option, I'd much rather allot funds to designer shoes, coats, or bags. Of course, that’s just a personal preference, but I have a feeling some people are in the same boat. That's why today I thought I’d share with you the three things I look for when shopping for sweaters on a budget. Whether the garment checks one box, two, or all three, the below characteristics are all guaranteed to help you look luxe for less. Just keep scrolling to get started.
1. Thick Trims
The added detail of thick or long trimming along the neckline, cuffs, and/or waistband of a sweater has a way of making it look particularly high-end. It's also one of the easiest things to scan for in a store or when shopping online.
Shop:
2. Textures
Cable-knit and ribbed sweaters with texture have a tendency to look more luxe than your average plain-knit versions. They're pleasing to the eye and add another tactile element to any outfit.
Shop:
3. Rich Colors
Aside from black, rich shades such as camel, burgundy, navy, and charcoal make any garment look expensive, and sweaters are no exception. Style them with like colors or, of course, any neutral and you can't go wrong.
Shop:
Up next: I’m a picky shopper, and these under-$100 finds have my approval.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
-
I'm an Experienced Fashion Editor—I Predict These 32 New Arrivals Will Sell Out by Fall
Take my word for it.
-
Millennials Love to Hate These Controversial "Sneakerinas"—Here's My Honest Review
Hot take: I love them.
-
I Style Celebrities for a Living—5 Fall Items My Clients Always Love Without Fail
The ultimate fall shopping list.
-
I Live in Brooklyn and Have Laid-Back, Cool Style—Here's Everything I Want FromReplica Store Right Now
Trust me. These items will sell out fast.
-
Fashion People Are Reaching For Little Beaded Bags Right Now—31 Chic Styles That Have My Attention
From Zara to Fendi.
-
Holy Ref! Holier COS! These 27 Finds Just Got Me So Excited for Fall (Sorry, Summer—I'm Over You)
These buys plus a Gilmore Girls rewatch.
-
I Was Born Before 1990—Here Are the Contents of My Revolve Cart RN
There's something for everyone.
-
I'm 29, and My Mom's 62—If We Both Walked Into H&M Right Now, Here's What We'd Walk *Out* With
Expensive-looking finds for fall lie ahead.