Casually Unaffordable.

So, in my opinion, the biggest development in fashion of late 

has been the combination of high and low.

Source: Candice Lake

Source: Fashion Magazine

Source: High Snobiety

I don't mean high-waisted pants with short booties, or high-fronted hems with low cut backs (though I may just as well), 

but instead the quippy combination of blatantly casual items with those that are more notably high brow.

Source: Fashion Magazine

I realize that mixing pricey pieces with those less inclined to break the bank has always been a part of fashion, but I feel as if it's always been done in an attempt to make the two seems as if they were from the same world. 

Source: Vogue

Recently, though, the in-your-face manner of underdressing has had the completely contrasting goal of drawing attention to the ... well ... contrast.

Source: Candice Lake

There are so many variations on this little phenomenon that to attempt to list them all would be futile, 

but I think there are two key points in particular worth noting. 

Source: Harpar's Bazaar

First, the contrast may be within the item itself - your Kenzo sweatshirts, Emilio Pucci pajamas, Izzie M tennies (no link needed here, I'm sure) .. etc, etc. 

Source: Style and the City

Source: Vogue

And second, when it isn't, the effect tends to be more poignant if the casual item in question is paired with something more notably expensive. i.e. Torn jeans w/ $10,000 heels, baggy grey shirts w/ designer necklaces, and even pricey lipstick with more casual clothing. 

Source: Stockholm Street Style

Source: Man Repeller

So my question is: seeing as this 'trend' is best executed with a hefty price tag, can it be done without one? 

And if not, why? 

Is the "casualization" (term stolen from Man Repeller) of fashion only poignant if we first prove that we can afford the alternative? Is it like needing to "learn the rules before we can break them"?

 And if so - where does that leave those of us in debt? Unable to meaningfully comment?

wearing: $10 Beacon's Closet cargo jacket, $15 Target necklace, $50 H&M leather skirt (similar), 29 euro Zara heels, free shirt (dad's old tee)

Naw. 

'Cause nobody puts Gabby in a corner. 

Cheers.