33 Affordable Fashion Pieces That Feel Expensive

Nov 02, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Instead of spending your whole paycheck on Lululemon, Free People, and Skims, take a peek at these cheaper alternatives.

BuzzFeed Staff

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

Check out a TikTok of the pants in action.

Promising reviews: "Perfect!! Omg, just buy them now! Don't hesitate! These are going to go fast once the word gets out how great they are! They have some stretch to them!" —Amazon Customer

"Literally exact [swap for] the Abercrombie leather pants." —Gabi B

Get them from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes XXS–4XL and in 24 colors).

Promising reviews: "Purchased to test as a [swap] for the Madewell Gemma mule. I absolutely love the shoes! I feel like they will stretch when I wear them a few more times, which my narrow feet can’t really afford, but for the price of these compared to Madewell, I’ll live with." —Briana Favors

"I really love these shoes. I’ve been eyeing the Madewell Gemma mules for months, but stumbled upon these and decided to take a chance. These are super comfortable and easy to walk in." —Hannah Newsome

Get them from Amazon for $34.71+ (available in sizes 5-11 and five colors).

Promising review: "I have been wanting this same dress from Free People but it was $118. I was leery about this considering it was much cheaper in cost but it is PERFECT! Great length too. Keep in mind you can't wear a bra with it and if you are larger-busted (I'm small, an A cup) then it may fit totally different. It's thin and lightweight but with skin-colored undies, I had no problem with lines or visibility. I'm considering buying it in another color. 😍" —Bullitt02797

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 27 colors).

Promising reviews: "AMAZING. I bought these to test against my Lululemon leggings ($100+) and I think I love these more. I wish there were more sizes in stock right now but its a fad on TikTok so I understand and will be patient to buy more. 😇" —Reina

"Currently 20 weeks pregnant and these are all I wear, I basically live in these leggings. They’re so stretchy and comfy, definitely recommend for pregnancy!" —Alba siviero

Get them from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL, with 25" or 28" inseam, and in 32 colors/patterns).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "No joke, these are pretty much exactly the same as my Skims lounge set for half the price. The pants graze the tops of my feet even when I wear them high-waisted at my belly button, so I think they’re plenty long. The robe is like wearing a blanket, but still looks put together. Anyway, I’m back here to buy a second color because I loved them so much!" —Jenna

Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $53.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 30 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I bought these sandals before a 3-week trip in Europe; I didn't want to pay for Birks but did want something in similar style with good arch support. I was a little skeptical about the low price, but gave them a shot...and they were the MOST comfortable sandals I've ever owned. I walked over 120 miles in them in three weeks on our trip and never once had foot pain. They broke in so quickly and were very supportive from the get-go — and still are! Highly recommend." —Han Lin

Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes 6–12, including wide sizes, and 21 styles).

Some reviewers found that they didn't even need a bra with this!

Promising review: "Okay this is so good. I had the Zara bodysuit identical to this but it quickly got stretched out so I tried this one out. It is 10 times better than that one. The fit is perfect, it hugs you just right and is supportive enough that I won’t wear a bra. Also, not see through at all! Amazing. Need in all the colors." —Dawn E.

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 24 colors).

Promising review: "These are beyond soft and so dang cute. I love how these have the little cuts in the front. Super great spinoff of the Aerie Crossover. They fit shorter but honestly, they still look so cute. I kinda wish I would have sized up. I think I woulda been happier in them if I did, BUT still love them." —Sarah Elizabeth Zimmerman

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 12 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

I bought these when my old pair of go-to black boots finally bit the dust after years of use. I wanted something a little more stylish and have always loved the look of classic Dr. Martens, but wasn't ready to drop the money on them. Enter: these beauties. I've worn them for miles at a time all around NYC, and they haven't hurt my feet one bit. I've also worn them in the pouring rain and my feet haven't gotten the least bit wet. I love that they'll go with practically all of my outfits, and every friend I've worn these around have complimented them + asked where I got them (most people wouldn't guess they're from Amazon!). I got them in my normal size and they fit just fine, even with my thick wool socks. Highly recommend if you're looking for your new staple boot!

Reviewers also compare the look of these to Prada's lug sole Chelsea boots. (Which are over $1,000!)

Promising review: "I'm so happy I bought these! They are an excellent alternative to spending $1,200 on the Prada Chelsea boots. They look basically identical and are ridiculously comfy. Sure you can get other Chelsea-style boots for like $35–$45 but they are usually super uncomfortable, these just feel so nice. They don't pinch or and my foot doesn't slip around inside them. This is my best shoe purchase on Amazon, I'm just so impressed." —Azure Look

Get them from Amazon for $48+ (available in sizes 5–13 and 22 styles).

Promising review: "This is my favorite belt! It's perfect with jeans, and I get so many compliments on it. I love that the double-ring is sort of designer-inspired, but not a complete knockoff of the Gucci belt. I highly recommend! I am typically a medium and the medium was perfect." —Everyday Teacher Style

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 10 styles, plus two-packs).

