Bougie People Swear By These 50 Cheap Things That Actually Seem So Expensive

This bodycon maxi dress looks so elegant, you’ll never believe it’s under $30. The dress’s square neckline and ankle length make it look so high-end, and since it’s made of a buttery soft fabric, the dress is designed to feel as comfortable as loungewear. It’s also a breeze to dress up or down. You can pair it with sneakers or lug-sole boots to give it a casual-cool edge, or with heels for a night out — and it works for pretty much any occasion.

• Available colors: 9
• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

Sure, fireplaces are bougie — but they don’t have to be expensive. Exhibit A: this fire pit bowl that goes for under $25. The stone bowl measures less than five inches across, and burns for isopropyl alcohol or bioethanol for a totally smoke-free flame that’s safe for indoor use. Use it for indoor s’mores making, to add some romance to date night if you don’t have a fireplace, or for some extra ambience when you’re dining on the patio.

• Available styles: 12

A fantastic (and much more affordable) alternative to those viral Bottega Veneta earrings worn by Hailey Bieber, these waterdrop earrings are the ideal blend of fashionable yet wearable. Chunky but hollow, and the perfect size for everyday wear, the earrings create a statement without weighing you down. They’re plated in real gold to make them hypoallergenic for sensitive ears. And while they look so fashionable, no one has to know you spent less than $10 on them. One Amazon shopper wrote, “These are so nice. They look way more expensive than they are. They’re light and I get so many compliments on them.”

• Available colors: 10

Level up from serving drinks in plastic cups the next time you host a function and transition into fun glassware with this affordable set of pink champagne glasses. The 5-ounce coupes have chic gold rims and are made of trendy pink glass, making whatever you put in them look instantly more elevated.

Something else that’s fancy but doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg? Perfume. This pumpkin cream scent by Le Monde Gourmand is reminiscent of a cozy autumn day, with notes of nutmeg, frothed milk, and sandalwood. One ounce of perfume from Le Monde Gourmand goes for no more than $25, and they have tons of other gourmand-inspired scents to match anyone’s vibe, from vanilla cream to spicy chai.

• Available scents: 25

Feel like you’re at a swanky coffee shop every morning with these glass dispensers for coffee syrups. The set of two 16.9-ounce glasses comes with gold pumps for controlled dispensing, a silicone funnel for easy refilling, and 16 fancy looking pre-written labels to indicate what kind of syrup is inside, from pumpkin spice to peppermint to simple syrup. The dispensers are great for other condiments, too, like ketchup or mustard, or even non-food products like soap or mouthwash. “I am obsessed with these! I feel like I have a bougie little coffee set up now and I love using them!” commented one Amazon reviewer.

An effective facial serum with proven ingredients is another product that doesn’t have to break the bank, exemplified by this highly rated serum by Naturium. With a high concentration of niacinamide and zinc, the serum is formulated for blemish-prone, oily, or combination skin — but it also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for hydration and nourishment, too. And now, the serum also comes in a jumbo 2-ounce size for only around $30.

This ceramic trinket dish makes your space more stylish and organized at the same time — use it to organize jewelry on your dresser, makeup on your vanity, or your keys and spare change by the door. The dish’s trendy cloud pattern elevates your space, too, and its elevated edge means that nothing delicate will accidentally roll off. The tray comes in a handful of chic colors, and it’s no more than $10.

• Available colors: 8

Does your toiletry bag need an upgrade? Elevate your travel situation with this open-flat pouch that goes for under $25. Amazon’s number-one best-seller in cosmetics bags, the zippered bag has a surprisingly huge capacity, with a stiff, protective outer and a design that makes it lay flat when it’s opened. It has multiple compartments for items of all sizes, and it’s made of a durable PU leather.

