The “High-Low” Philosophy: How I Actually Shop for Clothes That Last (and Feel Like Me)
What's worth it, what's not, and where you should and shouldn't be spending
For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived by a “high-low” philosophy—in fashion, in food, and honestly, in life.
As many of you know, I love a good Amazon or Zara find just as much as I love investing in something timeless from Isabelle Marant or Khaite. I don’t believe style has to mean spending a fortune, but I do believe in knowing where to save and where to spend. And as someone who’s constantly on camera—I’ve learned that what you wear affects how you feel. And when you feel good, you show up differently.
🖤 The “Low”: Everyday Basics That Don’t Need to Be Expensive
There are a few categories where I almost never splurge — things that I wear on rotation, that need to be comfortable, washable, and easy to replace.
Case in point—you will rarely, if ever, catch me buying a brand name white tank top. Why? Because the arm pits always get stained from sweat, the shirts themselves get stained, and even expensive white tanks look like a $10 tank after a few washes. I learned this lesson the hard way last year, after I invested in an expensive white tank from The Row, thinking this one would be different…but nope!!! Stained yellow and looked like a dish rag after a few wears. LESSON LEARNED!!!
My favorite affordable staples right now:
Tanks: Amazon seamless tank –Bbuttery soft, holds up in the wash, and looks way more expensive than it is. I wear these on their own with a pair of jeans or with a black blazer on top for a chic look.
Tees: THE Amazon white tee – The perfect base layer, with a slightly boxy cut. You’ve probable seen me wear these all the time, and that’s because they are a must!
Layered Tops: Amazon long sleeve - I have this top in multiple colors. So easy to layer with jackets and vests and it’s under $20!
Sweaters: Jenni Kayne dupe cardigan - Quince has quickly become one of my favorite brands EVER because they have some amazing quality clothing for a fraction of the price. I made the mistake a few years ago of spending almost $500 on the famous Jenni Kayne cardigan and I regret it. It pilled almost immediately. This is the most amazing soft, Mongolian cashmere, for a fraction of the price and it does not pill! I have this in black and ivory!
Bras: Amazon seamless bralette – These bras are supportive enough for everyday wear, yet comfortable enough to sleep in and they are perfect under everything and will not show nipples peeking through.
Workout sets: CRZ Yoga on Amazon – their “Butterluxe” line feels almost identical to Lululemon Aligns and at a fraction of the price. Love love LOVE!
Outerwear: Amazon suede jacket - You guys know I don’t mess around when it comes to quality and this jacket seriously gives Aritzia and Reformation vibes for just $40. This is a fun way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe without spending a fortune! I have the olive green and brown.
Undies: Amazon undies - Not to be dramatic but these undies are LIFE CHANGING and the same quality, if not better, than SKIMS!
Handbags: Quince Bottega bag lookalike - I’m very picky about my handbags but I can say that everything I own from Quince is top tier quality! This one right here I got a few weeks ago and it is FANTASTIC. So beautiful, and such high quality.
Jewelry: My Amazon favorites - I LOVE stocking up on some every day finds from Amazon. These earrings are my go-to, I love this bracelet stack, and this ring which is a Spinelli Kilcollin dupe is my new obsession. They haven’t tarnished since I’ve owned them, so they are super practical for everyday wear!
Casual everyday boots: I own TWO pairs of these black Mango boots. I wore my first pair so much, I was afraid they would discontinue the style, so I bought another. The heel is perfect, they are super chic and feel more expensive than they really are!
These items are the foundation of my wardrobe. They are the basics.
🤍 The “High”: Where I Choose to Invest
Then there are the pieces I don’t compromise on—the ones that elevate everything else and aren’t chasing trends, even when I’m wearing a $10 tank top underneath. The reason I don’t compromise on these things is because I want to buy them once or twice and then not buy them again for many years to come. These are items that will be worn most often, so they need to stand the test of time and not turn into a regret purchase or something I sell on Poshmark.
Obviously everyone’s budget is different, as is everyone’s definition of high and low. Remember, I am just sharing what works for me to give you an example of how I mix and match pieces and have built a wardrobe I love. Take from this what you wish or leave it to the wayside, it’s all good.
For me, this means:
A great blazer: I have the A.L.C. Elza Blazer, which instantly makes jeans and a tee look put-together. Once you find a black blazer that is lightweight and comfortable, snag it. You will wear it a ton.
Classic denim: I get asked a lot what jeans I am wearing in my videos. I am someone that invests in denim because I wear jeans DAILY. These are the 3 styles that you always see me wearing and 12/10 recommend: Isabelle Marant, Khaite, and TWP!
Everyday white sneakers: – Every wardrobe needs a pair of classic white sneakers that go with everything. I have these APL nostalgia sneaks and wear them many times during the week. I love them so much, I also have them in gray. They are not cheap, but once you touch them and put them on, you will see why!
A great pair of kitten heels: I love kitten heels because guess what? Unless you are clubbing as your daily job, I am pretty sure you aren’t wearing 3-4” heels on a daily basis. Kitten heels are the best. I wear them with jeans almost daily. I love the Reformation Wrenley Heeled Slingback.
A fantastic handbag: I do have a love affair with purses, but my investment pieces are always closet staples. You won’t find me wearing a bright yellow Prada bag, because even though it could be fun, it’s just not practical for everyday use. I am currently wearing a Row Margaux bag, which I love!! This bag from Cos is super similar and the brown suede (just like the Margaux I have) is perfect for fall.
✨ Why the Mix Works
For me, mixing high and low is more than just a shopping philosophy—it’s a mindset. When you start to buy with intention—not impulse—your closet becomes more functional and you aren’t wasting money on trendy pieces you will only wear once or twice.
I also think there is something to be said for a woman who can wear a $10 tee, $5 sunnies, paired elegantly with a high end blazer and timeless pair of jeans. It’s an unspoken confidence that shows that you care about looking good, without trying too hard. I like to think that person is me haha 😊.
🛍️ How to Build Your Own High-Low Wardrobe
If you want to adopt this mindset, here’s how I’d start:
Audit your closet – Identify your real-life uniform (what you actually wear most days). Get rid of anything you don’t. Donate, donate, donate! Or sell-whatever works for you. But only keep the items you wear and love.
Replace your basics first – Stock up on high-quality, low-cost versions of your daily essentials. See my list above as a great starting point.
Invest in your confidence pieces – One by one, add the “high” items that make you feel powerful and pulled-together. Don’t buy these all at once (unless money grows on trees). Buy thoughtfully, one piece at a time and slowly build.
Ignore the noise – Trends come and go. Personal style stays. So when you see a fun clothing trend, shop low!
I’d love to hear your take
What’s your philosophy when it comes to shopping? Are there pieces you always invest in or affordable finds you swear by?
Share them in the comments so we can build a list together. And if you’re new here, subscribe to get more posts like this—where style, food, and life all intersect in real, everyday ways.
xo,
Nicole
Love this post! Thank you for sharing all the amazing pieces!❤️