Promising reviews: "This skirt is very nice. It's hard to believe how inexpensive it really is! I actually bought it to be worn with a $250 designer top that was shown on the runway with a very similar silk skirt (that I couldn’t afford). This skirt is perfect to complete the look!!" —Rmc7

"Luxury! This skirt is as beautiful as any skirt that I have purchased in the past from Saks! It’s amazing!" —Gina Leake Gross

Get it from Amazon for $23.19 (available in sizes XS–XL and 11 styles).

Promising reviews: "The quality is AMAZING! Very soft and comfortable. True to size with a good amount of stretch for daily activities. This is definitely a great alternative to Skims. Will be purchasing more in all colors!" —Rémi Lyn

"I don't need a Skims set after this. The material is soft and buttery, the perfect thickness, and hugs your curves. I'll admit that I was wary of this even being a good fit, but once I put it on, I knew I had to buy the other colors." —Toni Benjamin

Get it from Amazon for $19.59+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 19 colors).

Promising reviews: "I saw this sweatshirt advertised by an influencer on TikTok. I was blown away by the quality of this jacket!! It’s super soft and it fit perfectly." —Rebecca Slattery

"Love it. So soft and comfortable. Such a great fit. Totally looks like Lululemon." —ahnjloo

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 15 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "Love, love, love these leggings. They're extremely comfortable. They hug ALL my curves and I feel damn sexy. They don't look cheap and the material is not thin. I think they are just as good, if not better, than the expensive the Spanx faux leather leggings. I might buy another pair just because." —Gera

Get them from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in sizes XS–4XL, including regular and tall sizes, and in five styles).

Promising review: "Love these so so much. I wanted the chic Bottega Veneta designer pair, but these look exactly like those for less than $20. Deal of the century. They are comfortable and extremely well made and I seriously can’t get over the price. I’m thinking about buying another color because I love them so much." —Kam

Get it from Amazon for $13.58 (available in 13 lens colors).

Promising review: "This product is AMAZING! If you are looking for a good [swap] for the Jennifer Fisher earrings, these are it! They are super lightweight, effortless, and so cute!" —Anna Weir

Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in four sizes, four colors, and two metal types).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I've seen many popular clothing brands and boutiques selling this style of top, but all of them are much pricier. This top is so cute and the material is nice! Definitely worth the price. I found it fit true to size." —Alexandra Samson

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 35 colors).

Promising review: "These are literally the best leggings/joggers I have ever owned, and I plan to eventually buy every single color. I originally saw these on TikTok and heard they were like the Lululemon ones but cheaper. I've never owned Lululemon leggings, but if they feel anything like these, then I have clearly been missing out. These are soft and absolutely perfect. I love the pockets and jogger style and that they fit like leggings and can be worn to the gym or dressed up with a cute outfit. I need to buy every color of these before they're gone!" —Courtney

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 16 colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I wasn't seeing many pictures of small-chested ladies, so I was a little worried about how this would fit. Purchased X-Small, and it fits perfectly! The straps stay in place, don't look weird with the bra cups, and it is form-fitting in the back. I hate tank tops that have a big gap in the back. This one does not. It goes down to about my belly button. I wanted something similar to the Lululemon Align, but this is well worth it instead! It is not tight at all, does not dig in, and is super breathable. I am thrilled with this purchase!" —olivia schilling

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 25 colors).

Hi, I have these and can't recommend them more!! That's me on the right above — as you can see, I wore them as part of my Reputation-inspired outfit for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, but I've worn them several other times, with and without tights, and absolutely love them. As a pear-shaped individual, I love that they comfortably cover my bottom while still hugging me at the waist thanks to the stretchy elastic there, aka no awful gapping. As other reviewers mention, these have a thickness to them that makes them feel high quality. In the summer, I do sweat in these a little at the waist, which is to be expected, but the wide-leg design helps keep everything else breezy. I can't wait to wear these in the fall and winter with thicker tights! Oh, and the pockets are nice and deep!

Promising review: "I was so surprised when I received these shorts. They are such good quality. They have weight to them, making them feel expensive. I feel like I would buy these from Zara. Super cute and exactly what I was looking for!" —Jaimelee Calvello

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL).

Reviewers report that their 13-inch and even 15-inch laptops could fit inside this bag!

