I'm sure I'm not the only one who has big plans in mind for the second this period of quarantine is over, but I might be one of the few who is actually pre-planning outfits to wear once I'm allowed to see my friends again. To find truly fresh outfit ideas, I always sift through my saved photos on Instagram, and while doing so recently, I noticed that a lot of the looks I bookmarked had a particularly expensive-looking vibe about them. It was clearly my goal to re-create each of these looks in some way or another, but this time, I decided to shop out each item with budget-friendly price tags only.
Ahead, enjoy scrolling through six expensive-looking ensembles that can actually be re-created quite affordably, and I have all the shopping to prove it. With items from some of your favorite affordable retailers, this roundup is sure to encourage you to do a little extra digging the next time you want to re-create an outfit you see on Instagram because trust me: Putting in the work is worth it.
I was looking for a way to liven up a simple white dress, and this look proved that apparently, a gold belt and strappy sandals are all I really need.
Get the look:
I wasn't sure that a laid-back yet tailored summer look was possible, but this easy tank and faux-leather shorts look proved me wrong.
Get the look:
There's nothing I love more than a relaxed, oversize suit, so the second I laid eyes on this one, I knew I had to re-create it. I couldn't find one with this exact dusty hue, but to be honest, I am not hating the bright blue one that I found below.
Get the look:
Any dress that exposes a little bit of my back is a winner in my book. Since it's difficult for me to not wear a bra, I was pleased with this similar(ish) Zara dress that I found that dips only a little in the back.
Get the look:
It's unclear when we will all be back in our offices, but the second we are, I plan on experimenting with expensive-looking color palettes like this one. It's tailored, it's exciting, and it can be re-created on a budget.
Get the look:
This might be an unpopular opinion, but summer leather is a trend that I plan on supporting (hopefully beyond the confines of my own home) next season. This outfit should be able to convince you if you feel differently.
Get the look:
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This FallNext time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
Goodbye, Ballet Flats: It Girls in London, NYC, and Paris Are Prioritizing This Fall Flat Shoe Trend InsteadAnd they're styling it like *this.*
-
Every Fall Outfit I Want to Wear This Year (So Far)These looks are the definition of effortless.
-
Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing This Expensive-Looking Item With White PantsSo chic.
-
No One Wears a White T-Shirt Quite Like a Fashion Person—6 Incredibly Cool Looks to Re-Create NowNothing but chic, effortless vibes.
-
The French-Girl Way to Style Black Capris This FallOutfit inspiration inside.
-
6 Fashion Editors, 36 Summer Buys—Inside Our Summer 2025 Mood BoardsEverything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
-
If I Saw You in Any of These 15 Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits, I'd Think You Hired a StylistNice taste.
