Everyone Will Think You Spent a Fortune on These 34 Under-$275 Fashion Finds

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.

ZARA

Contrast Trim Midi Dress

If I hadn't seen this dress on Zara's website, I would've thought it was from Posse or Faithfull.

Madewell

Greene Flip Flops

These flip-flops never get old.

ZARA

Textured Knit Sweater

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.

Open Edit

The Curator Trousers

Finally, Nordstrom's best-selling pants are back in stock.

MÉGA

Disc Enameled 14k Gold Vermeil Necklace

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.

Massimo Dutti

High Neck Bomber Puff Jacket

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.

Open Edit

Tori Kitten Heel Sandals

MANGO

Midi-Skirt With Frayed Ends

I know an affordable yet sophisticated skirt when I see one.

Jeffrey Campbell

Frame Sandals

This pair has it all—from the elegant white patent leather to the comfortable low heel and slide-on design.

A capsule-wardrobe essential.

Bardot

Alira Balloon Pants

These also come in blush pink and light blue.

Jenni Kayne

Raffia Isla Bag

Is it just me, or does everyone with cool style own this bag?

Free People

Me and You Midi Slip

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.

COS

Asymmetric Draped Midi Dress

This is such a great draped dress. I guarantee it will sell out by August 30.

Jeffrey Campbell

My Weave Flats

ZARA

Striped Poplin Shirt With Wide Sleeves

An easy shirt to style with a bikini and shorts or trousers and a clutch.

MANGO

Lyocell Wide Leg Pants

ST. AGNI

Organic Cotton-Jersey Top

A high neck, a low back, and high-quality fabric are the secrets to designing an elevated tank top.

Reformation

Carolina Silk Skirt

Otra Eyewear

Hazel Sunglasses

Kylie Jenner can't stop wearing Otra Eyewear's sunglasses.

& Other Stories

Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress

A simple way to look elevated on a budget is to wear a satin dress or pants.

EUGENIA KIM

Chelsea Leather-Trimmed Crochet Tote

A tote that features a pop of color and texture will pull any outfit together.

& Other Stories

Tapered Shirt

I'm patting myself on the back for finding this top. Flattering button-down shirts are hard to find.

Reformation

Malia Mid Rise Wide Leg Pleated Trouser Pants

Fashion people are ditching their blue jeans for khaki-colored pants this season. The Malia Pants from Reformation are one of their favorites.

& Other Stories

Suede Penny Loafers

The early bird catches the worm when it comes to shopping for expensive-looking fall finds.

ALL THE WAYS

Jillian Short Set

This is the chicest shorts set I've seen recently, and I can't believe it's under $100.

Ben-Amun

Riviera Silver-Tone Necklace

Massimo Dutti

Crepe Top With Cowl Neckline

Madewell

Fluted Midi Skirt in Tile White

Style this belt with the skirt above.

Chan Luu

Recycled Market Bag Bronze Stripe

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.