I’m not going to lie to you. Zara and Mango are usually the place I beeline to when I’m in the mood to indulge myself with a cheap and trendy buy. As I was idly scrolling through their new arrivals on my last visit, along with the staples at J.Crew, I couldn’t help but notice how many chic—and timeless—staples I saw, especially pieces that looked destined for a “forever wardrobe.” With a certain anti-trend, quiet-luxury aesthetic on the rise, these three retailers are clearly taking notes on the growing interest in paring things back and has been acting accordingly.
Once I spotted a few quiet-luxury finds, I searched all up and down the sites and found a trove of items that were so chic, so luxurious, and so wealthy looking they shocked me to my very core. From the languid cream-toned trousers you’ll want to skip your jeans for to the striped knits that will make you look like you just spent time on a yacht, I’m uncovering the best expensive-looking Zara, Mango, and J.Crew finds to buy now and wear forever.
Dreamy.
To wear with a full skirt and kitten heels à la Prada.
If you told me these were Saint Laurent, I’d believe you.
Even your white tee will look like luxury when you wear these.
Hello, beautiful.
It’s giving trust fund and an offshore bank account.
Wool briefs may not be the most practical item, but when has indulging in something luxurious ever been sensible?
Red hot.
This nipped-in waist feels very now.
Whoever said workwear couldn’t be cool obviously never saw this skirt.
Cable knits are a wealthy wardrobe nonnegotiable.
When you have an LBD this good in your closet, you don’t need to look at any others.
Whipstitching details have my heart.
The kind of jacket that makes anything you wear it with look better.
She looks booked and busy.
I guarantee you’ll end up carrying this bag on the daily.
It’s giving country club membership.
Yes, even certain colors can give off that quiet-luxury vibe and this soft pink is one of them.
The bigger the bag, the bigger the bank account.
Versatile without being boring.
Contrast trim never fails to remind of ’90s Chanel.
Trust me, you’re going to want to matching cardigan.
Wear this with cream trousers and gold jewelry if you know what you’re doing.
These baby buckles just get me.
Tweed time.
This color combination feels very old money to me.
Confirmed: everyone’s wearing boxy jackets right now.
Fashion girls (me) are flipping over this sheer skirt.
Oooh.
There are a zillion ankle boots on the market, but this slim toe and discreet heel are incredibly chic.
Love that fitted shape.
Immediately yes.
East coast fall > east coast summer.
Simply a must.
This buttons, though.
Satin trousers are about as luxe as it gets.
To wear with trousers, jeans, and skirts alike.
Celine taste on a J.Crew budget.
Style this with white jeans and ballet flats like a true fashion person.
Timeless and chic.
This darker wash and tailored fit are about as sophisticated as jeans can get.
