One of my favorite things about European — especially Parisian — style is how effortless it looks. The women there have a way of appearing incredibly polished without looking like they tried at all. And I’ll be honest with you, 9 times out of 10, they’re not wearing designer. You probably haven’t even heard of the brands they’re wearing — and that’s exactly the point.
They’ve mastered the art of affordable luxury: choosing beautifully made pieces that feel elevated, timeless, and personal, without the need for logos or loud trends.
Over the past few years, as my style evolved and priorities shifted, I found myself gravitating toward pieces that looked and felt elevated, but didn’t come with a luxury price tag. I began curating a wardrobe of pieces that looked and felt luxurious, but were actually quite practical to invest in.
While I didn’t call it “affordable luxury” at the time, that’s exactly what I was building — a closet full of timeless staples, elevated basics, and quiet luxury pieces that made getting dressed feel effortless.
An affordable luxury wardrobe will last you years (if not, decades), and will be much kinder on your wallet. If you’ve been wanting to build a closet that feels expensive without spending a fortune, this guide is a great place to start.
Below, I’m sharing essential pieces you need to kickstart your affordable luxury wardrobe, as well as elevated outfit ideas for everyday & travel, and brands I can’t live without.
But first — What Even is Affordable Luxury?
To me, affordable luxury in fashion is about beautifully made pieces that feel elevated, last for years, and come at a price that still feels sensible. Most of the items you’ll find in this article are between $100-$300.
Personally, I don’t believe in spending that much on clothes, shoes, or handbags! The only exception I may make is jewelry, because that’s an investment piece. But even then, I will go for real gold, real diamonds, and will typically visit family-owned jewelers, where I know the materials are high quality.
We’ll get into some of my favorite brands that are high-quality and reasonably priced below.
Looking for brands right away? Jump to My Favorite Affordable Luxury Brands.
Foundational Pieces Every Chic Wardrobe Needs
When I first started transitioning my closet to feel more elevated, I didn’t overhaul everything at once. Instead, I focused on the pieces I knew I would reach for the most, and started there.
For me, that included dresses, trousers & tailored shorts, cashmere/wool/linen tops, satin skirts, tailored jeans, and trench coats. This combination allowed for easy, everyday styling and mix & match.
None of these pieces were trendy or flashy — just beautifully made items I could wear again and again. That’s one of the things I love about affordable luxury. It’s thoughtful. It lasts. And it quietly elevates your entire wardrobe.
Affordable Luxury Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe
Now keep in mind that these are pieces I personally wear and love, but they may not be for everyone. It’s important to take your personal style into consideration when building an affordable luxury wardrobe.
Dresses
I am and have forever been a dress girl. I love the simplicity and femininity of putting on a beautiful dress, styling it with the perfect accessories, and heading out the door.
Recently, I started investing in more high-quality dresses, that are still within reasonable budget. My favorite brands to look for affordable luxury dresses are COS, J.Crew, and Sézane.
I love pairing neutral dresses with pieces from these affordable French handbag brands, and a great pair of shoes! It’s the perfect formula to creating that “affordable luxury” look.
Trousers & Tailored Shorts
Trousers are an absolute staple when curating an affordable luxury wardrobe. I love how they instantly make any outfit feel more refined, even if you just pairing them with a simple tee or tank. I’m obsessed with these brown trousers from Reformation. They give off such a luxurious feel.
In warmer months, I’ll swap my trousers out for tailored shorts. It gives that same polished vibe, just more weather-appropriate. I look for pieces with clean lines, neutral colors, and details like pleats or a subtle belt. Some of my favorite shorts are the one from Aritzia’s Effortless line.
Clean-cut Jeans
Surprisingly, jeans aren’t something I reach for as often as I do with other pieces in my wardrobe! It just doesn’t fit into my personal style as much as tailored trousers or pants do. Nonetheless, I do have a few favorite pairs that I’ll rotate in every once in a while.
The style of jeans that I’ve been loving lately are barrel leg, wide leg, or bootcut looks. I love when you can style a bootie or classy sandals or pumps that peek out just a tad. I’ve especially been loving outfits with white jeans recently, too!
The outfit pictured above is elegant and refined, but there are no designer items that you can see from afar. So It’s quite simple to replicate this outfit with some high-quality affordable luxury pieces. These lowrise bootcut jeans are perfect to pair with these jersey boat neck tops and kitten heel pumps, paired with these affordable luxury bags.
Cashmere, Linen, & Silk Tops
The moment I started investing in tops with high quality fabrics, the game changed. I realized how much better they felt — not just on my skin, but in how they elevated the rest of my outfit. You can take a simple look and it will instantly appear expensive when the fabric moves well and holds up over time.
