16-05-2025
39 Products That Are Unexpectedly Expensive Looking
A tiny metal catchall tray that looks like you scored it at an antique fair. Reviewers love it for displaying their perfume and knickknacks or for wedding ring photo shoots.
A set of hair bands with metal chains that can pass as fine jewelry when you wear them on your wrist. They come in trendy links like paperclip, cable, and curb, so yeah, you'll be the most practical trendsetter around.
An ultra-well-reviewed single-blade safety razor for anyone looking to upgrade their shaving routine. Despite the high-quality construction, this luxe metal razor will actually save you money in the long run — you can get a 100-razor refill for less than $15. Reviewers say they've gotten much closer shaves with this over the usual plastic kind, so this purchase is kind of a no brainer.
A layered necklace set featuring three classic chains — herringbone, curb, and rope — that'll elevate any outfit, even your dog-walking uniform. Thanks to their gold plating, the necklaces are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant, making them a great budget option when solid gold is out of the question.
Or a delicate gold-plated necklace with five cubic zirconia stations to give it an extra wow factor. People will be wondering if you splurged at Brilliant Earth or Mejuri.
Ribbed vases you could reasonably expect to find a chichi boutique in Los Angeles. Pop some dried flowers in, and people will be lauding you as the new leader of the 'California Casual' movement. Time to limewash your walls!
A Kitsch satin pillowcase that'll be gentle on your hair, leave fewer creases in your face (huge win for side and stomach sleepers), and just feel nice and cool on your skin. Beauty sleep is a real thing, people!
Or Kitsch's iconic claw clip you've probably seen hype for, thanks to its Herculean strength wrapped in a dainty body. The rounded teeth chomp onto even thick hair without damage or breakage. Aaand the minimalist design screams quiet luxury, IMO.
A set of lovely silk tulips that look like the real deal but, unlike live flowers, can stick around for many springs to come. Keeping a regular rotation of fresh flowers can be pricey! Spritz 'em with a little perfume and guests won't even be able to tell they're imposters.
A set of mirror tiles you can stick on walls, doors, or in tight spots (like one reviewer's home bar seen below) to make any room feel bigger. If you're willing to deal with the upkeep (darn you, fingerprints!), you'll be rewarded with a ritzy look that will send your guests' jaws flying out the window.
A travel jewelry case if you're starting to invest in higher quality pieces that actually need to be taken care of instead of say, being thrown into the side pocket of your backpack. This zippered box comes with a mirror, neatly organizes your pieces in tidy compartments, and looks like high-quality velvet. So fancy!
Stained glass window film you might be able to pass as the real thing — at least at first glance. It's also the coolest version of privacy film I've ever seen, so it's worth it even if you don't trick your neighbors.
A roll of peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash to hide your offensively boring kitchen or bathroom walls. The waterproof and heat-resistant tiles interlock and stick right onto surfaces — no expensive remodel needed.
Synthetic extensions if you want to look like you spent top dollar at the salon. These clip-ins provide instantly perfect beachy waves with zero effort and minimal cash. With over 12,000 5-star reviews — and many citing easy installation, comfort, and ability to style with heat — I'm inclined to think these things are well worth the little you have to pay!
Or curly extensions for those with 3c or 4a hair. Reviewers say the human hair clip-ins are surprisingly high quality for the price, and some have even successfully dyed them.
A pair of stylish teardrop earrings similar to the popular Bottega Veneta ones, but for a fraction of the price. They're lightweight and gold-plated, meaning that even those with sensitive ears can enjoy them.
A trendy bamboo-style frame you might have thought came from Framebridge or Aerin, but nope! Amazon. This affordable frame will help you score beach house or tiki vibes even if you're in a 1BR in a landlocked state.
A classic pleated tennis skort with...*drumroll*...pockets! Pleased reviewers have compared it to reputable brands like Nike, Aritzia, and even Lululemon, saying it's suuuper comfortable.
