Embrace Down-Spending
Take a tip on affordability from the very rich.
THE RICH are different, but in one respect at least they’re like the rest of us. They love a bargain—especially now, when even the uber-wealthy gripe about how expensive everything is. Spendy cars have long populated Costco parking lots; recently high-income shoppers are also frequenting Dollar Stores. (“In 2025, 27.5% of high-income shoppers shopped at discount retailers, up from 19.8% in 2021, according to GlobalData.”) The same sensibility driving the rich to discount stores applies to their shopping fast-fashion brands. While not giving up $4,000 jackets and $2,500 pants, high-end fashion shoppers with resources to buy anything they want are looking to Uniqlo, Zara, H&M and Gap for wardrobe basics—think T-shirts and such. Let’s call it down-spending.
What’s likely reassuring to such big spenders is that well-known designers, like Claire Wright Keller, formerly of Givenchy, is Uniqlo’s Global Creative Director. Victoria Beckham just collaborated with Gap on a collection of everyday wardrobe items; John Galliano has partnered with Zara for fall 2026; and Francesco Rizzo, late of Marni, is working with Uniqlo on a 2027 spring/summer season.
So, here’s an idea. Release your inner rich person and compensate for your pricey purchases with thrift buys on basics and then some from the likes of Uniqlo et al. And, no surprise, I’ve got some suggestions:
I have several of Uniqlo’s white cotton T-shirts, bought on sale for $14.90 each (they’re now $19.90). They’re all-cotton, hug the neckline and have the ideal-length sleeve. I wear them under button-downs and sweaters in the winter and by their lonesome in late spring and summer. They’re made of heavy-weight cotton, so can feel too hot when the outside steams. I’ve been wearing them for more than a year, and they’ve held up as well as my $80 Stateside supima slub tee (this one’s a v-neck).
Not everyone’s fave, but I find this top totally adorable. BTW, it’s navy, not black—thanks for asking! For lots more choices, check out Zara’s stock of knit polos, some striped and rugby-ish, others solid, mostly under $50.
A cheery-looking bag for beach or summer in the city. Generously sized (11.37”h by 21.7”w by 3.86”l) and made of treated paper fiber, it’s lightweight to begin with. Feel free to load it up; the double shoulder strap will help with the haul.
Looking put together and still able to breathe in 90-degree weather are the benefits of Gap’s all-linen long-sleeve shirt. Besides pale yellow, there are oodles of other colors, most selling for $79.95; an exception is this navy blue gingham for $71.
Vintage Soft Terry Relaxed Joggers and Matching Hoodie
These Gap joggers and hoodies are reminiscent of old Juicy Couture tracksuits, but in terry cloth—not velour—and without logos. Quiet luxury for less.
It’s not easy to find just the right length of Bermuda shorts. H&M has nailed it for me with this pair that just skims the knee. The fabric and pleated front give them a formal enough look for lunch in the city. Note the tonal styling here for extra elegance.
Tahiti Polarized Acetate Sunglasses
It’s not exactly a fast-fashion brand, but Quince does have low price points on their merchandise, such as these sunnies ($50) with features like frames made of acetate (more durable than plastic), polarized lenses with UV protection, and scratch-resistant lenses.
Instead of the bright pink of Barbie days, think blush pink this season. As much as I love white jeans, Mango’s denim pair ($69.99) is a refreshing change. Mate them with the label’s cat-eye sunnies ($39.99).
Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Definitely not fast fashion—Weleda and its popular plant-based rich cream have been around for 100 years. I’ve been using it for 10 years, and it’s an intense hydrating savior for my dry skin—along with my wallet or anyone else’s—at $20 for 2.5 ounces.
I have a couple that I wear regularly. The blue has held up better than the white one, which I sent to the dry cleaners instead of washing. Big mistake.
Love those GAP linen shirts (UniQlo sells them, too) that are so much better since they got rid of the stupid little breast pocket and made those pockets normal sized. A little thing but such a big difference! x