• Available colors: 27

Throw pillows are one of the easiest and most effective ways to elevate your space — and this decorative throw pillow cover makes those pillows look even more bougie. Made of 100% cotton, the pillow cover has an invisible zipper closure and pipping on the edges for an elegant look. It fits 18-by18-inch throw pillows, is easy to launder, costs no more than $20, and comes in dozens of pretty colors and unique prints. “Adore toile in the living area, library and bedroom,” wrote one Amazon shopper, who praised the “old world elegance and charm” and “exceptional quality fabric” in particular.

• Available colors and designs: 50+

Add a touch of elegance to your daily shower routine with this rose body soap by Mario Badescu. The sulfate-free body wash works up into a gentle, skin-friendly lather that leaves your skin feeling cleansed and softened. Made with a fancy-feeling blend of rose oil and rose water, the body wash smells as good as it feels, too, and it’s impressively under $10.

Upgrade those cheap, colorful fuzzy socks to a pair of Barefoot Dreams socks in the brand’s signature CozyChic fabric, and you can look incredibly chic while you’re staying warm and toasty. The socks pair particularly well with leggings and sweater combos, and their taller height prevents them from riding down, especially if you wear them to sleep. They come in several calming, neutral colors and in a one-size-fits-all size.

• Available colors: 11

These eye masks are more than fun to look at. The firming under-eye patches are packed with peptides, which are amino acids that help your skin repair itself for smoother, tighter-looking skin. But that’s not all — the masks also have hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening, and allantoin for soothing and strengthening your skin’s barrier. That means that after just one quick application of the cooling gel masks, your under-eyes are left visibly hydrated and smoothed.

Make your home’s front door look incredibly elegant with this monogrammed doormat that “looks very similar to more expensive versions,” as one Amazon shopper wrote. Made of 100% natural coconut coir, the mat has a non-slip vinyl backing and a high pile that makes it as functional for cleaning your shoes before you enter the house as it is chic. The mat is easy to care for by vacuuming or shaking out dirt, and it’ll run you less than $30.

One of the most effective acne treatments on the market, Differin gel is a total secret weapon when it comes to achieving smoother, clearer skin. Available by prescription only until a few years ago, the derm-loved gel now goes for no more than $10 over the counter. It’s formulated with 0.1% adapalene, a super strong topical retinoid, which helps your skin turn over faster to reveal a clearer, more even complexion.

These easy-to-install wall sconces attach to your wall with nothing but an adhesive backing or a couple of screws, or via magnets if you’re working with a metal surface. And they look like high-end light fixtures, but they come out to no more than $20 each. With a modern, Scandi-chic design, the lights are battery operated, can be pointed in any direction, and turn on and off with the touch of a button. They’re dimmable, too, making them particularly ideal in the bedroom.

If you don’t have an all-purpose pashmina scarf, consider this your sign to get one. This one can be worn as a scarf or as a fancy looking shawl to keep you warm (great for nice events) — and it looks especially elegant draped over one shoulder. This orange option adds a nice pop of warmth to any look, also, but it comes in dozens of other colors and patterns.

• Available colors and prints: 94

Looking for either an aromatherapy device or a humidifier? Why not combine both with this appliance that’s under $30? This diffuser delivers the calming scent of your favorite essential oil via a cool mist that also adds moisture to the air. It doubles as a nightlight, too, with an LED color-changing base that makes it great in babies’ and kids’ rooms. It’s even made of elevated ceramic stone, which gives it an “expensive, modern look,” as one Amazon reviewer wrote.

• Available colors: 3

Feel as cozy as if you’re wearing a blanket with this oversized turtleneck sweater that actually looks so chic. Its wide arms and boxy cut make it feel so comfy, but its ribbed detailing and turtleneck make you look put together even when you’re just lounging around the house. Wear it with trousers or a skirt for an elevated look, or with leggings or shorts for the ultimate cute and casual vibe. The sweater comes in 10 different trendy colors, and costs no more than $40.

• Available colors: 10
• Available sizes: Small — X-Large

Level up your coffee mug game with these vintage-inspired glass mugs — no need for cheesy tourist mugs anymore, and no need to get spendy when you’re looking for fancy mugs. The mugs in this set of two are elegantly similar but not identical, and each one holds 14 ounces. They even come with two stylish gold stirring spoons.

