29 Affordable Clothing Pieces That Look Expensive

Buzz Feed

18-06-2025

A pair of sneakers that are serving serious Adidas Samba vibes — minus the $100 price tag. With a rubber outsole for grip and breathable mesh lining to keep your feet cool, these are the shoes you'll throw on for coffee runs, wandering the flea market on a sunny Sunday, or that one casual date where you want to look effortlessly cool. (Because yes, they go with literally everything.)
An embroidered gown if you've ever wanted to wear a Lirika Matoshi, but recoil at the $400 price. Its dreamy tulle, floral detailing, and puff sleeves will have heads turning when you're tearing up the dance floor at your friend's wedding. Plus, the lace-up back lets you customize the fit, while the built-in bra keeps things comfy.
A sleeveless halter bodysuit so you don't have to splurge on one from Zara or Skims. This versatile piece goes with everything, and I mean everything: shorts, skirts, jeans, sweatpants, leggings, you name it. And it's slightly compressive (similar to shapewear), but without being too restrictive! Honestly, you might just want to stock up on a few colors now.
A strapless, drop-waist maxi dress that's basically a dead ringer for that $120 Abercrombie one — just way easier on your wallet. It's got pockets (yes, real ones), silicone lining up top so it actually stays put, and a breezy fit that makes it perfect for hot, sticky weather.
An affordable longline sports bra made from a very soft, stretchy material that's pretty similar to the Lulu Align tank. It's quickly become a staple in a ton of reviewers' wardrobes (with 30,000 5-star ratings to prove it), and many say they don't even wear a bra with this because of the supportive padding. It's so good, people are snagging it in different colors — and you'll probably want to as well. 😉
And a pair of lightweight legging-style joggers to complete your Lulu look. And just like the Lulu ones, these are breathable with a wide waistband for maximum comfort. You can wear them to work out, run errands, or just lounge in!
A striped sweater set that not only feels like your favorite blanket but also looks straight out of a high-end boutique. The oversized top and high-waisted knit shorts are soft, breathable, and just structured enough to pass for "I tried" when you definitely didn't. It's the kind of set you throw on for a lazy Sunday, but decide it's stylish enough to wear out to brunch.
An A-line midi dress with the same corset back as the House of CB version — but this is about four times cheaper! Now, you can live your cottagecore dreams in this Pinterest-perfect dress without spending a large chunk of your paycheck.
A pair of knee-high boots that'll have people ooh-ing and ahh-ing, thinking you spent hundreds of dollars on the Staud Wally ones. But, no — you were smart and snagged an almost identical version for well under $100.
A spandex-blend slip maxi dress if you've always wanted to try the Skims version but just don't have the budget for it. It's soft and breathable, and some reviewers even like it more than Skims! It's the kind of dress you throw on for a last-minute date and somehow end up looking like you had it planned all week.
And a scoop neck top that's also giving Skims a run for their money. It's super soft with the perfect amount of thickness and stretchiness, making it the perfect versatile staple for your closet.
A gorgeous open-back dress with a smocked bodice, ruffled bottom, and light, flowy fit that looks like something a mermaid would wear in human form. It's similar to dresses you'd find in a fancy boutique, and it's so breezy and swishy that you won't be able to resist twirling around.
Cushionaire slides that you don't have to break in (I'm looking at you, Birkenstocks) — the flexible cork footbed and cushioned insole means that they are comfortable right out of the box! But if you don't believe me, look at the over 50,000 5-star ratings...and over 1,000 reviews comparing the support to Birks.
A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings made with a stretchy, buttery-soft fabric reviewers compare the quality to Lululemon's Align! If you've been looking for affordable, dependable leggings you can comfortably wear to the gym, running errands, and relaxing at home, then your search is over!
Plus, a pair of popular cross-waist leggings that are lightweight, buttery soft, and stretchy — just like the Aerie ones, but without the Aerie price. These went viral for being an elevated version of the classic yoga pant thanks to the cute slits at the bottom and, of course, the iconic V-shaped waistband with a hidden pocket.
A ridiculously comfortable oversize hoodie you might as well call your second skin, considering you'll never want to take it off. Reviewers love how it's warm without feeling stuffy and compare the quality to brands like Aritzia and Skims.
A seamless shapewear bodysuit because Skims can be pretty pricey and this one comes impressively close to the OG in both quality and fit — all without making your wallet weep. It's made from thick, supportive fabric with four-way stretch and offers just the right amount of compression without feeling restrictive.
A waffle weave "shacket" that's just as stylish as the one from American Eagle. It's the kind of thing you'll be glad to have when the sun sets and suddenly everyone's pretending they're not cold, while you're snuggled up in this.
A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes with the same elegant silhouette and pleated bow as those $$$ Loeffler Randall heels you've been eyeing. 👀 Reviewers have worn them to prom, weddings, engagement parties — one said they even wear them to church — so it's safe to say you'll definitely get more than your money's worth out of these.
A pair of beloved stretchy faux-leather leggings that'll get you the chic leather pant look without the stuffy, constricting feeling. They'll be a huge lifesaver when your friend texts 'dress cute' before dinner and you've got 12 minutes to figure it out. They're comfy, sleek, and way more versatile than they have any right to be.
A leopard-print slip skirt because the runway version is simply too much money. It's one of those rare pieces that somehow works for every occasion. The bias cut gives it the perfect drape, and the elastic waistband means it's as comfy as it is stylish.
A ribbed button-up tank people will definitely think you got from Abercrombie & Fitch. It's the kind of elevated basic that turns a quick errand into a mini fashion moment — so don't be surprised if a stranger asks where you scored it while you're sipping your coffee.
A cropped ruffled blouse with a tie in the back and (what I like to call) cottagecore sleeves. It looks great with all kinds of bottoms and even layered under a corset for the full fairytale look. The expensive boutiques that sell essentially the same shirt have some competition 👀.
A pair of faux leather shorts for when a last-minute concert invite lands in your lap and you want to look effortlessly cool without stressing about your fit. The waist has adjustable strings, and the pockets are deep enough to hold a cellphone! If you want, you can lie and tell people you got these from Zara (we won't tell).
A vintage-inspired bustier that looks like it's from House of CB, but nope! — good ol' Amazon. It's the top you pull out when you're headed to a friend's birthday dinner and want something that feels special without turning into a whole production.
A pair of running shorts so you can save money *not* splurging on the Lululemon, Nike, or Under Armour versions. These are made from a soft, breathable fabric and have a thick, stretchy elastic waistband, and zippered pockets big enough to hold your phone, cards, and keys.
A high-quality oversize cropped puffer jacket that has the Aritzia version shaking in its boots. It has insulation to help keep you toasty, elastic cuffs to help keep cold air out, and an adjustable waist drawstring so you can adjust the fit. Normally you'd have to spend some serious cash money for a coat this good, but this beauty is an exception!
A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt just perfect for cute athleisure 'fits. It has a sturdy elastic waistband so you don't have to keep pulling it up throughout the day *and* secret pockets built into the attached shorts.
A fuzzy loungewear set with a matching top, pants, and cardigan, i.e. the perfect cozy outfit for relaxing indoors on chilly days. Reviewers say the material is soft and stretchy, making it *very* comfortable — many even compare the quality to Skims!