In the colder months, cashmere knits are my go-to. I swear by this luxury cashmere turtleneck from Nadaam. While yes, this is more of an investment piece, it will last you years and very quickly become one of your closet essentials in the winter.
In the spring and summer, I lean into linens and loose cotton pieces. They both have that ‘relaxed but polished’ Hamptons charm, and instantly add a soft elegance to any look.
These fabrics don’t need to be designer to feel luxurious. You can find beautiful cashmere or linen pieces at accessible price points. One of my favorite places to shop for linen tops and cashmere basics is Quince. Once you add a few key pieces into your wardrobe, you’ll keep reaching for them season after season.
Satin Skirts
Possibly one of the most underrated piece of any closet — the satin skirt. And it doesn’t stop there, satin pants are a closet staple as well! I added my first pair of satin pants to my wardrobe last fall, and I can’t stop wearing them. There are so many outfit combinations you can create with these satin basics.
I love pairing them with a chunky knit in the fall or a simple top in the spring. It’s so easy to dress it up for dinner, or dress it down with sneakers or flats and still feel put together. It’s versatile, elegant, and one of the easiest ways to channel that luxurious feel, all while staying within budget.
Trench Coats
This is one of those core wardrobe pieces that you’ll wear on repeat and keep forever. A classy trench coat is one of those items that will pull your closet together and make everything feel intentional.
I’ve have had my eye on the iconic Burberry trench coat for as long as I can remember, but there is something about spending over $2k on a coat. I can’t seem to justify it quite yet. Luckily, there are so many beautiful, affordable options that rival the iconic Burberry trench in quality, but not in price.
Take the coat pictured above, for example. It is the Sézane Clyde trench coat in Dark Green, and it is absolutely stunning. It has a similar Burberry effect with the checked pattern on the inner lining and sleeves.
Trench coats are my go-to for spring and fall, and they work great as transitional pieces as well. Right now, my current wardrobe includes the Sézane Scott trench in the olive green, and this classic black trench from Mango. The Reformation Matteo Trench in brown check is definitely on my wishlist. All of these coats below are between $150-$370!
Build Your Collection with Thoughtful Accessories
If there’s one part of my wardrobe that instantly makes my outfits feel more elevated, it’s the accessories. I firmly believe that a structured bag, an elegant bracelet, or a beautiful watch pulls any look together, especially one that leans on the more casual side.
When I started focusing more on affordable luxury, I began investing in a few high-quality pieces that felt timeless and could be worn with everything.
I always look for styles that feel resemble high-end designers that I like, but spend within reason. For me, that is anywhere between $150-$500, and a little higher if I am investing in a good quality handbag.
Affordable Luxury Handbags
You’ve probably heard me rave about Le Tanneur before — their Émilie bag (pictured above left) is one of the most-worn pieces in my collection and still gets compliments years later. Polène (pictured above right) is another favorite of mine for understated luxury, specifically the Cyme bag, which I own and love! and if you’re building your accessory collection from scratch, this list of affordable French handbag brands is a great place to start.
Affordable Luxury Jewelry
The same goes for jewelry. I like pieces that feel a little personal — a delicate bracelet, a minimalist watch a unique ring, or a minimal gold hoop. These affordable French jewelry brands are some of my go-tos when I want something elevated but not overdone. And if you’re into statement rings like I am, you’ll love these under-$100 Spinelli Kilcollin alternatives!
Affordable Luxury Shoes That Are Chic and Comfortable
Shoes might be the last thing you put on, but they make one of the biggest statements. They can take your outfit from casual to elevated in a matter of seconds, and when you’re curating an affordable luxury wardrobe, choosing the right pair really matters.
For me, it’s all about balance: the shoe has to look polished, but it also has to be wearable. Living between cities like New York or Paris (or even just running around day-to-day), I’ve learned that comfort isn’t optional, but style doesn’t need to be sacrificed!
In the warmer months, I rotate in classic ballet flats, sleek sneakers, or a minimal block heel. This list of must-have Parisian shoes includes several of my favorite shoes, all polished, all practical, and all under that “affordable luxury” umbrella.
When it gets a little colder, I live in heeled boots. They instantly refine an outfit, whether I’m styling them with satin skirts, denim, or trousers. My go-to shoes for going out or to the office are the Vaneli slingbacks, which give the “Chanel look” without the price tag — elegant, timeless, and surprisingly versatile.
If you’re building your wardrobe from the ground up, I suggest investing in a few pairs of shoes you’ll be excited to reach for every season.
