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Jul 27, 2023

31 Inexpensive Pieces That Could Totally Pass For Designer

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

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.

These pieces might look 👀 expensive but their price tags say otherwise.

BuzzFeed Staff

Simple Retro is a woman-owned small biz with a passion for vintage and retro clothes ranging from the '50s to the '80s. Eighty-seven percent of their workers are women and they ensure ethical factory working conditions.

Promising review: "Love the color and fit of this top. This blouse is perfect for a casual look. Soft fabric and nice material and the color is just as pictured. Would def get in more colors!" —redwoodbird

Get it from Simple Retro for $49 (originally $54.99; available in sizes XS–XL and eight colors — not all colors available in all sizes).

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, 10 colors, and in packs of two).

Promising review: "This dress looks silky and high quality and can pair well with any jacket. It still looks great after machine wash and machine dry." —Kelley Cramson

Get it from Amazon for $43.92+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and 25 colors/patterns — not all colors available in all sizes).

Promising review: "Wow, what a steal. These look great. Good value and quality, true to size, and comfortable. Highly recommend a good slip-on shoe; perfect for summertime in the workplace or to tie your outfit together at brunch. I want them in black now, too." —LC

Get them from Amazon for $42.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and 10 colors).

Janet Gwen is an Asian woman-owned small business founded by Janet Hoang in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2014 when she was just 19. The company now creates elevated essentials including apparel, tech accessories, home goods, and more.

Get it from Janet Gwen for $38 (originally $52; available in sizes S–L and in beige).

Promising review: "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

Get them from Amazon for $45.88+ (available in sizes 4–10.5 and seven colors).

Promising review: "I love this shirt! This shirt has become one of my favorite shirts! It is definitely true to size! I’d definitely recommend getting it!" —Cider Customer

Get it from Cider for $18 (originally $20; available in sizes 0X–4X).

Promising review: "Reaching for these sandals more and more because they’re comfy, cute, and elevate my outfits! They didn’t require any breaking in and I’ve worn them for an entire day out and had no issues with long term wear. Fit was true to size. Going to get another color since I love them so much!" —Nidhi Patel

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 6–10 and 26 designs).

Get it from Asos for $56 (available in sizes XS–XL and get the matching pants here).

Promising review: "The jacket is super cute on, and it is very comfortable. It's very dramatic and works with skinny jeans, leggings, and can even accessorize a dressier outfit. As others suggested, it could use a button to pull it together, and if you sew, that is an easy DIY fix. I'm going to buy a frog closure to sew on." —Joan V

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 12 colors).

Promising review: "It’s so impressive. There’s a designer version for four times as much. Why pay that when this one is so good! The packaging was exceptional, so it arrived safely. I love the little drawstring bag it comes with for your items. It’s sturdy and well-made. You can see the glue/threading on it but I can deal with that :) BUY IT! I have the cream one ordered as well." —Erin

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

Rebdolls is a size-inclusive Latine woman-owned biz that specializes in coats, dresses, bathing suits, jeans, and more!

Promising review: "I really enjoy the color of this dress, as well as the material it’s made from. I live in a cold climate, so I appreciate that it’s on the thicker side. Comfortable, with a [cute] cut that sits well on my body. All around, solid dress." —Dawn S.

Get it from Rebdolls for $21.70 (originally $62.90; available in sizes L—5X and in colors green and brown).

Check out a TikTok of the sweetheart tank in action.

Promising review: "True to size and perfect length. The color is the pure white I wanted and looks great with denim. The knit is soft and comfortable and still thick and stretchy, so it’s not see-through. Length works great with my low-rise jeans or can be tucked in for higher rises." —Cina

Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 23 colors).

Promising review: "Listen, saying this dress is beautiful is such an understatement...So I ended up buying three different colored dresses. I just loved them all. It's like the designer thought of me when they made these dresses! The material feels great on my body. The upper part is stretchy and fits very well. I was worried it wouldn't fit just cause I weigh a bit more these days. But all in all, they all fit great! I am genuinely satisfied with my purchase!" —Olive Bukuru

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and seven colors/prints).

Promising review: "I found these because a girl on TikTok was wearing them. The quality is amazing. Not cheap material. Good shape. I love them. Totally worth the price. I’ll probably end up getting another pair to keep in my car." —alisa bagel

Get it from Amazon for $13.58+ (available in 10 lens colors).

Get it from Boohoo for $34 (originally $85; available in sizes 12–24).

Promising review: "Just like the expensive bag you see all over Instagram for about one-third the price. Quality workmanship and a special little gift added to the purchase!" —H. C. Greenwell

Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (available in two sizes).

