3 Cheap(ish) Elevated Finds That Will Make Your Closet Look More Expensive

Jump to category:
Jennifer Camp Forbes's avatar
By
published
in Buying Guides

fashion collage of three style influencers including Taffy Msipa, Anne-Laure Mais, and Debora Rosa wearing chic outfits with elevated basics

(Image credit: @taffymsipa; @annelauremais; @deborabrosa)

No matter the season, I am always striving to bring my outfits to the next level without breaking the bank. As a fashion editor and professional shopper I've learned how to pull this off without stress. When piecing together an elevated rotation of outfits, some affordable rich-looking pieces can do much of the heavy lifting with very little effort. Whenever I come across a standout while shopping, adding it to my cart is a no-brainer.

This winter there are three key pieces that I have my eye on that get the job done: sleek trousers, a polished long coat, and chic pieces with a built-in scarf. Thankfully, the selection across my favorite retailers is abundant in the under-$150 range. Keep scrolling to shop my top picks across these three elevated categories that are guaranteed to make your closet look more expensive.

Sleek Trousers

British fashion style influencers Taffy Msipa looking at pastries at a cafe wearing a chic outfit with an oversize red sweater, black trousers, and heeled boots

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

A sleek trouser is an instant way to elevate any look. Pair your favorite style and color with everything from sweaters and blazers to a basic T-shirt.

Shop Trousers:

Polished Long Coats

French fashion influencer Anne-Laure Mais posing in her Paris apartment wearing a long black coat, basic white tee, black belt, tan pants, brown tote bag, and black shoes

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

A long coat in a black, gray, or neutral hue, has the power to transform even the most casual of looks into an ensemble with an undeniably rich-looking feel.

Shop Long Coats

Pieces With Built-In Scarves

fashion influencer Debora Rosa crossing the street wearing a hair claw clip, black oval sunglasses, a sleeveless gray sweater with a built-in scarf, black belt, black trousers, Hermes bag, and black moccasin loafers

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

I don't know what it is about a built-in scarf, but, to me, it just looks so effortless with a coat or sweater. Not to mention that the style is incredibly convenient on a chilly day.

Shop Pieces With Built-In Scarves

Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.

Latest
  • Fall fashion
    2025 Fall Shopping Trends According to Our Editors

    Faux fur is back.

  • Victoria Beckham White Eyeliner
    Not Mascara, Not Eye Shadow: This Overlooked Product Makes Your Eyes Look Mesmerizing AF

    Lady Gaga is a fan.

You might also like
View More ▸