Clothes that look expensive, you say? THAT’S RIGHT. Today, I’m walking you through 25 different pieces – starting at only $18! – that’ll make you look like you’ve stepped right out of a Nancy Myers movie. The parameters are simple:
- Classic Color or Pattern: Neutrals are great, and so are desaturated colors (think olive and rust). Lean into simple, effortless patterns like a great sailor stripe.
- Timeless Shape: An A-line skirt. A fit-and-flare dress. A wide-leg pant. A comfortable sweater that’s juuuust big enough to wrap around your palms. There are a lot of great trends out there today – they’re just not in this post.
- Tailored Fit: You know all those experts on TV who say that tailoring makes a huge difference? They’re right. The goal is for you to wear your clothes, not for your clothes to wear you.
- A Little Something Extra: Maybe it’s a sleeve with a little extra volume, a bit of sparkle from a gold button, or a surprise detail on the back…but when clothes look expensive, you can tell that someone put a lot of thought and energy into making a piece look finished.
Ready to see the selects? Let’s kick it off with a tried-and-true favorite from Emily herself…
Starting off with a classic top from one of Em’s new favorite brands, Emerson Fry. (That’s the Puff Isla in Navy above – that color is currently sold out – but you may also recognize this top from some of the photos she shared last week!) Emerson Fry’s India Collection, in particular, is filled with a lot of Ulla Johnson-style blouses at about a third of the price (think $98, not $300).
Your eyes don’t deceive you – this J. Crew-designed sweater is only $18 this weekend. I love this fresh take on a timeless sailor stripe – it’s playful and considered without being loud. It’s a total Goldilocks situation on the fit, too: not too loose, not too tight. Easy to tuck into jeans, but with enough shape to wear it as a standalone piece. (Still can’t believe the price tag.)
Ok, SUCH A PRETTY NECKLINE. This linen-blend midi drapes in a beautiful way – love seeing how great it looks on all the size-inclusive models! – and it’s a great transitional color for fall. Pro tip: as the weather cools (or, uh, if it ever cools), extend the life of your midi dresses by pairing them with a comfy sweater. (I swear by all three hacks in this video – this dress would be a perfect contender for the sports bra method!)
If the designer’s assignment was “take a classic piece, but make it feel a little special”…well, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Formal but not stuffy; sweet but not saccharine; easy to dress up or down – you’ll be able to keep this piece in your closet for years.
It’s really hard to find a simple, timeless A-line skirt these days. And this one comes in navy, lapis blue, vintage khaki, and copper! The styling on the site is to die for, too – total masterclass in the casual/dressy mix. (Highly recommend for outfit inspo!)
LEMME SING THE PRAISES: These wide-leg pants come in standard, petite, tall, AND plus sizes. And there are nine colors to choose from! They’re breezy enough to pair with sandals at the beach, but tailored enough to wear into the office. I have REALLY wide hips and pretty big thighs and they don’t cling at all – they’re a great entry point to the wide-leg pant trend!
Em owns this cardigan, so I’ve had the honor of seeing it in the flesh! (She wore it for EHD’s panel at the Meridian Experience, in case you’re wondering what the contents of my brain look like – just a catalogued encyclopedia of my boss’ outfits, like all normal employees.) To quote the boss herself, it REALLY is a “simple but special” piece – there’s a timeless silhouette, but it just looks so luxe and refined in person.
How tailored and chic is this little mini dress? Pair with thick, warm tights in the winter or with your finest gold jewelry and cute sandals in the summer.
These relaxed-fit chinos come in seven colors (praise be!) and are a great little upgrade for those of us who find ourselves pulling on the same two pairs of jeans every day. I love the olive color – it’s vibrant and cheery – but the pink is SO CUTE for anyone who is currently embracing their inner Barbie.
OMG. LOOK AT THAT WOMAN. Tell me she does not look like she should be on a boat, or chairing an event, or holding court over the most refined brunch you’ve ever imagined. This sweater comes in a 3XS-3XL (and there are solid versions for $128, if stripes aren’t for you).
The drape on the sleeve? The way that front falls? It’s SO PRETTY. (And again, how refreshing is it to see a size 12 model?) This comes in a few prints and patterns, but the solid white and the solid black are the two choices that look expen$$$ive.
OOPS MY HAND SLIPPED AND I BOUGHT THIS (In antique white). I’m always a fan of a good cable knit or fisherman sweater, but the good ones always get really picked over by the time I’m ready to buy – not this year, though!!! Size up for a loose fit that’s reminiscent of this model, or grab your regular size for a throw-on-and-go sweater with a little extra ~pizazz~.
