My Dad Asked Me to Max Out My 401(K), But I Bought These COS, H&M, and Mango Items Instead (Sorry)

A Mango model wearing a gray funnel-neck jacket with silver buttons and large aviator sunglasses on the street in New York City.

I can’t be the only person whose father insists they max out their 401(k) every single time you speak with them. I swear it’s the first thing he brings up during our weekly catch-ups. Usually, I’m happy to oblige, but after my morning new-arrivals scroll, I’m not convinced it’s the best use of my finances—at least, not this month. Instead, I’d rather invest in my wardrobe, specifically with the 30 finds I just discovered at COS, Mango, and H&M. Sure, I might be a little bit less prepared for retirement in a decade, but I’ll have a rich-looking wardrobe, and right now, that’s priority number one.

Ahead, discover the 10 pieces from each of the aforementioned retailers that look far more expensive than they are. None cost more than $250, and the only ones that reach that limit are cashmere aka the material most worth splurging on. Before they dare to sell out, scroll down to start picking out your favorites. Trust me. They’ll be worth giving up this month’s 401(k) allocation for, even if it means getting that disappointed dad look over FaceTime.