Promising review: "I took this bag on a trip with me and I swore if it stayed intact I would write a review so here I am. This bag looks flimsy but it’s really durable. I put my 15-inch MacBook, books, chargers, etc. It was filled to the brim and there’s not a seam ripped off or anything. If you are looking for something similar to a Kanken at a lower price point this is a very good bag." —Nicky Miller

Get it from Amazon for $28.98+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It’s 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." —Trysten Walters

Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in four styles, three sizes, and a two-pack).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising reviews: "I’ve been wanting the Versace ones but obviously can’t afford them. I saw a TikToker share these so I snatched them up immediately. I’m in love!!! I’m a 5.5 in heels so I got the 5 and they fit perfectly. They are pretty comfy too, which is nice. I’m thinking about getting them in different colors now." —Courtney Van Court

"Baby goooorl... March yourself into the checkout browser because these are so so so good!! They're really comfortable, which I wasn't expecting all except for the ankle strap, but I think that's because I'm sensitive??? The height was something I was a little scared of, but they're so easy to walk in, I suppose the platform cancels out a portion of the heel. Obviously they're not perfect, but if you want that, you should probably go talk Versace with $1,800 in your pocket." —Anika

Get them from Amazon for $41.88+ (available in sizes 4–10.5 and seven colors).

Note that these run small, so consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit.

See them in this TikTok!

Promising review: "I love them! The colors are as pictured with the little bit of distressed, faded look in areas. Looks like they came from Free People! The neckline lands mid to high chest area, and the armpits scoop in like a scuba tank style. Love love love, want it in more colors." —Amber

Get a pack of three for $28.98 (available in sizes XS–XXL and dozens of styles, including two-packs and three-packs).

Promising review: "DO NOT WALK….RUN! Better than all my Lululemon shorts EASILY! These shorts look great while being so comfortable. I do CrossFit and I felt covered the whole time, but didn’t feel like I was being suffocated, the fabric is so breathable the zipper is a perfect size, I love everything about these shorts. I can not recommend them enough. I’ve told everyone who will listen, these are THE shorts everyone needs." —MadelineVanHoose

Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 38 colors)

Promising review: "I love this dress. The flowery dress is sold on Selfie Leslie for $79 and I swear it’s the exact same thing. Cheapest price you can find!" —Amazon Customer

"This dress is adorable! I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time, but similar dresses I’ve seen online run $60–$80." —Sara H.

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 36 colors and prints).

Promising review: "Cutest summer/vacation/destination wedding clutch ever! Looks like the Cult Gaia purse but without the beads in between each bamboo. Literally one fourth of the price so definitely a steal! Dress it up with a scarf and you’re ready to go! I’m 5'4" and got both sizes but decided to go with the small since the large was too overwhelming. Surprisingly roomy and with a bit of re-arranging, fit my phone, card case, sunglasses, powder and brush, lip gloss, hand sani, EpiPen, bug spray, AND selfie stick! No smell right out of the package and came with a nice thank you card and small gift." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I purchased this corset after watching a TikTok video of another midsized girl talking about how great it is. It did not disappoint! It fits nicely. I got lots of compliments on it! Someone else pointed out to me that the fabric looks expensive and just like another bustier listed on PrettyLittleThings for over twice the price." —Elizabeth

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes 00–20 and in 19 colors).

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this bag!!! I bought the pearl one and constantly get compliments when I'm out wearing it. When I visited London I went to a store that had a huge display of actual Shrimps bags and honestly, I actually like mine more. The real deal is so heavy that I can't imagine it would be practical to walk around with it. Not to say these are light, they have a quality weight to them but they're still practical to walk around with. Also the real deal doesn't have as nice of lining as these do! This one comes with a little baggy that you can close and the detail of the drawstrings having beadwork is so cute." —The accidental superpower

Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in six colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents."

Promising review: "This belt bag honestly looks just like Lululemon without the label. I love the variety of colors this brand offers and the adjustable strap and buckle for easy on and off. It also has several mesh compartments in the inside for separating smaller items from each other. I will definitely be ordering this in more colors!!" —Lauren A.

Get it from Amazon for $16.98 (available in 26 styles).

Promising review: "I absolutely love this bodysuit! I discovered this brand from my coworker who was wearing this bodysuit in a different color and it looked so good on her I knew I had to give them a try. Finding items that fit my body nicely is next to impossible; but THIS?! It was literally perfect and full coverage + support and not sheer at all! I’m buying this in so many colors and the quality is SO good. I love this more than my Skims!" —Zoe T

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes S–L and six colors).

Prime members: You can try before you buy!

Promising review: "I've debated about buying the Ugg Ultra Mini boots for a while now but didn't want to spend $140 on them. I came across these boots and figured I'd give them a shot since they were HALF THE PRICE! I'm so happy I went with them. The quality is amazing and the lining is so soft and cozy. I wear a 9.5 but ordered the next size up so I can wear with thicker socks in the winter. So comfy and easy to walk in." —Alexandra

Get it from Amazon for $74.95 (available in sizes 6–10 and four colors).

It's also water-resistant up to 330 feet and safe for bathing, swimming, or snorkeling!

Promising review: "I was going to get the Michael Kors rose gold watch, but decided to go with this one due to the great price and my familiarity with Fossil watches and how great they are made. I was not disappointed. The crystal dial is just enough to make it look really expensive and add a touch a bling! I totally recommend it." —Tina Beanie

Get it from Amazon for $88 (also available in other colors).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.