My Summer Goal Is Polished—30 Finds That'll Get the Job Done for Less Than $150
Every season, I like to come up with an overall look that I can center my wardrobe and outfits around. I have a tendency to get ahead of myself, so if I don't set up some guidelines, my closet could end up going in 100 different directions by the time the season comes to a close. This summer, I've settled on a general theme of polished pieces, ensuring that elegance and sophistication reign supreme in my buying decisions. After overspending in the winter and spring, I'm planning on achieving this aesthetic on the cheap this summer, with every item on my wish list ringing up to at no more than $150.
To get the ball rolling ahead of summer's June 20 start day, I spent roughly four hours scrolling through every affordable retailer, from Zara to H&M to Nordstrom, and handpicking the most expensive-looking and refined pieces from their selections. Ahead, check out 30 discoveries that I believe perfectly fit the bill, from a test-driven $40 halter top that looks way more expensive than it is to Zara eyewear that could easily be designer. And those are just the highlights.
I just got this balconette bikini in cream and love it. The black is next on my list.
Shop the matching '90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($20).
Say yes to capri pants this summer.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
This Is the Chic Bag Trend Fashion People Swear By Right NowBring on the compliments!
-
These 25 Chic Sweaters From Mango Will Be the Guaranteed Stars of Your Fall and Winter Highlight ReelShop them before they sell out.
-
The 35 Most-Wanted Luxury Buys of Fall 2025, PeriodThe It heels, celebrity-approved handbags, and statement outerwear pieces that are defining the season.
-
These 29 Free People Finds Will Sell Out by November 15Everything we're eyeing (and buying).
-
My Mom's 63, I'm 29, and We Both Love Zara and Madewell—Here Are 33 Pieces We're Both Eyeing RNThey're ageless, timeless, and modern.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These Elevated Yet AffordableReplica Store and Old Navy Fall Picks Have My AttentionJust about everything is under $100.
-
Sophisticated Women in Paris, New York, and London Will Be Wearing These Luxury Items All WinterOnly speaking facts.
-
Fashion People Have Been Waiting for the Alex Eagle x J.Crew Launch—29 Chic British-Meets-American Pieces Worth Scooping Up NowWait until you see the sneakers.