• Available colors: 7

Make your showers feel so much more luxurious with this under-$10 body scrub by Dove that gives you a little at-home spa moment. Formulated with exfoliating particles for gentle physical exfoliation, along with moisturizing cream for hydration, it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, but never stripped. Made with macadamia and rice milk, the scrub also has a nutty, creamy fragrance, and comes highly recommended by Elite Daily beauty editor Adeline Duff. (Pro tip: the four-pack is a great value, but you can also buy a single jar for just $7.)

For a sleeker-looking home space, these outlet concealers are the way to go — you’ll be shocked at how much of a difference they make in just minutes, replacing messy-looking tangles of cords with one 3-foot white cord that adheres to the wall. It also covers up your outlet, turning it into a black white slate and giving you three discreet outlet sockets in return. And this super worthy investment is less than $25.

Chunky, durable, and on trend, these lug sole booties have thick rubber soles that make them as practical as they are hip — and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that their price tag is no more than $30. Made of a durable faux leather material, the boots have a knitted elastic band so they fit snugly to your ankle. They have arch support insoles and ankle loops so you can easily take them on and off, and this beige faux-suede material is so chic.

• Available colors: 5
• Available sizes: 6 — 11

Low on cabinet space for storing mugs? Check out this set of four stackable coffee mugs for less than $30. Each 10-ounce mug has a tasteful speckled pattern and is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. They come with a minimalistic black frame (or in a green option, too) to keep them perfectly organized, and their simple Scandi design will instantly elevate your space.

• Available colors: 2

For base makeup that’s even, natural-looking, and glowy, check out Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind 4-in-1 Glow Instant Perfector, which even beauty influencers like Danielle Marcan use and love. It combines primer, BB cream, concealer, and highlighter into one product that’s no more than $10, simplifying your routine while leaving you with a more even, radiant complexion that’s natural-looking, not cakey. The product comes in eight self-adjusting shades that are designed to adapt to your skin’s natural tone.

• Available shades: 8

These wireless puck lights make it look like you’ve installed a fancy new lighting fixture, but really, they come out to just around $5 each from Amazon. Powered by AA batteries, the lights turn on and off with the touch of a button — or with their included remote control, which can also dim the brightness and turn their temperature from warm to neutral to cool. The 3-inch lights install with either the included adhesive or screws, and they add the perfect bougie ambience underneath shelves or cabinets.

Soft, unstructured handbags are so in right now —and this slouchy bag by Montana West is so versatile, you’ll be able to wear it for seasons to come. It’s a fantastic size, too: measuring 13 by 13 inches, it’s large enough for a tablet, a book, a water bottle, or even a small laptop. It even comes with a small wallet, too — all that for under $30.

• Available colors: 24

High-quality makeup brushes don’t have to cost a lot — just ask beauty editor Adeline Duff, who swears by EcoTools brushes. “They perform like brushes that cost five times the price, but you can get a full set for just around $10,” she says. This set comes with an angled foundation brush, a blush brush, a concealer brush, an eyelid crease brush, and a liner brush, giving you a full makeup routine refresh (and making your vanity look put-together and cohesive).

Make your house smell amazing while adding a cute piece of decor with this reed diffuser set. Amazon’s number-one bestseller in reed diffusers, the set comes with six reeds and a glass bottle of ‘black forest’ scented oil — a blend of vanilla, amber, cedar, and heliotrope — that’ll diffuse the delicate woody scent into your space for up to 90 days. More affordable than most candles, the set is less than $20, and its refills are even cheaper.

Trousers just got as comfortable as loungewear with these wide-leg palazzo pants. With a high waist, belt loops, and front pleats, the pants look sharp and tailored. But they also have a hidden elastic waist band in the back, along with a wide-leg cut and a soft synthetic material that’s drapey but not too thin. The perfect comfy, work-ready pants, they come in so many different colors, too.

