I’ve always been a high/low dresser. I honestly don’t care what something costs if it looks good. Some of my favorite things in my closet were absolute steals—and I’ve certainly spent a lot of money on things I barely wore. Over the years, I’ve gotten much better at figuring out where I think it’s worth spending and where it absolutely isn’t.
If I love a trend, I almost always look for an inexpensive version first. Trends come and go, and I don’t want to spend a fortune on something I may be completely over by next season. But if I find something really special—a beautiful jacket, a fabulous pair of shoes, an unusual piece of jewelry—that feels unique and I know I’ll wear for years, that’s when I’m willing to invest.
And here’s the other part of high/low that I think really matters: it’s all about the mix. You don’t need an expensive outfit from head to toe. Put a great pair of shoes and beautiful jewelry with a $50 pair of jeans and a simple tee, and suddenly the whole thing looks elevated.
So today I’m sharing where I save, where I splurge, and some of the pieces I’d buy at both ends of the spectrum. Because for me, the best outfits almost always have a little bit of both.
The secret isn’t spending more. It’s knowing where to spend it—and how to mix it. So today I’m sharing where I save, where I splurge, and some of the pieces I’d buy at both ends of the spectrum. Because for me, the best outfits almost always have a little bit of both.
WHERE I SAVE: I save on trend pieces and everyday basics when I know I can get the look and quality I want without spending a fortune. If there’s a trend I love, this is almost always where I’ll start—I want to have fun with it without feeling guilty if I’m over it next year. And price isn’t always an indication of quality. Those $50 jeans I can’t stop wearing are a perfect example. They fit beautifully, look great and I’m reaching for them constantly. That’s a win in my book.
WHERE I SPLURGE: I’m willing to spend more when quality really makes a difference or when I find something special enough that I know I’ll love it for years. For me, that’s often shoes, jewelry, outerwear and those unique pieces that can transform everything else in my closet.
A fabulous shoe or beautiful piece of jewelry can elevate the simplest inexpensive outfit. That’s really the beauty of high/low—you don’t need everything you’re wearing to be expensive. You just need a few things that make everything else look better.
Shop my splurge save edit below:
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