I Rarely Buy Clothes Online, But These 29 Affordable Picks Look High Quality

My job as a fashion editor doesn’t exactly aid in steering me away from spending absurd amounts of money on clothes. That said, I’ve had my (large) share of disappointments when shopping for new pieces, and they most always start with an online purchase. But let’s be honest, you simply can’t beat the convenience of shopping from your phone, so when I do venture out into the wild that is the Internet, I’m now scoping out pieces that look like the best of the best quality, without breaking the bank. For starters, the “zoom” tool is your friend, and I highly suggest using it to get a closer look at the fabric of pieces you might be shopping. Specifically, you can determine whether or not patterns line up at the seams, which can be a testament o the quality of stitching. I also have to tip my hat to online retailers such as Net-A-Porter who oftentimes incorporate videos of its products on models so you can see the fabric in motion. Last, and certainly not least, the higher the content of natural fibers, the better. It’s pretty much my job to make things easier for you, though, so let’s start with the 29 pieces I’ve rounded up ahead. None of them cap at over $150, but trust me, you’ll feel super luxe wearing them.

These cuffs are adorable. Shop the matching Nico Copped Tank ($85) and Isla Ribbed Pants ($110).

The subtle, tone-on-tone striped details make this so much better than your average cardigan.

Cozy pants that can easily double as tailored when paired with a blazer are a win-win.

Somehow, this faux leather blazer almost looks satin-like, and I feel like thats a good sign.

I can confirm that I’ve never seen a cozier skirt.

You know a merino wool cardigan is good when you can tell how soft it is through the screen.

This looks lightweight, which is perfect for those of us who don’t get a real winter.

I love to see the split-hem trend evolving from pant legs to sweater arms.

I’m a sucker for stitching details, especially on seemingly thick fabrics such as this Italian wool.

Good lace is hard to come by, but here it is.

I feel like this top hugs you almost like shape wear would, and I can’t help but be into it.

Loungey as these may be, they definitely have a “dressed up” quality about them.

This blazer has a neoprene-like sheen to it, and now I think all blazers should be scuba blazers.

This is a pleated pant stan article.

These look delectably crisp, but not in an old school, starchy way.

This top is so elegant, yet so versatile.

This jacket alone has me sold on the corduroy comeback.

This knit top looks so artfully done.

How a puff-sleeved top holds its shape tells you everything you need to know. (Yes, this one passes the test.)

This shirring is 10/10.

If there were a contest for the best sweatpants… you know the rest.

This is the kind of dress you keep in your closet for years to come.

And here, we have a visual representation of perfection.

I’m pleased to report this turtleneck doesn’t look insanely thin like many lightweight options often do.

It’s amazing what a little zhuzhing of the straps can do for a slip dress.

Hear me out: this denim jacket actually looks… buttery?

Keep this top on hand year-round.

Take this from jeans, to ribbed pants, to trousers.

I’ve seen many metallic thread pieces cheaply done, but this isn’t one of them.

There’s definitely a formula when it comes to shopping pieces that look high quality. For more ideas, take a look at these elevated basics next.