Shopping·12 min read

Clothing and Accessories That Only Look Expensive

Clothing and Accessories That Only Look Expensive
Design: theSkimm | Images: Aritzia, Anthropologie, Amazon, Mejuri
October 15, 2025

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This holiday, don't break the bank to treat a loved one to a luxurious gift. Instead, check out our list of clothing and accessories that look expensive, without the hefty price tag. We’ve found affordable gifts that pack a major style punch — like dazzling tennis bracelets and trendy bags — as well as elevated basics they’ll be wearing for years. Tell them to make room in their closet.

Need more gifts? Shop all of our holiday gift guides here.

LILIE&WHITE Adjustable Teardrop Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet Gold Bangle Bracelet Chunky Open Cuff Bangle Bracelets for Women
LILIE&WHITE

A shiny gold cuff bracelet…

Upgrade their bracelet stack with this gold teardrop-style bangle. Although chunky in appearance, it’s lightweight and easy to slide on and off the wrist. The glistening mirror sheen adds an eye-catching detail to any casual or elevated outfit.

$19.99, Amazon
rollneck sweater
Banana Republic

An oversized sweater with retro touches…

‘Tis the season for cozy knits. This oversized sweater has subtle vintage details we all love, like a comfy roll-neck and bold, horizontal stripes. While the knit is roomy, the heavyweight cotton adds a chic drape.

$120, Banana Republic
black top
Aritzia

A one-shoulder top designed for social events…

Holiday parties and dinner dates, here we come. Aritzia is always our go-to for trendy statement tops, and this figure-hugging top is the crème de la crème. The twist detail provides a bit of oomph and adds support to the one-shoulder look, while the luxe contour fabric has a smoothing effect.

$58, Aritzia
pajamas
Old Navy

A soft poplin pajama set with a cult following…

Don’t give your loved one just any pajamas this year. Present them with a striped design beloved by countless Old Navy shoppers. Reviewers say that the breathable set only gets better with each wear, and will still hold its shape after multiple washes. Even better, the cotton poplin material is suitable to wear no matter the season, whether you’re lounging by the fireplace in winter or napping in summer.

$49.99, Old Navy
sweater tank
Abercrombie & Fitch

A statement-making sweater tank top…

Who says you can’t wear tank tops in winter? Spruce up their collection of basics with this slim-fitting knit tank. The ribbed stitching makes it a casual piece to wear with jeans, while the asymmetrical button closure and contrast stitching delivers a subtle chic factor.

$60, Abercrombie & Fitch
Swarovski Women's Emily Collection Bracelet, Brilliant Clear Crystals with Rhodium Plating
Swarovski

An elegant tennis bracelet with a price that’s too good to be true…

Tennis bracelets can easily cost over a thousand dollars, but this Swarovski option costs under $100 — though you’d never know it by the sparkling stones and high-quality construction. The rhodium-plated bracelet is designed to last for ages, making it an heirloom-worthy piece.

$87.79, Amazon
Anne Klein Women's Bracelet Watch
Anne Klein

An elegant gold watch…

They won’t be able to stop admiring this refined gold watch (and you won’t believe the under-$40 price tag). With its rectangular face, glossy black dial, and gold-tone hands and markers, it’ll add a sophisticated touch to any outfit.

$32.99, Amazon
PAVOI 14K Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Post Teardrop Chunky Hoop Earrings - Lightweight Drop Rose Earrings for Women - 22mm Designer Dupe
PAVOI

A pair of chunky teardrop earrings…

When in doubt, get something from Pavoi. This editor-favorite brand has so many stylish pieces, but these teardrop earrings are a bestseller. With their trend-forward, chunky silhouette, they’re appropriate for both daily wear and special events.

$13.95, Amazon
earrings
Mejuri

A pair of delicate hoop earrings…

Mejuri is another of our go-to brands for affordable, high-quality jewelry. If you’re been in the market for hoop earrings with a little more sparkle, consider these delicate hoops with luminous topaz. The topaz stones are suspended from an 18-karat gold vermeil hoop, designed for longevity.

$98, Mejuri
barette
Emi Jay

A tortoiseshell barrette that exudes quiet luxury…

Tortoiseshell anything is guaranteed to have that luxury appeal, and this affordable, oversized barrette is a chic alternative to your basic claw clip. The various acetate barrettes are decorated with rhinestone shapes like hearts, butterflies, and flowers for a playful touch.

