Mixing designer pieces with fast-fashion affordable items is the secret weapon of every fashionista.
I won’t spend alot on a piece unless it’s a staple I know will be timeless, stay in style for years to come and I will wear ALOT.
Handbags, shoes, jackets, coats, LBD’s and sunglasses are the pieces I’m willing to splurge on. These are staple pieces that can elevate any look and you can wear them over and over.
But how do you make your outfit seem cohesive, styled, and chic when mixing pieces from such different price-points? Which pieces can you pair without cheapening the look? There is definitely an ART when it comes to mixing high and low but once you get the basics down you’ll be mixing it up like a fashion influencer in no time!
Mixing high and low fashion begins with your shopping habits. First you have to determine what you want to be your investment pieces and where you place your priorities. Are you a high end shoe gal or a luxe coat collector? Whatever you want those staples to be, make sure your investments can get you some long-term mileage. You’ll be wearing these pieces repeatedly, so make sure they’re high-quality, durable, and won’t need to be replaced after a couple of wears.
Trends, ah trends. We all love them, follow them and want to rock them BUT you should NOT invest in them. Trends will come and go. This is not the time to make it designer. Now if a timeless piece happens to fall into a current trend then YAY but don’t buy it just because of the trend. For example if you are thinking of purchasing a yellow Chanel bag yes Yellow is a trend right now BUT that Chanel bag will be timeless so go for it! If you want to rock a certain out-of-the-box trend like a glitter jacket try looking at fast-fashion stores like H&M and TOPSHOP. Lately I’ve been finding the most AMAZING pieces (like this skirt) at TARGET in their Who What Wear and Universal Thread Collections. These pieces are made well and have a high quality look but also have the most pocket friendly prices EVER!
When shopping for investment pieces, make sure you shop smart. Buy at the end of the season or off-season, shop outlets and check resale websites like my secret weapon TheRealReal. Make sure you shop around to find the best deal before going all in. Just because it’s designer doesn’t mean you have to pay full retail for it.
Look for the LUXE no matter where you are. Search for expensive-looking items when you are shopping fast fashion. Check the fabrics to make sure they won’t instantly fall apart, pill , tear or easily stain. Most fast-fashion stores still offer good-quality items if you look hard enough but they also offer poor quality fall-apart-the-first-time-you-wear-them pieces, so make sure to check EVERYTHING, and if it looks cheap at first glance, it’ll be even worse when paired with your other designer clothes later so skip it.
28 Comments
I agree with trying not to buy knock-offs. Not only can the ethics of it be questionable, knock-offs are often not really good quality items either. I also agree with buying items that suit your taste, not just to follow trends blindly.
Totally!
I feel like a fraud is one thing while a dupe is another. Fab job on this high/low fashion mixing. Definitely agree with your opinion on shopping the trends.
Thanks lady. You shouldn’t buy a fraud or a dupe. If your budget doesn’t include an authentic piece then seek our fun unique pieces with personality. Vintage is always a good bet!
It’s really difficult for me to spend a lot on something. I definitely agree it has to be something timeless! I’m still trying to find my balance.
Balance is key! This tips should help focus it a bit!
I love a good high-low look! Even though I love my thrift finds I’m realizing that I need some good investment pieces to add into my wardrobe. I’m trying to convince myself to start splurging on shoes, because shoes can really make an outfit.
They totally can make a huge difference and remember you can find them RESALE at places like TheRealReal and still stay on budget!
You have the best tips. Useful and chic.
Awe thanks Dana glad you enjoy them!
Adorable outfit!! I especially love your hair!! Great style!
Thank you!
Such great tips! I love that bag. I too splurge on the same items. Can’t help it.
Also, cute outfit. 🙂
XX, Sivan | http://www.theolivebrunette.com
Awe thanks lady!
You look so cute! I love that bag, so pretty and unique!
Thank you!!
Great tips, love the two patterns together, I’m always to scared to mixed the two patterns together, but it looks great.
Don’t be scared- remember stripes can always pair with florals!
I love your outfit. The top is so cute. Thanks for sharing.
thank you!
I’m all about this concept. I like investing in pieces but buying a lot of sale stuff too.
Sales are the best!
I love investing in pieces that are good quality! I don’t have ton of them, but the ones I do have outlasted everything else I have!
A few good investment pieces are worth every penny!They do last FOREVER!
I am absolutely loving that purse!!
Thank you!
I love your style! It’s so unique and seems easy to create. I love it!! Your hair is gorgeous too. Keep on being fabulous!
Thank you!