Sure, we’d all love to have closets filled with beautifully crafted designer clothes made from the finest fabrics. Everyone knows the value of quality—that a well-constructed article of clothing can, even if it seemed pricey to begin with, turn out to be cost-effective by virtue of its versatility and longevity.
In spite of this, choosing the high-end version of a favorite trend isn’t always budget compatible, which is why I’ve tracked down the less expensive versions of a few designer looks on our site. When deciding whether to invest or snag a comparable steal, it helps to be aware of what you’re sacrificing for your savings (or not), so I’ve also included a few details about what you’re paying for when you pick the posher option.
1. Military-Inspired Jacket

Zelda Military Jacket, $440

L.A. Kitty Military Jacket, $38
Zelda is known for gorgeous crepe separates and dresses finished with exquisite detail, and their Bennet Jacket takes the military look to their signature quality level with covered buttons, perfectly placed braid and chiffon ruffle edging, all of which require time and skill to execute. The princess seaming that ensures a better fit sculpts the front and back, and the jacket is lined. L.A. Kitty’s more casual take on the trend in a cotton blend also features thoughtful details: crested buttons, epaulettes, piping and a waist seam that extends to the back. But the trim is vinyl, and though the cut flatters all body shapes, there are no princess seams. Still, the quality for the price is impressive, and if you only want to experiment with the military trend on weekends, the L.A. Kitty jacket may work out better for you.
2. Brocade Dress

Cynthia Steffe Brocade Dress, $345

Mink Pink Brocade Dress, $94
If you’ve been searching for a brocade semi-formal frock, you could buy Cynthia Steffe’s Anne Dress and enjoy a wealth of practical details, from front and back boning and rubberized slip tape that secure the bodice to hidden pockets for lipstick and cash. Pleats in front and back give the skirt structured, well-tailored volume. Mink Pink’s similar Man-Hunt Dress puts an edgier spin on the brocade look with an animal motif and exposed back zipper, but the lustrous texture, sweetheart neckline and full skirt are all alike. For a lower price you don’t get slip tape or bodice boning—just seaming and a shirred back to hold the bodice aloft. One extra cost-saving bonus of the budget version: you can hand wash (rather than dry clean) it.
3. Zipper-Detail Miniskirt

Yoana Baraschi Miniskirt, $198

MICHAEL Michael Kors Miniskirt, $54.90
A utility chic skirt can look luxe in black with gold hardware at lower and higher price points, but Yoana Baraschi’s Tropez Pencil Skirt boasts a banded waist, panels and sturdy cotton-blend fabric that allow it to hug hips without creating bulges. It’s also manufactured in the United States, which typically increases costs but might be important to you. Like the Tropez Skirt, MICHAEL Michael Kors’s Ponte Mini has on-trend exposed zippers (in front only) and a figure-hugging cut; however, it mostly relies on spandex rather than tailoring to achieve a fitted look, so the final effect isn’t as crisp. Two big pluses for the Kors skirt: pockets and jersey lining. And it’s on sale right now.
4. Floral Silk Blouse

Joie Silk Blouse, $228

Great Plains Silk Blouse, $98
Both of these blouses have a handcrafted, vintage feel, and both are 100% silk (minus a little viscose lining at the neck of the Great Plains version). But the Joie blouse required much more extensive sewing to create the numerous pin tucks running down the front and back as well as the ruffles edging the collar and button placket. All the buttons are covered as well. The Great Plains blouse has some pleating and bust darts in front but won’t conform to the body as the Joie will. The sleeves of the Joie also hit a little lower on the arm, with an angled drape that makes them a little more flattering and comfortable to wear.
5. Trouser Jean

CJ by Cookie Johnson Trouser Jean, $185

Kut from the Kloth Trouser Jean, $78
Work in an office where the dress code permits denim and need a great-fitting trouser jean? You could go with the premium pair on the left from CJ by Cookie Johnson. They’re made from Lyocell, a fabric that’s relatively, though not entirely, eco-friendly. Lyocell is wrinkle resistant and durable—crucial in a jean that needs to drape like a pant. As you can tell from the photo, it even takes dye well, so this pair will stay dark and sleek for a long time. A deep hem also adds to the CJ pair’s office-ready polish. (And their waist is satin lined…always a comfy little luxury.) The Kut from the Kloth pair has similar styling, with a dark rinse, front creases and a higher rise, but they have patch pockets rather than tailored faux-welt pockets like the CJ pair and are made of a cotton-spandex blend. The flattering banded waist both holds you in and contributes to their sartorial appeal. As with the two miniskirts above, the CJ jeans are manufactured in the United States, while the Kut from the Kloth are made in Asia.
Posted by Heather at MyShape