No drill, wall-mounted amber bottles for anyone who wants the hotel treatment at home. At first glance, the waterproof labels conjure up an Aesop vibe, so guests are gonna be like, "OK, fancy."
A beautiful tennis bracelet no one has to know is actually made with zirconia. You just need to decide if you want yellow, white, or rose gold plating — or OK, all three.
A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that's the closest you can get to wearing a nightgown outside while still looking ready for date night. Reviewers say that this fabric is not only comparable to a certain Skims dress, it might actually be even better.
And a scoop neck tee offering the same buttery softness as the beloved Skims top. Bonus: This one comes in more colors than it costs.
A roll of peel-and-stick fake marble to jazz up all your dull surfaces. The adhesive is water-resistant and heat-resistant up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
A retro mushroom table lamp previously only seen in your wildest Architectural Digest dreams. Guests will ask you if you scored it at an auction; we'll let you decide how honest you wanna be (JK).
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick offering super long-lasting staying power (up to 16 hours!!!), so you can enjoy a luxuriously vibrant pout all day, even after eating and drinking. Reviewers say this is not only comparable to, but BETTER than brands like MAC, Chanel, and Anastasia Beverly Hills.
A super-soft longline sports bra some have compared to Lululemon's Align tank top for an Equinox-level workout look at a Planet Fitness price. Reviewers say it offers a little less compression, so you can wear it on casual days, too.
And high-waisted leggings that have also been compared to Lululemon A LOT, like over-600-reviewers lot. They're buttery soft, pass the squat test, and have the perfect stretch-to-hug ratio.
A set of massively popular moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets so soft and cuddly, you'll feel like you're staying at a 5-star hotel. You'll forget aaaalll about thread count when you slide into these sheets.
Polarized sunglasses for people who know they can't be trusted with high-end pairs. These do a good impression of Ray-Bans *and* they come in a three-pack, so losing a pair at the park won't be a world-ending event.
A faux-sheepskin area rug ensuring the first thing your feet feel in the morning is fuzzy heaven. You can use this next to your bed, flung over a couch, or as an auxiliary pet bed. Yes, even Chanel the dog gets a fancy resting spot.
Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer made up of tiny liposome capsules that pop and spread a vitamin C and niacinamide-boosted formula that works to brighten and smooth your complexion. Reviewers said they saw the brightening effects after just a few uses! This may seem like an experimental beauty product exclusively for celebrities, but you could order it right on Amazon!
A cute set of glass coffee syrup dispensers so you can pretend you have a personal coffee shop right inside your home. If the Seattle Space Needle can have its own Starbucks, why can't you? The kit comes with a funnel and package of labels, but if your coffee tastes are kind of niche, there are also two blank labels.
An 18-karat gold-plated cherry keychain because dropping almost $100 on the one from Coach is honestly kind of ridiculous. Reviewers say this one is almost identical!
Glue-on foam ceiling tiles providing a quick, fancy refresh to your kitchen or living room. Gotta love an easy way to add a "wow" factor without having to splurge on carpentry or remodeling.
Breathable, pointed-toe flats similar to classic Rothy's with stretchy knit uppers that'll have you tap dancing with glee when you try them on. When your dancing shoes start to get dingy, just toss 'em in the wash.
A set of rainbow wineglasses ensuring every guest can have their favorite long as they all have different favorite colors. If a fight breaks out for the green glass, be assured that — at less than $10 a glass — you can always buy a second set.
An arched floor mirror you might expect to find in a CB2 or West Elm. Despite its size and elegant, minimalist design, you can score this 59-inch piece for less than the cost of almost anything in either of those stores.
A pair of clogs that do a great impression of Birkenstock Bostons — suede, arch support, cork footbeds, and all.
A colorful pan from BuzzFeed's Goodful line you can use to pan fry, sauté, sear, boil, simmer, blanche, braise, poach, deep fry, get it. On top of being dishwasher safe and nonstick, it's also quite the looker. Perhaps even cuter than the Always Pan?
