As much as I'd like to fill my wardrobe with best-of-the-best designer pieces, that's not a viable option for a 27-year-old who lives in Manhattan, loves shoe shopping, and has a tendency to buy multiple coffees a day. And yes, I am pretending I don't splurge on a salad and fries every Saturday afternoon like clockwork. Since crafting a closet that allows me to put together outfits on the fly that always appear elegant, timeless, and chic is my ultimate goal in life, I've had to find ways to cut corners, sourcing pieces that aren't necessarily priced like designer but look the part nonetheless.
Since I'm currently laser-focused on adding necessary fall pieces to my rotation before the season begins, I thought I'd share the wealth by offering up a few of the items that, due to their on-budget prices but outside-of-budget appearance, are high on my shopping list. From ivory blazers and pastel button-downs to trench coats and Mary Janes, scroll down for 36 of the most impressive and most expensive-looking fall finds I've added thus far, all of which are from J.Crew, H&M, and Nordstrom.
Nothing says elegant like an off-white blazer.
This isn't like your other tank tops even though it's priced as such.
You can't go wrong with a pastel button-down in any color, but this blue is probably my favorite.
Can you believe these are $60? I can't.
It's surprisingly hard to find good jeans, but I discovered a pair for just $45.
The '80s called, and they said cuff bracelets are back in a major way.
I'm basically a halter-top aficionado at this point.
I feel like you need this. I don't know why, just a guess.
I continue to be shocked that this coat is $90.
The perfect incognito shades.
This is essential—essential.
I could see an Olsen twin wearing this dress with Birks or some Vans slip-ons.
Contrast piping makes everything look more expensive.
Since these are so lightweight, they can be worn daily and dress up every outfit.
It's 1998 in Manhattan, and you're going out to meet friends at the city's newest hot spot. Obviously, this is what you're wearing.
Pretty in pink.
H&M cashmere for less than $150? Say less.
I can see Sofia Richie Grainge wearing this waistcoat.
These Jeffrey Campbell flats look like a designer pair of shoes I've had for ages and adore.
The back is so subtle and sexy.
The voluminous-skirt trend is pure elegance.
An affordable belt is surprisingly hard to come by.
Just pretty.
There's a reason Madewell calls these "perfect."
This color gets me every single time.
Tortoiseshell shades will get me every single time.
This dress is giving me serious Alaïa vibes.
A classic shoulder bag like this one belongs in everyone's fall wardrobe—period.
Perfect for those days when you want to look like you're heading out on the boat, even if you don't have a boat.
Don't hesitate—this gorgeous midi just dropped and is already selling out.
Wait until you see the chic shearling collar.
I'm smitten with these.
I'm not usually a sneaker fan, but these look so luxe.
The tailoring on this vest is elite.
This whole look screams chic.
*Sprinting to checkout.*
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
-
Dresses Aren't Only for Summer—These 35 J.Crew, Reformation, and Anthro Fall Styles Prove Just ThatThe best fall dress arrivals.
-
Wait, J.Crew Is 30% Off Sitewide Right Now—These Are the Chic Fall Pieces in My CartThe fall 2025 collection is so good.
-
I'm a FormerReplica Store Buyer—These Are the 8 Fall Trends I Care About, PeriodFrom an It jacket silhouette to a cool denim cut.
-
My Mom Only Shops at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy for Fall 2025She had me at under-$100 Uggs and Levi's.
-
Minimalism With a Side of Trend-Forward Chicness Is My Fall Vibe—These 32Replica Store Items Will Elevate a ClosetChic. Period.
-
The New Elite Way to Shop Is Off the Grid and Invite OnlyIf you know, you know.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the PartEffortless and elevated is the goal.
