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I have expensive taste when it comes to fashion. Unfortunately, I don't have a bank account to support it.

The problem is, I love clean lines, impeccable tailoring and pieces that whisper wealth. 

But what I don't love is a $4,000 checkout total.

WATCH: These are the Australian brands nailing summer fashion. Post continues below.

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Australian Brands Nailing Summer Fashion

So, instead of impulse-buying fast fashion that falls apart after three washes or blowing my savings on one designer item that sits in storage because I'm too scared to wear it, I've had to become strategic.

I try and look for elevated basics, premium-looking fabrics, and pieces that give quiet luxury energy, without requiring quiet luxury money.

No, the goal isn't to copy designer fashion. It's to understand why those pieces look expensive, and then find high-street versions that nail the same details.

So, here's everything currently in my cart (or already on high rotation in my wardrobe) that looks high-end, without the hefty price tag.

The perfect white T-shirt.

I own this exact t-shirt in multiple sizes. Image: Supplied.

Not all white tees are created equal.

What I look for is a heavyweight, opaque 100 per cent cotton fabric with structure. It needs to hold its shape, not cling, not go sheer in sunlight and not twist after one wash. To be even pickier, the fit has to be precise, too — not too skin-tight, not too boxy, not too cropped, not too long, not too high-neck and not too low-neck. 

Sure, The Row makes a beautiful white T-shirt. But I'm not dropping $850 on something I'm statistically guaranteed to spill food on. And while I love my $160 tee from Camilla and Marc, I'm almost too scared to wear it.

That's where my holy grail Uniqlo white crew T-shirt comes into play. 

The perfect white T-shirt. Image: Uniqlo.

It's thick, durable, 100 per cent cotton, and it's only $19.90!

I own it in XS, S, M and L (plus a couple from the men's section), depending on my mood and, ahem, how bloated I feel…

A sleeveless knit.

When styled properly, a sleeveless knit can make you look like you have the budget to summer in the south of France on a private island. 

Brands like Ralph Lauren, FRAME, Scanlan Theodore and Anine Bing absolutely nail this category, but they also come with the price tags to match.

The versatile sleeveless knit can be worn by itself or layered over a simple tee. Image: Supplied.

My high-street pick is the Olivia Crew Knit Vest from Sportsgirl for $49.95.

Wear it on its own with tailored trousers, or layer it over a crisp tee (yes, I'm reaching for my Uniqlo one again). Add dark denim and ballet flats, and you're done.

Dark indigo jeans. 

The most perfect jeans that actually fit and are comfy to wear all day long. Image: Supplied.

If you want to look expensive without trying too hard, dark indigo denim is the move.

Designers like Viktoria & Woods, Anna Quan and Toteme constantly prove that deep, unfaded denim translates to polished and timeless. The rich colour and clean structure feel elevated, especially when paired with loafers or a blazer.

Forever New does great options for under $100. These are my favourite from the brand.

 Forever New's Gia High Rise Wide Leg, $99.99. Image: Forever New.

I also love Forever New's Gia High Rise Wide Leg Jean and the Beth Wide Leg Jeans.

Both are $99.99 and give that same sleek silhouette, without the designer markup.

 Forever New's Beth Wide Leg, $99.99. Image: Forever New.

Strappy minimal sandals. 

If you've made it this far, there's a 99 per cent chance you wish you could afford The Row's strappy sandal.

Girl, same. 

Image: Tkees.

If you can, please do drop over $1000 on the real deal pair. But for me, I'm eyeing the Tkees Millie Square-Toe Sandals for $160.

The mesh ballet flat. 

Image: Instagram/@deborabrosa.

Alaïa kicked off the mesh ballet flat obsession, quickly followed by Khaite and The Row.

Now, high-street versions are everywhere, from H&M and Zara to Witchery, Tony Bianco and Bared Footwear.

One of my favourites is the Midas Murph ballet flat for $169.95. It comes in six colourways, including classic black and a stunning duck egg blue. 

A Bottega-inspired woven tote. 

One day, I will own a bag from Bottega Veneta. Just look how gorgeous they are!

But today is not that day.

It's good to have goals. Image: Instagram/@newbottega.

Instead, the Belle & Bloom Long Way Home Woven Tote is sitting in my cart, and it's currently on sale for $137.97 (down from $229.95).

It has that same textural, understated look that works well for just about any occasion.

A Bottega-inspired bag for less than $150? Yes, please! Image: The Iconic.

An Alaïa Le Teckel alternative.

Another handbag in sight is the Alaïa Le Teckel shoulder bag, which starts at around $3,500. 

Picture here for reference…

Image: Instagram/@chrisellelim.

A more realistic alternative is the Freya NYC Mini Chrystie Bag.

At $420, it's still an investment, but the quality means you'll max out the cost-per-wear. It comes in six colourways, including espresso brown, black and pistachio green.

Image: The Iconic.

Sunglasses that channel Miu Miu. 

Miu Miu's Regard sunglasses were one of 2025's most wanted accessories.

Image: Instagram/@eyez_on_eyewear.

Thankfully, there are now plenty of chic alternatives.

Reality Eyewear's The Bessette is a great example that will only set you back $69, and it comes in multiple shades, including blue-light options.

$69 is a great deal for sunnies that look expensive. Image: The Iconic.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack , listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube .

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Feature image: Supplied.