Is there any better feeling than acquiring something new that looks and feels more expensive than it is? These days, that feeling is harder and harder to come by. So when it does manifest, it makes a buy that much better. Zara always delivers on special-looking pieces with ordinary price tags. This season, they’re doing overtime on slouchy suit pants, easy knitwear, and lacy slip dresses you can wear to that upcoming holiday party and beyond.

Nordstrom is my sleeper hit when it comes to finding something that looks expensive but tastes like a bargain. When you know where to look, you can almost always find gold. Sure they have all the heavy-hitting designers (complete with designer price tags), but did you know that they also carry Mango, COS, and & Other Stories? Not to mention Madewell, the queen of quality clothing at an affordable cost, in my opinion.