The days of layering on as many fashion items as you possibly can in the name of maximalism are officially over. Instead, I've been noticing a slow but significant shift toward a quieter, more luxurious method of dressing. Think soft, neutral-colored sweaters; exquisite tailoring; pretty, timeless dresses; and accessories you'll own and cherish forever. The only downfall is that with simpler, higher-quality pieces, the prices also tend to rise.
That's where I come in. Rather than diving head first into this inherently expensive trend without any sort of budget, I'm suggesting the 41 items from Zara, Nordstrom, Mango, J.Crew, and H&M that are listed out below. Not only are they all $150 or less, making them far easier to justify, but they also look shockingly pricey, easily giving you the quiet luxury look without the strain on your wallet.
Keep scrolling to shop the anti-maximalism trend that's taking over fashion ATM on a $150 budget from across the internet.
mango
Sleeveless Pleated Top
The pleats on this top make it so elevated.
Nordstrom
Double Loop Trouser Belt
A good belt really has a way of tying everything together.
ZARA
Zw Collection Wool Blend Minimalist Pleated Pants
You can never have too many pairs of black trousers, especially ones as elevated and cool as these baggy ones.
Charles & Keith
Black Gabine Leather Slingback Pumps
Slip these on with everything from a knit maxi dress to straight-leg jeans.
Jenny Bird
Florence Hoop Earrings
These silver earrings are a staple in the Who What Wear offices. They just add that perfect amount of oomph to every outfit.
mango
Fitted Suit Blazer
Didn't you hear? It's time to start transitioning away from your super-oversize blazers and toward more fitted, hourglass shapes like this one.
Charles & Keith
Duo Chain-Handle Two-Way Backpack
The shape and hardware on this shoulder bag make it appear designer-made but with a really affordable price.
H&M
Denim Maxi Skirt
Simply put, if you don't have a denim maxi skirt in your closet, you need one. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
JENNY BIRD US
Gia Bangle
A bangle like this one works wonders for every outfit, whether it's a T-shirt and jeans or a long-sleeve dress.
ZARA
Off-The-Shoulder Textured Top
I'm loving this deep gray off-the-shoulder moment.
MANGO
Satin Midi Skirt
This slip skirt is beyond elegant.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Jolin Ballet Flat
When your outfit skews simple, throwing on bold shoes like this pair can make a world of difference.
BREDA
Jane Bracelet Watch, 23mm
Watches scream luxury, but depending on the one you pick, they can look a bit showy. Breda is a great option if you want to avoid that aesthetic at a low price.
J.Crew
Emilie Patch-Pocket Sweater Lady Jacket in Stripe
Sweaters are essential for this trend, specifically thicker-weave styles in classic patterns and colors like cream, navy, charcoal, and black.
Madewell
Clean Linen Pull-On Shorts
These linen shorts are casual and chic.
mango
Lattice Design Bag
Braided bags like this one give me major Bottega Veneta vibes.
H&M
Oxford Shirt
If there's one item you need most to pull off the quiet luxury look, it's an oversize poplin shirt, hands down.
H&M
Wide-Leg Pants
You don't even have to ask—the answer is 1000% yes.
Nike
Cortez Txt Sneaker
The coolest dressers I know make sneakers look luxe.
H&M
Biker Jacket
With the hype surrounding Miu Miu's and Prada's leather jackets nowhere near dimming down, now is the perfect time to get in on the trend on a budget. May I suggest this $87 H&M alt?
Reformation
Dusk Knit Top
The high neckline on this top is a small detail but striking nonetheless.
Open Edit
Suited Midi Column Skirt
This pencil skirt is too gorgeous to miss out on.
Oroblu
Different 20 Tights
A pair of sheer tights can make a world of difference in an outfit. Pair them with heels, a black minidress, and a maxi coat for the ultimate lavish look for your next night out.
Nordstrom
Molten Disc Drop Earrings
Statement earrings are a big part of the quiet-luxury trend. Opt for gold or silver styles without much or any color.
H&M
Shoulder-Pad Dress
There's nothing I love more than a dress that looks lavish but feels like pajamas.
Jeffrey Campbell
Fluxx Sandal
Cool doesn't even begin to describe these sandals.
Fifth & Ninth
Chicago 53mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
The easiest piece to throw on and always look good.
ZARA
Midi Dress With Front Tie
Simple yet impactful.
Banana Republic
Sublime Silk Tank
I've already thought up a handful of ways to style this tank.
Topshop
Colorblock Tie Waist Pants
These tie-waist pants are beyond cool and surprisingly comfy given the drawstring waist and baggy fit.
Melie Bianco
The Brigitte Satchel
Pair this bag with a simple outfit to let the piece really stand out.
SKIMS
Molded Underwire Thong Shaper Bodysuit
The fit on this bodysuit is 10/10.
ZARA
Satin Effect Top With Back Bow
Just wait until you see the front.
Topshop
Raw Hem Straight Leg Jeans
Finding great jeans under $100 is harder than you might think. That's why this $80 Topshop pair is coming home with me immediately.
COS
Chunky Hoop Earrings
The chunkier the hoops, the better.
Skims
Stretch Cotton Jersey Mock Neck Tank
Pair this muscle tank with a great watch, some dark-wash jeans, and a pair of loafers. Done.
Pixie Market
Nia White Maxi Skirt
Personally, I'm steering my skirt collection more toward knee length and maxi length than mini.
Topshop
Glyn Snakeskin Print Scoop Hobo Handbag
Snakeskin might not seem like a quiet luxury print, but these days, it's being done in a manner that will put your simple, neutral items to shame.
Avec Les Filles
Denim Trench Coat
Everyone has a tan trench, but only those in the know get that a denim one is equally low-key and cool.
SKIMS
Fits Everybody Mock Neck Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Great for work as well as a night out, this gray, comfy dress is as easy and versatile as it is compliment-worthy.
Marc Fisher LTD
Alonde Slide Sandal
Yes, these heeled sandals, which look like they could easily cost $200, are only $120.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear 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.