'These are 3 foolproof ways to look like you buy designer on a budget.'

Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit, where we break down the topic we spoke about on the podcast this week.

Eva Galambos has been working in fashion for decades, namely as the founder and director of her cult store, Parlour X, in Sydney's Paddington.

Parlour X is a destination for stylish types to shop the latest designer buys from labels including Alaia, The Row, Chloe and Vivienne Westwood. But naturally, those pieces come at a price.

On this week's episode, Eva joins Leigh Campbell to talk about cultivating a style and aesthetic that gives off luxury vibes — without costing your entire paycheck.

The reality is, we can't all afford Alalia. And some of us — this writer included — have champagne taste on a prosecco budget.

There's an art to finding pieces that look expensive, and I'm going to share some of my own insider secrets as a longtime fashion editor and someone who quite literally shops for a living.

Plus, some new season finds that definitely meet the brief of "luxe for less".

Focus on the item, not the brand.

Sometimes we think we have to splurge on a designer piece to show we have an eye for fashion. That's just not true at all. Some of my best finds have been no-name items I've sourced from vintage stores or op shops, and they've really stood the test of time — like a buttery soft cream leather jacket, and my amazing red mohair cardigan.

There are lots of other pieces I've snapped up on the high street that I knew would elevate my closet despite their, er, competitive price tag. A tan oversized blazer from H&M has lasted me years of wear and is one of my most complimented pieces.

Writer wears affordable blazers. Left: my vintage leather jacket, and right: an H&M blazer I've worn for years. Images: Supplied.

Having good taste is about being discerning, not flashing your cash. It's knowing what details to look for, what passing trends to avoid, and what actually enhances your style.

Remember: Fit, fabric, feel.

There's a mantra you often hear: 'If it feels good, wear it', but I take this quite literally — I really care how an item feels in my hand.

If a cotton tee is flimsy and looks like it won't last a single wash, it's not coming home with me. I spend what I can afford to get better quality, which means I'd rather have one great white tee I saved up for than several dodgy ones.

Writer wears a plain white t-shirt from Thrills. I always spend on good quality white tees, like this one from Thrills. Image: Supplied.

The same rule applies for things like denim and knitwear. We all know a cashmere knit is going to last longer in our wardrobes than acrylic, but when boujie yarns aren't in the budget, look for the next best thing - like a wool blend. Again, many brands offer more affordable solutions that straddle the line between quality and affordability.

And if you want to play it even smarter, wait til they're on sale. Brands like Oroton, Dissh and Country Road offer massive end-of-season reductions and if you act fast, you can really get the good stuff for less.

Another hack for making your clothes look more expensive is to get them tailored. Fix the baggy waists and loose hems for once and for all and feel like a bloody millionaire — trust me. Having the right fit can change the entire look of a garment AND how that piece makes you feel when you wear it.

"Luxury" is understated.

With the rise of dupe culture and all those convincing fake accessories available online, there's not as much status attached to having a designer handbag anymore - quite the opposite, actually.

Some of the most covetable bags of the moment are styles from brands like The Row and Polene, which barely have any discernable branding. Fashion's 'logomania' trend has well and truly died down, and no one's scrambling to wear a giant Hermes emblem on their sweater anymore.

If the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend taught us anything, it's that low-key style can make a statement.

There are so many mid-tier, accessible brands that cater to this market now, and I've included some of my top finds from them below.

Rather than going for your standard "classic" pieces, I've sourced fashionable separates and chic accessories that look more expensive than their price tag, IMHO.