How to Style One Wardrobe for All Four Seasons
One of my favorite things about curating an affordable luxury wardrobe is how easily all of my pieces carry me through the seasons.
I am not one to buy four different wardrobes, one for each season. Instead, I’m all for transitional wardrobes that allow you to seamlessly pair your existing pieces with each other, allowing for endless outfit curations.
Use this guide below as an example. A neutral trench coat works just as well in spring as it does in fall. A breezy linen shirt from summer can be layered under a cashmere sweater in the winter. The magic of an affordable luxury wardrobe is that all of your pieces will be timeless, versatile, and built to last.
In the colder months, I rely heavily on layers that still feel elevated. Think a soft cashmere turtleneck under a tailored coat, boots with midi skirts, and warm neutral tones that make every outfit feel intentional. This winter essentials guide covers the exact pieces I rotate most.
And if you don’t already know, spring and fall are my favorite seasons to dress for. Light layers, mixed textures, and just enough room to mix and match… my favorite! These spring outfit formulas are full of staples you probably already have in your closet, and they are perfect for transitioning weather.
Summer is when I tend to go full “European vacation mode,” so relaxed linens, soft silks, woven bags, and easy sandals. I absolutely love going for an ‘undone but still polished’ look in the summer. This boho-chic trend guide includes a few summer-forward looks that still include pieces you can wear every season!
Speaking of European vacation mode, if you’re headed abroad soon, you’ll love this detailed Europe packing guide with exactly what to bring for a practical, luxurious travel wardrobe.
Brands That Nail the Affordable Luxury Aesthetic
When it comes to building an affordable luxury wardrobe, I do tend to be picky about where I shop. I look for pieces that feel elevated, that will last, and that I’ll actually reach for season after season without feeling like I just dropped my entire paycheck on one item.
Over the years, I’ve found a handful of brands that consistently deliver: beautiful design, thoughtful details, and quality that rivals designer labels without the heavy price tag. These are the brands I wear most often, recommend to friends, and feature in blog posts again and again.
If you’re building your wardrobe slowly, I’d suggest starting with a few staples from the brands below. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once, just choose pieces that blend easily into what you already own, and that you know you’ll wear on repeat.
Here are my go-to brands for affordable luxury
- Sézane – Arguably the definition of affordable luxury. I love their trench coats, dresses, and everyday knitwear. Their pieces always feel special and one-of-a-kind.
- Polène – Minimalist, sculptural handbags that look (and feel) far more expensive than they are.
- Le Tanneur – One of my most-worn bags comes from Le Tanneur. I wrote a full review of their Émilie bag, and it’s still one of my most-complimented accessories.
- Demellier – If you’re looking for handbags that blend structure, softness, and quiet luxury, Demellier nails it.
- Elleme – A Parisian brand I discovered while curating this roundup of French handbags. Their silhouettes are truly unique.
- Louise Damas – A beautifully feminine jewelry brand based in Paris. Their pieces feel like heirlooms romantic, subtle, and made to layer or wear every day.
- J.Crew – Their cotton tees and linen shirts and dresses are staples in my wardrobe. Definitely great for basics that will last you.
- Madewell – Great for everyday denim, shoes, and leather items. I own at least 3 pairs of Madewell shoes and they’ve never failed me!
- Massimo Dutti – This one is a hidden gem if you love clean tailoring, timeless colors, and high-quality fabrics that feel luxurious.
- COS – Their minimalist cuts make them a top choice for chic staples, at a slightly higher investment.
- Margaux NY – The most elegant, wearable shoes that are actually comfortable. They do range on the higher side of affordable luxury, but they are worth every penny. Their block heels are my fav.
- Soeur – A newer favorite. I just discovered this brand, and it definitely rivals Sézane with their beautiful, Parisian-esque pieces!
You can also explore some of my brand deep-dives below
Final Thoughts
Over the years, I’ve learned to shop from brands I truly love. Ones that not only deliver on price, but in quality as well. That is what it really comes down to for me at the end of the day. When you shop with intention, you can build an affordable luxury wardrobe that reflects your style and will truly stand the test of time.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply refining what’s already in your closet, I hope this guide helps you feel inspired to invest more intentionally. With the right staples and the right brands, you can create a wardrobe that feels expensive, looks effortless, and works beautifully for your life.
So what do you think? Are you already curating an affordable luxury wardrobe of your own?
Do you have go-to pieces or brands I should try next?
I’d love to hear what staples you swear by — feel free to share in the comments or drop me a message over on Instagram!