Get it from Love, Bonito for $39 (available in sizes XXS—XXL and three colors).

Red Dress Boutique is an Athens, Georgia-based small business offering affordable fashion options.

Get it from Red Dress Boutique for $42 (available in three colors).

Get it from our Goodful shop for $40 (available in sizes S–2XL and four colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Katy Herman owns these flats and says: "Reviewers recommend sizing up! I recently treated myself to these and forgot to do so, but they still fit well (my heel is just a teeeeeny bit over the edge in the back, but I don't mind because they stay on my foot more easily). I'm honestly obsessed — I can't believe how affordable they were, especially considering how high fashion they look. They just make me smile!!! The grippy soles give a nice cushion and are for some reason printed with fruit designs? Can't explain it but only adds to the happy feet feels these give me. Oh, and they're compliment magnets on Insta, too."

Get them from Amazon for $31.99 (available in sizes 5.5–11 and 10 colors).

Promising review: "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

Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in sizes XS–XL).

Promising review: "Purchased this online. Decided to try it off of the reviews I'd read. Super comfy and easy to wear. Choose any color tank top or slip top underneath this lightweight sweater, a pair of jeans shorts, capris or jeans, a pair of sandals and you're good to go"—Jack2theg

Get it from Torrid for $49.90 (available in sixes M–6X and in black).

Lilly's Kloset is a Black woman-owned online boutique that has been bringing women fashion-forward clothing, shoes, and accessories since 2012. Their mission is to help dress women for their most memorable moments.

Promising review: "Cute and good quality. This is my first time buying a handbag from Lilly's Kloset and I am very impressed! The bag looks expensive, beautiful color, its just slightly darker than the picture." —Myeatta N.

Get it from Lilly's Kloset for $48 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is very similar in style to the designer Acne real shearling coat. I love it. Thick and warm, looks amazing. I have to cut off a few snags, but otherwise the best apparel purchase I have made on Amazon thus far! It has the exact edgy cool look I was looking for, and I don't even mind it being faux since it's sooo warm." —Monia Lisa

Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 10 colors).

Promising review: "I love those bodysuit! I wore it to brunch with my girls and felt very cute in it. I ordered extra large and it fit me perfectly! The bodysuit is comfortable and adorable!" —Monica S.

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 11 colors/styles).

Promising review: "I absolutely loved these shoes. I got SO many compliments when I wore them for my bridal shower. The bright pink color was so fun. Honestly, these were the most comfortable heels I’ve worn in a long time. The fabric around the front of your foot is so soft. I would 10/10 recommend these to someone looking for a cute pair of shoes for an event. I’m tempted to buy another color for my next event!!" —Mara

Get them from Amazon for $64.99 (available in sizes 5–11 and seven colors).

Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical about buying a bodycon dress from an unknown... but am soooo glad I did. The fit is amazing. I can dress it up or down (think New Years Eve, or a beach party). It is really that cool and versatile... This is an all season, all event dress... Cons: Sorry, can't think of any." —Susan R.

Get it from Amazon for $49.90 (available in sizes XXS–5X and i11 colors).

If you have wider feet or if your feet are prone to swelling in the heat, it may be best to size up!

Promising review: "I bought the same shoes at a much more expensive price (brand name) from a department store and have to say these are equivalent in quality, sizing, and comfort. Because of the man-made material, if your feet sweat, these may not be the shoes for you." —Amoxygirl

Get them from Target for $30 (available in sizes 5–12 and four colors).

Promising reviews: "These jeans are perfect. I have almost 20 pairs of Levi's, all different styles/fabric content. In other styles, I have to size up one or two sizes to accommodate my legs, but these were true to size thanks to the elastane content. I have a small waist with a bigger butt and bigger thighs, and the ribcage jeans have so far been the absolute best fit. These are no exception — buy them!" —Amazon Customer

"I really love these pants! I'm pretty short, about 4'11 and so I normally have trouble finding a good pair of pants. I saw these on TikTok from a fellow petite girl, and I'm so glad I got them! They fit perfectly on me and are comfortable :)" —Dina

Get it from Amazon for $55.65+ (available in sizes 24–32 and 13 styles).

Promising review: "The perfect LBD. This is my favorite dress! The fit is body-skimming without being too tight — think chic rather than club-wear bodycon. The knit is thick and expensive feeling. I am getting more colors!!!" —RaisinBran

Get it from Amazon for $32.90 (available in sizes S–XL and 22 colors/prints)

And here's a similar plus size version (14–28) for $33.99+.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.