• Available colors: 30
• Available sizes: X-Small Short — 2X

Look like you just got back from the nail salon for a fraction of the price with these soft gel press-on nails. Not your conventional press ons, these are made of actual gel nail polish so they’re soft and flexible, and feel like real nails and put less pressure on your nail beds. The set comes with 16 different nails sizes so you can ensure the perfect fit on every nail, along with a cuticle stick, a nail file, and perfectly sized adhesive tabs, too.

• Available colors: 15

Elevated wall art makes such a difference in making your space look more high end. These antique-inspired prints have the soft, tasteful appearance of vintage paintings, and they even come pre-framed, too. One Amazon shopper wrote, “I love this piece, [it’s] much more believable as a real piece of artwork than others I’ve bought. Highly recommend!” Each print plus its frame goes for no more than $40, and if you buy a few, you can make your own gallery wall for a dark academia vibe.

• Available colors: 6

Amp up a dry, dull-looking complexion overnight with this jelly face mask from Pacifica. Infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, squalane to lock in moisture, and peptides to help your skin repair itself, you’ll wake up to bouncier, dewier, more radiant skin when you use it as an overnight treatment. Reviewers love how the mask’s texture is thick but not oily, and this 2.5 ounce glass jar of product goes for no more than $20.

Decant your dry goods into glass jars with lids like those in this set of three, and your kitchen will instantly look like a bougie coffee shop. Each glass jar has a lid with an airtight seal, along with optional adhesive chalkboard labels so you can label (and re-label) the ingredients correctly. Each jar in the set is a slightly different size, and they work just as well for baking ingredients like flour and sugar as they do for dry goods like pasta, beans, and oats.

• Available colors: 2

Casual yet elevated, this lantern sleeve mini dress is the perfect versatile piece to take you from a chill day of errands to more formal events, too — all for a price tag that doesn’t top $40. Made with a lightweight, flowy material, the dress has an elegant ruffled hemline and cute balloon sleeves. Its convenient elastic waist and tie in the back help you fit it exactly to your measurements, and it comes in over 20 different colors.

• Available colors: 21
• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

Add a touch of elevation to your everyday routine with these clever scented drawer liners. Infused with a “French essence” scent, the liners keep whatever clothes you put in them smelling nice and fresh — and they work especially well for linens. They have a cute baroque-inspired pattern, too, and come in a handful of different color options. And at no more than $20 for a six pack of sheets that you can cut to your drawers’ dimensions, what do you have to lose?

• Available colors: 7

Make your everyday body care routine feel a bit fancier with this nourishing body oil from Saltair. Ditch the drugstore stuff and instead opt for this silky body oil that leaves your skin lightly fragranced with a creamy, spicy, woody scent with notes of rose, jasmine, and sandalwood. “This oil is absolutely divine, and it’ll add a touch of luxury to your post-shower routine,” says Duff, who credits it with making her skin feel “like silk.”

This clever storage ottoman is about to become your most-used piece of furniture — and it’s under $30. It functions as a foot rest or as an extra bit of seating when you have company over, but it’s also hollow so it doubles as a storage solution. Use it to stash extra throw blankets or other miscellaneous items like toys, while its soft boucle fabric adds a bit of soft texture to your space.

• Available colors: 5

Throw this oversized sweater vest on over any top and you’ll instantly look more put-together — and feel cozier, too. With a cable knit pattern and a V-neck design, the sweater vest is the ultimate cool girl piece right now. It’s versatile, comfortable, and classic, and is about to be your new warm weather staple piece. Plus, this one comes in a whopping 30 color options and costs less than $25.

• Available colors: 30
• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

How chic-looking are these ceramic vases? The modern vases in this set of two each have a trendy, curvy design, and their matte finish and off-white color make them look minimalistic while their solid construction makes them feel so much more expensive than they really are. Each with slightly different heights, the vases look just as nice holding dry or fresh flowers as they do on their own, and they come in a few different colors, too.

