Affordable Fashion Items That Look Oh-So Pricey

You don't have to spend a lot to stand out.

Kim Marcum

Published December 04, 2025

Amber Day (H&M; J. Crew; DSW, 2)

During the holiday season, there are three quick ways to dress up. You can make your statement wearing something shiny, something sexy or something suede. These themes are so widespread and diverse that you can find them across any price range and from nearly any retailer.

The suggestions that follow can inspire your outfit choices for any last-minute party invitations that land in your mailbox or inbox. Several can even be repurposed for a second spin around the dance floor — or charcuterie board — in the new year and beyond.

Amber Day (Quince, Ann Taylor)

Something Shiny

Luxurious satin is a can’t-miss option for party dressing. Thanks to new variations from synthetic to silk, it’s no longer a stiff bystander but a holiday star that goes with the flow and is comfortable in the spotlight.

Swapping in a satin skirt or blouse immediately elevates any outfit for a holiday outing. Skirt lengths go from midi ($46 at Zara) to maxi ($28-$40 at Old Navy). Pure silk that’s washable — and in a rainbow of colors — is part of Quince’s lineup in midi ($70) and maxi ($80) lengths plus a maxi slip dress ($110). Moving to the top side, you can opt for classic-cut satin blouses, such as Ann Taylor’s bestselling style ($85), or statement makers with a draped tie neckline or a waist-defining cinched back ($120 at Banana Republic).

For maximum ease, slip on satiny pants with straight legs ($60 at Zara) or wide-leg options like these in textured satin from J.Crew ($115-$170). Textured satin — also called hammered satin, which is such a fun description for party clothes — is a great way to take the shine down a notch, as illustrated by this elegant button-front blouse ($50 at Zara).

You can also add a glimmer with accessories like satin headbands that draw attention to your glowing face and eyes. There’s a knotted offering ($15-$30 at J.Crew) or a two-pack with both padded and flat styles at Mango ($20-$30).

Amber Day (Talbots)

Something Sexy

Lace-tipped satin strolls out of the boudoir and onto the party circuit this season, immediately telegraphing lingerie-caliber sexiness. But not to worry — there are also subtler and equally lacy alternatives that still add up to sexy.

For maximum effect, try a lace-trimmed satin camisole, such as those from Old Navy ($9-$25) and Talbots ($90), worn atop sleek pants or under a soft cardigan. Satiny skirts also feature delicate trim on a range of hemlines, from a knee-length, straight-shooting style ($70-$125 at J.Crew), to an ankle-grazing wrap skirt ($90-$150 at Ann Taylor), and a midi-length stretch satin number ($150 at Banana Republic). And you can pull off an easy, put-together look with lacy accents on matching skirt and top sets ($80 at Zara) or a midi-length satin dress ($110-$180 at Talbots).

On the subtler side of the lace equation, there are elegant separates that deliver a touch of sexiness in tops and skirts. In the top shop, you can find a dash of black trim on a ponte top ($75 from Ann Taylor) or opt for all-over white lace in a peplum style ($90-$150 at Talbots). Full-on peekaboo styles such as these from H&M ($20-$40) let you layer under and over to reveal as much or as little as you want. Lining is not optional on skirts but standard equipment, whether you prefer a black flounced midi ($80-$160 at Ann Taylor) or a gently scalloped version in navy ($100 at Zara).

Amber Day (Quince, DSW)

Something Suede

If you like your fancy with a touch of texture, you’re in luck. Suede is the darling of the tactile crowd this season, in everything. from jackets to footwear, and in options ranging from fabulously real deal.

On the faux side of the house, you’ll find budget-friendly styles that match any fashion persona. There are fringed jackets at Loft ($65-$130) that deliver a bohemian vibe, relaxed blazers ($35-$60 at Zara) for the sporty set and lacy, perforated edges on a short jacket and matching pants ($60-$70 at Zara) for the romantics.

Flipping the script to the real deal, you can make your party entrance in a lush brown suede jacket ($175 at Quince) or coat ($270 at Zara) paired with your favorite little black dress, silky separates or even dark wash denims. No one will recognize these repeats from your greatest hits list. Or master a monochromatic, quiet luxury look that starts with a short black suede jacket ($230 at Macy’s) or a longer version in champagne suede ($230 at Zara) atop buttery yellow separates.

When it comes to footwear, suede has the long and short of it covered. For boots that were made for walkin’, you can’t miss with knee-high styles like Lucky Brand’s Calypso ($60-$130) and, for a western touch, Crown Vintage’s Imey ($70-$110). To pump it up, try square-toed fan favorites like Franco Sarto’s Lyanna slingback ($90) in chocolate suede and the Salino pump ($95) in black or moss green suede.

Expecting to be on your feet all night? May we suggest the strappy excellence of Mary Jane flats with an almond toe ($50) in tan or black and a more refined stacked-heel version ($87) in chocolate or saddle brown suede. Ballet flats also pass the test for social butterflies. Madewell offers several options, including the bestselling Greta Ballet Flat ($60-$98) in suede and studded suede, and the April ($118), which resembles the Francine ($106) at Zappos.

Which just goes to show — the deals are out there for you and your search engine to find. So, get to it! Your next party is right around the corner.

Where do you buy YOUR clothing when you want to look stylish? Let us know in the comments below.

As a fashion editor in Dallas, Kim Marcum covered the international ready-to-wear collections in four fashion capitals and interviewed iconic designers from Giorgio Armani to Ralph Lauren. Later in her journalism career at the Orlando Sentinel, she was the senior editor on a Pulitzer Prize finalist in Local Reporting (2013) and on a project that earned the 2013 Diversity Award from the Freedom Forum/American Society of Newspaper Editors. In 2014, she joined Orlando Health, where she is the corporate director of strategic communications. She has two adult daughters and a grandpuppy.