What are some items in fashion that look expensive but are not expensive?

[Anonymous]

What is not expensive but looks expensive? Jewelry, clothing, etc…

[Anonymous]

Op adding - which brands? Share links to specific item as well if you have them.

[Anonymous]

COS and Mango have good knock offs, Steve Madden for shoes

[Anonymous]

I’ve had good luck with quince

[Anonymous]

+1 for Quince. You can also get excellent deals on places like The Real Real or Poshmark.

Wearing natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, etc) will look more expensive than synthetics. Tailoring and correct fit are also very important.

For more specific recommendations could you tell us about your style OP? Are you looking for work clothing, leisure clothing, or both? What size do you wear and are you ok with tight, revealing clothing, high heels, etc?

Personally I would avoid any sort of branded 'status jewelry' as I think it's tacky but plenty of others here will argue it looks expensive. It depends on your taste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1 for Quince. You can also get excellent deals on places like The Real Real or Poshmark.

Wearing natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, etc) will look more expensive than synthetics. Tailoring and correct fit are also very important.

For more specific recommendations could you tell us about your style OP? Are you looking for work clothing, leisure clothing, or both? What size do you wear and are you ok with tight, revealing clothing, high heels, etc?

Personally I would avoid any sort of branded 'status jewelry' as I think it's tacky but plenty of others here will argue it looks expensive. It depends on your taste.

Op here. Both. I’ve just lost 115lbs. I’m 5’3, 145 right now. AA female. I never had a defined style per se when heavier. I do like a lot of the simplistic no label styles today - handbags like The Horse Clementine, basic tops and jeans, Lululemon, Madewell, Tuckernuck, as I used to shop at Chicos when I was heavier but I’m also newly 40.

[Anonymous]

Good job on the weight loss. Congratulations!
As someone who has been there, move slowly to build a new wardrobe. See what you like and what works.

As much as you may want to shed them, consider getting some quality too big pieces altered to fit now.

[Anonymous]

Honestly even high-end brands are selling nothing but acrylic sweaters and elastic waist polyester trousers, so your best bet is to go with what fits you best. I like Madewell and Pistola jeans (on sale), but I get tons of compliments on a wide-leg pair I bought two years ago at Target. For sweaters, I shop TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Nordstrom Rack and use a sweater shaver to keep them looking decent. I'm struggling with athleisure because the quality is so bad across the board...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly even high-end brands are selling nothing but acrylic sweaters and elastic waist polyester trousers, so your best bet is to go with what fits you best. I like Madewell and Pistola jeans (on sale), but I get tons of compliments on a wide-leg pair I bought two years ago at Target. For sweaters, I shop TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Nordstrom Rack and use a sweater shaver to keep them looking decent. I'm struggling with athleisure because the quality is so bad across the board...

Would you recommend a shaver brand? I have this issue and a crappy shaver that cuts threads (replacement for a really old one that worked great).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1 for Quince. You can also get excellent deals on places like The Real Real or Poshmark.

Wearing natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere, etc) will look more expensive than synthetics. Tailoring and correct fit are also very important.

For more specific recommendations could you tell us about your style OP? Are you looking for work clothing, leisure clothing, or both? What size do you wear and are you ok with tight, revealing clothing, high heels, etc?

Personally I would avoid any sort of branded 'status jewelry' as I think it's tacky but plenty of others here will argue it looks expensive. It depends on your taste.

Op here. Both. I’ve just lost 115lbs. I’m 5’3, 145 right now. AA female. I never had a defined style per se when heavier. I do like a lot of the simplistic no label styles today - handbags like The Horse Clementine, basic tops and jeans, Lululemon, Madewell, Tuckernuck, as I used to shop at Chicos when I was heavier but I’m also newly 40.

Go, you! That is awesome.

I’d focus on nice building blocks. For example, a good pair of black pants and jeans, nice boots and ballet flats, a good bag, a longline wool coat. I personally think it’s easier to find less expensive but dupes of good stuff in tops and jewelry.

I agree with the recs to look at Quince. But J Crew, Madewell, Bloomingdales, etc all have good items, too, especially bc all of those stores frequently run sales.

[Anonymous]

Quince is very hit or miss. Here's my experience:

1. Cashmere: miss, pills easily
2. Gold jewelry: hit, looks luxe, long-lasting
3. Leather purses: miss, looks plasticky
4. Cotton Cashmere sweaters (3% cashmere): hit, super soft and last long
5. Stretch Silk: hit, looks luxe, but washable and you can easily steam out the wrinkles
6. Shoes: hit, I have the driving moccasins, look and feel like M. Gemi
7. Pants: Miss (for me). They are suuuuuper high rise, come up to my boobs.
8. Activewear: Miss. The ultra-form feels too plasticky

[Anonymous]

If you want jeans, I've been happily surprised with Levis (I've recently lost 30 lbs so am looking for cheap clothes while I hopefully lose another 20).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly even high-end brands are selling nothing but acrylic sweaters and elastic waist polyester trousers, so your best bet is to go with what fits you best. I like Madewell and Pistola jeans (on sale), but I get tons of compliments on a wide-leg pair I bought two years ago at Target. For sweaters, I shop TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Nordstrom Rack and use a sweater shaver to keep them looking decent. I'm struggling with athleisure because the quality is so bad across the board...

Would you recommend a shaver brand? I have this issue and a crappy shaver that cuts threads (replacement for a really old one that worked great).

NP: I've had issues with sweater shavers too, now I use a sweater stone and find that it works really well.

[Anonymous]

Op, when I was in your situation, I found a couple great dresses at thrift stores and had them tailored. Look for unlined dresses, as a single layer is cheaper to alter than a double layer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Quince is very hit or miss. Here's my experience:

1. Cashmere: miss, pills easily
2. Gold jewelry: hit, looks luxe, long-lasting
3. Leather purses: miss, looks plasticky
4. Cotton Cashmere sweaters (3% cashmere): hit, super soft and last long
5. Stretch Silk: hit, looks luxe, but washable and you can easily steam out the wrinkles
6. Shoes: hit, I have the driving moccasins, look and feel like M. Gemi
7. Pants: Miss (for me). They are suuuuuper high rise, come up to my boobs.
8. Activewear: Miss. The ultra-form feels too plasticky

Thanks for this list! I’ve been on the fence about ordering clothing — although I really like the accessories that I’ve purchased. I just ordered a cotton cashmere sweater, and I have another cotton sweater that I’m considering.