As you might guess from my job as a fashion editor, I'm obsessed with shopping for clothes and accessories. However, I'm very careful not to overspend so I can pay my bills and continue living in an expensive city like New York. To manage everything, I set a monthly fashion budget for myself. I usually start with $275, and depending on the time of year and where else I'm spending or saving, I adjust it accordingly.
I know what you're probably thinking—$275 doesn't seem like much these days—and you're right. Consumer prices have increased by 24% since 2020, according to Bankrate. If I spent it all at Zara, I could get about three pieces, and if I shopped at Net-a-Porter, I could only buy one item. Since I've been building a strong capsule wardrobe for a year now, I'm thoughtful about what I add to my rotation, and I don't need to buy as much because I already have the foundation in place. I usually refresh my basics, buy something new for a special occasion, or add fun accessories to balance out my minimalist wardrobe.
To give you a glimpse into the under-$275 fashion items I've been bookmarking and adding to my cart this month, I've curated an edit for you. Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop the 34 expensive-looking finds that friends, family, and coworkers will think you spent a fortune on.
If I hadn't seen this dress on Zara's website, I would've thought it was from Posse or Faithfull.
These flip-flops never get old.
Zara's latest collection is a 10/10. This textured sweater is one of my favorite pieces because it can be styled casually with elastic-waist linen shorts and a bikini or dressed up with silk pants and a diamond tennis bracelet.
Finally,Replica Store's best-selling pants are back in stock.
Méga by celebrity stylist Dani Michelle has pieces that will take your year-round looks from good to great. I'd style this necklace with a black polka-dot dress or a white tank top and jeans.
This lightweight jacket also comes in black, but the red one with the contrasting black buttons is my favorite.
If your eyes are on the viral Tankair top, this halter tank is the next best thing.
There should be no hesitation in adding these to your cart. They're a true wardrobe workhorse.
TheBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing fashion team can't get enough of these kitten-heeled flip-flops.
I know an affordable yet sophisticated skirt when I see one.
This pair has it all—from the elegant white patent leather to the comfortable low heel and slide-on design.
A capsule-wardrobe essential.
These also come in blush pink and light blue.
Is it just me, or does everyone with cool style own this bag?
I took this on my vacation to Newport, Rhode Island, this weekend and styled it with black flip-flops and a raffia tote bag. I also plan to wear it in the fall with knee-high boots and a sweater.
Come fall, I'll wear the dress above with knee-high boots and a lightweight jacket.
This is such a great draped dress. I guarantee it will sell out by August 30.
Sale alert!
An easy shirt to style with a bikini and shorts or trousers and a clutch.
I'm not saying black pants are out, but chocolate-brown pants look much richer.
A high neck, a low back, and high-quality fabric are the secrets to designing an elevated tank top.
So cute and nautical.
Kylie Jenner can't stop wearing Otra Eyewear's sunglasses.
A simple way to look elevated on a budget is to wear a satin dress or pants.
A tote that features a pop of color and texture will pull any outfit together.
I'm patting myself on the back for finding this top. Flattering button-down shirts are hard to find.
Fashion people are ditching their blue jeans for khaki-colored pants this season. The Malia Pants from Reformation are one of their favorites.
The early bird catches the worm when it comes to shopping for expensive-looking fall finds.
This is the chicest shorts set I've seen recently, and I can't believe it's under $100.
Ben-Amun does it again.
Here's a top worth drooling over. Pair it with the matching skirt.
Simple but perfect.
Style this belt with the skirt above.
I've seen fashion people like Sofia Richie Grainge and Kendall Jenner wear The Row's market tote, which is so chic, but what I love about this Chan Luu version is that it's a bit more elevated and fun with the sequin embellishments. Plus, it costs a quarter of the price.
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Shells! Pearls! Charms! 27 Vacation-Worthy Jewelry Finds Under $75Feel like you're in paradise (even if you're not).
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Stop Attempting to Navigate Zara—I, an Expert, Dug Up All the New Items Worth BuyingTwenty-seven of them, to be exact.
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Keep This Between You and Me: I Just Found a $165 Alt for The Row's Viral and Sold-Out $1300 HeelsYou're welcome.
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These Rich-Looking Pieces Are All Under $100 and Will Transform Your Style Now Through FallAffordable and stylish.
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What If I Told You My Necklace Wasn't The Row, But $38 and Technically a Bag Charm?Yes, I said $38.
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My Mom Somehow Always Finds the Best Items at Walmart—Here's What She Sent Me to BuyYes, I was surprised too.
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Just so You Know, *This* Is the Denim Trend New Yorkers Wear With Loafers (Sorry, Skinny Jeans)And they're on sale right now on Amazon.
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Here's My Amazon Prime Day Shopping List So You Don't Have to Do the DiggingAll the items worth adding to your cart.