• Available colors: 4

Packed with blendable pigment, this liquid blush by e.l.f. gives you a lightweight, natural-looking flush of color that lasts all day long. This liquid blush works well as an eyeshadow, too, and while it’s less than $10, it’ll last you forever since a little goes a long way. Like all e.l.f. products, it’s cruelty free, vegan, and performs like a prestige product.

• Available colors: 9

These funky wine glasses are so chic and fun to look at, you’ll be surprised to find out that the entire set of four goes for under $30 — and that includes a matching decanter, too. The glasses are functional as well as cool, with a no-spill design. The decanter helps red wine open up before you serve it, but the set works for more than just wine, giving you an impressive way to serve any other beverages like water, whiskey, or juice.

Make your bedtime routine feel more luxurious with this satin pajama set. Soft to the touch and lightweight, the set features full-length pant legs and sleeves, as well as cute details like piping and a collar. The whole set will run you less than $25, and it comes in so many different color options. “Soft and comfortable, I washed it several times and the fabric remains the same,” commented one Amazon shopper. “Plus, you can look fancy around the house [...] Definitely I'd buy it again.”

• Available colors: 32
• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

Cleaning your jewelry is one of the easiest chores to overlook — but it seriously makes the biggest difference. This complete jewlery cleaning kit gives you everything you need for less than $25, including a cleaning cloth for silver, a liquid cleaning solution, a brush, and a drip tray. Formulated for all types of materials, like gold, platinum, sterling silver, diamonds, pearls, and any other gemstones, this’ll be the last jewelry cleaner you ever need.

On-trend and functional, this scalloped edge wicker tray looks like it belongs in a fancy hotel — and it’ll help whip any countertop or messy surface into shape in no time. Made of natural seagrass woven over a sturdy iron frame, the tray measures 15.75 inches by 11.5 inches, and has two built in carrying handles. It works well for organizing bathroom essentials like towels and soaps, or for keeping your coffee table organized by providing a space to store coasters, remotes, and decor.

• Available colors: 2

Make your closet look more organized and cohesive while ensuring you never have to deal with clothes slipping off their hangers ever again with this set of 50 velvet hangers. They have swivel hooks and notched shoulders for spaghetti straps, each one can work with either pants or tops, and they each hold up to 10 pounds. And since each hanger comes out to less than 50 cents, you might as well stock up.

Make every day feel like spa day with this whipped body cream that comes in 10 decadent scents. Formulated with nutrient-rich goat milk that nourishes your skin, the cream also contains coconut oil and mango seed butter for extra richness. “I adore this body cream,” says Duff, who says she prefers it to “much pricier versions.” She adds, “The scents are divine and the texture is perfect — it’s super comforting on my skin, but it doesn’t leave it feeling greasy.”

Impress guests at your next dinner party with these bougie cheese knives with sophisticated marble handles. Each gold utensil in this set of four has its purpose, from cutting hard cheese to spreading soft cheese to spearing meats or olives. The ergonomic handles make them easier to use than typical knives, the set costs no more than $15, and it makes an excellent host gift, too.

The ideal blend of elevated yet casual, this ribbed maxi dress is made of a lightweight, stretchy material that hugs your curves without feeling too tight. Its cap sleeves, scoop neck, and side slit give you such an elegant silhouette, while the dress’s material and wearability make it so easy to throw on, giving you some sophistication even in casual settings. It’ll run you less than $40, and it comes in a handful of different solid colors.

• Available colors: 9
• Available sizes: Small — X-Large

It turns out it’s so easy to store a not-so-bougie product in a bougie way with this toilet paper basket. Holding up to 12 rolls at one time, the basket has a sturdy bamboo lid and is easy to fold up and store when it’s not in use. It’s no more than 6 inches wide, so it’s great at fitting tight spaces in smaller bathrooms, and it comes in a few different color options, too.

• Available colors: 5