$29, Emi Jay
cardigan
Gap

A polished cotton cardigan to style year-round…

You can never have too many knits, and this one from Gap has all the makings of a classic piece. It’s made from soft, 100% cotton they’ll find themselves gravitating toward. With its boxy fit, ribbed collar and hem, and tortoiseshell buttons, this cardigan will surely become a wardrobe staple.

$69.95, Gap
Timex Women's Cavatina 19mm Watch - Brown Strap White Dial Gold-Tone Case
Timex

A vintage-style oval watch…

Surprise your vintage-loving friend with an antique-looking timepiece. Timex’s Cavatina watch is only a little more than $100 and has a thick gold oval profile accented with a slim, crocodile leather strap. The watch is especially perfect for people who have trouble finding watches for small wrists — the calfskin leather doesn’t require taking out links.

$94.86, Amazon
Freekiss Gold Herringbone Necklace for Women: Layered Chain Necklaces Dainty 14k Gold Plated Snake Cuban Rope Choker Necklace Stack Simple Chunky Womens Jewelry Gift
Freekiss

A herringbone necklace to wear alone or layered…

For an immaculate layered necklace look, opt for this gold herringbone necklace. The intricate piece is the first step in achieving that perfect stacked appearance. The versatile style can also be worn solo, thanks to its simple yet chic design.

$16.99, Amazon
handbag
Anthropologie

A mini bag with more room than you’d expect…

This mini version of Anthropologie’s cult-favorite Love Knot bag would look adorable looped around their elbow. The tiny tote has enough space for all the necessities, like a phone, wallet, lip gloss, and hand sanitizer, with a removable zip pouch for extra space. It has a snap closure with an adjustable buckled strap for additional comfort.

$68, Anthropologie
silk scarf
Madewell

A versatile silk bandana…

You’d be surprised at how many ways you can style a bandana. Wrapped around the handle of a handbag, tied around your hair or neck, a beach cover-up, or the latest celebrity go-to: threaded through your belt loop. Interested? Where most silk bandanas can easily reach into the hundreds, Madewell’s 100% silk bandana is a steal at under $70.

$68, Madewell
bracelet
Kate Spade Outlet

A knotted gold bangle…

This one-and-done bracelet has all the impact of a full stack. The sailor’s knot design is elegant enough to stand on its own, though it would complement any other bracelets beautifully.

$40, Kate Spade Outlet
cardholder wallet
Coach

A compact cardholder to hold all their essentials…

If you have a loved one who always seems to lose their cards, do them a favor and get them this sleek Coach cardholder. The accessory includes four card slots, an expandable zip pocket, and features a detachable card case with a space for your primary card. Who knew staying organized was this stylish?

$125, Coach
shoulder bag
Melie Bianco

A shoulder bag with a modern shape…

This small yet spacious bag has a unique, curved top that fits seamlessly against your body. The long, looped double handles also have that contemporary feel while making the bag easy to carry — whether you’re holding it in the crook of your arm or over your shoulder.

$125, Melie Bianco
belts
Free People

A one-of-a-kind studded belt offered in various colors…

Free People is home to all our favorite boho-chic accessories, and this studded belt is one of them. It adds just a hint of edge to any outfit, and with the soft leather grain makes each one slightly different from the rest. Choose from the 15 neutral to pigmented shades for your new accent piece — you can’t go wrong with any pick.

$48, Free People
leather shoulder bag
Quince

A sought-after crescent shoulder bag…

The search for a high-quality yet budget-friendly crescent bag is over. This '90s-style crescent bag will have you fawning over the pebbled Italian leather and the price point. For less than $100, you can finally tap into the trend with an effortless bag that looks as if you've had it forever.

$89.90, Quince
necklace
Ana Louisa

A simple gold pendant necklace…

If you know a minimalist who only keeps a handful of jewelry on rotation, then Ana Luisa’s pendant is the one for them. The pebble-shaped necklace has three different adjustable chain lengths, pairs well with other herringbone or chain necklaces, and is stunning against any neutral color palette.

$85, Ana Luisa
button up shirt
Quince

A preppy oxford shirt that proves it's an essential piece…

A button-up shirt is a staple to have in your arsenal of basics, and this one from Quince is worth adding to the pile. The relaxed-fit top has an oversized front pocket, cozy feel, and under-$40 price point. While it still has that crisp, polished look, it’s made from a premium organic cotton for that soft, worn-in touch instantly.

$39.90, Quince

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