Polished Pieces That Look Designer (But Aren't)

Polished Pieces That Look Designer (But Aren't)

Polished blazers, faux leather trousers, loafers and soft knits that look like designer pieces. This is for anyone who wants a sharp, pulled together wardrobe without the designer label.

The trick with a polished look is repetition of a few quiet things: a sharp shoulder, a clean line, one dark neutral. I build mine around a blazer. The Favorite Daughter Madison Avenue blazer and Anine Bing's Quinn are the two I reach for, one cut close and one slouchy, and both sit on a plain white tee and straight jeans. I went deeper on a related idea in Aniye Records Tops: The Pieces Worth a Look.

 

For the bottom half I like faux leather in a wide leg, like the LE BOP Margot pants or the Free People Spotlight trousers, because they dress up a sweater without any fuss. Add Madewell loafers and a Theory cashmere V neck and nobody asks what you paid. A Levi's 501 is still the best jean to anchor the whole thing. If you want to keep reading, Designer Pieces With Bella Hadid's Off-Duty Energy is a good next stop.

Polished Pieces That Look Designer (But Aren't) collage