There aren’t many (or, like, any) things I wish I still had from my college wardrobe, but I’ve ALWAYS regretted giving away my navy pleated midi skirt. It was so easy to style – it looked particularly great with all my jewel-toned tops and sweaters – but it was also easy to dress up, like in the images above. There’ve been so many moments over the past 13 years where I wished I had a skirt like this back in my closet – it’ll become a staple piece for you in no time, I promise!
The woman who buys this type of top intimidates me. IT’S SO FREAKIN’ CLASSY. I picture you working in a high-rise corner office, living the type of life that deserves to be captured in some sort of HBO mini-series. If I’m in a crisis situation, I’m absolutely taking orders from the woman in a clean, refined, knit tank. It just gives off a powerful vibe, don’t you think?
UM, I’M SORRY, THIS IS SO CUTE. Who gave Target the right to make such sweet dresses??? If you told me Reformation was selling this for $250, I would believe you! I love the construction of the top and the length is perfect for transitional wear. (Catch me using the hack I shared earlier to wear that white cable sweater on top of this dress later in the fall!)
I love a great two-for-one deal (don’t you?) and this set can take you straight from summer and into fall and winter. Wear them apart! Wear them together! Grab two (it comes in a light gray, dark gray, and a really pretty taupe-y neutral) and mix and match! However, you slice it, it’s a great deal on some high-quality, easy-to-wear basics.
The collar. The texture. The sleeves that have volume, but aren’t too balloon-y. AND DID YOU SEE THE BACK?! I’ve said it before, but Alex Mill is really channeling the 2008-2010 J. Crew look that captivated the world. They’re putting their own stamp on some refined silhouettes and they make getting dressed feel fun. Big fan of this cutie. 🙂
Ah, yes, the relaxed cousin of the turtleneck tank. The price point is great here – especially for Reformation! – but the ribbed knit and square neck make this top feel a lot more elevated and polished than a more traditional jersey tank.
The person who wears this kind of skirt chooses a side salad at lunch (because she genuinely likes vegetables). She has a garden at home, and it’s FLOURISHING. She does her skincare routine every night. She threw this skirt on and she looks amazing. (Some clothes just have a VIBE, don’t you think?)
Nothing says, “I’m a chill, casual, effortlessly stylish gal” like an understated pair of white sneakers…and these are a great option. The branding is subtle but cool – you won’t feel like a walking advertisement, but it also feels great when someone recognizes your Vejas. (I’ve had a pair since 2016 that always get compliments from the coolest and best-dressed women, I swear.)
Something about this shape just looks expensive – like an art director or a gallery owner in NYC should be wearing it. I love the sleeve, the waist-cinching detail, and the simple flare of the skirt.
I mean, the idea of the trench coat has been shoved down our throats since birth. (Do you also remember being a kid and reading that trench coats were, like, the epitome of fashion? It was in EVERY MAGAZINE, I swear!) To that end, though…maybe all those writers were on to something? The trench is such a simple way to dress up any outfit – it just adds a layer of polish
I’m a sucker for an oversized striped button-down – I have three hanging in my closet, and a few more in the laundry basket right now – but this navy and white option is a great choice for those who want something a little timeless and charming. I love the horizontal stripe detail on the cuff and back, too.
OMG. Can you believe that you, too, could look THIS elegant for $130? What a show-stopping wedding guest dress this would be – and you DON’T EVEN NEED TO PAY FOR DRY CLEANING. It’s the trifecta: a tasteful length, a comfortable neckline, and THAT BACK. This woman looks like a million bucks and SHE KNOWS IT.
Obsessed with the weave, drape, and oversized collar on this zip-up sweater. I’d pair it with some leggings for my grocery store run – it’s perfect for the days that you want to be lazy, but you also want to look like a functioning member of society. It also comes in navy, if this color is a little too warm for you!
THAT’S IT FROM ME. Here’s to all of us feeling a little more like a Nancy Myers character without totally breaking the bank. Have the best weekend – come back tomorrow for a VERY EXCITING new YouTube video.
PS. If anyone wants to debate, I am an ardent believer that The Parent Trap has the best-dressed cast of all time. Every single character nails the “effortless-meets-expensive” vibe and nothing is dated or trendy (seriously, do you remember these outfits?!). Do you agree? Disagree? THOUGHTS?
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal And All My Thoughts And Feelings About It
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
