These days, it seems like I can’t leave my apartment without spending $100 (on what, you might ask? I literally have no idea). And we’re not talking about a quick trip to the mall, either—that’ll cost extra. Although I’m sure it was a gradual transition, the shift to spending the same amount on a singular top as I used to spend on an entire outfit feels sudden. As much as I want to shop like it’s still 2015, it’s just not realistic. Luckily, my superpower lies within creating looks for less.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been refining my craft. I started with sourcing the latest Limited Too garb from eBay and scouring the sale racks at Forever 21. Then, waiting in endless sample sale lines (did I mention the great Vera Bradley sample sale of 2007?). In my years-long quest of securing the best deals while simultaneously securing a career as a professional shopper, I’ve learned a thing or two about creating designer-level looks on a budget.
Don’t get me wrong: Some pieces are better off as investments (hello, beautiful leather jacket). And yes, I know there are times when the heart wants what it wants. But you’d be surprised at the number of equally covetable, affordable items available today. With a bit of creativity and a rolodex of the right retailers, you can score your new favorite outfit for less than the cost of your next night out.
With the new year signaling a wardrobe refresh, I’ve scoured the internet for the best finds under $100. Keep scrolling for my short list of quality, budget-friendly pieces to carry you through this season and beyond.
DSW | Journee
Don’t let anybody tell you booties are out. They’re just different. This stunning under-$70 pair—which comes in 12 colors and materials, BTW—will round out any fall outfit in the chicest way. The supple, slightly textured leather and kitten heel will have people thinking they’re much more expensive than they are.
DSW | Reebok
If I had to pick one item I’ve worn the most in 2025, it’s a red pair of shoes. Whether they’re jelly flats, Mary Janes, or this exact pair of sneakers, they’re the ideal way to make any outfit less boring. Wearing a plain tee and jeans? Adding red shoes instantly makes the look a lot more interesting. Plus, this slim, ‘70s-inspired silhouette is the must-have sneaker style of fall 2025.
DSW | Rocket Dog
Haven’t you heard? Boat shoes are back in a major way. But this time around, we’re going with a sleeker, more round-toe with a higher upper (meaning no toe cleavage). If you’re not quite ready to invest in a pair of Sperrys, this pair is less than half the price and definitely does the trick. If you want to make them even more fashionable, swap out the laces for a colorful set.
Melissa
I wore my red Old Navy jelly flats literally all summer long. When the weather started to transition into fall, I was on the hunt for a pair of jelly shoes that could transition with me. Not only do these do just that, but they’re insanely comfortable as well.
20+ colors available
DSW | Lucky Brand
If there is a hobo bag to be had, I must have it. I love that this one is a slightly smaller shoulder bag, but it’s still roomy enough to hold all of your everyday essentials. Plus, how cute is the bow detail?! At $79 for genuine suede, you really can’t beat this pick. The hardest part will be choosing between cognac and burgundy.
2 colors available
Zara
I’ve been a fan of Zara’s monogrammable bags for what feels like forever. (Customized for just $4?! Sign me up.) So when I saw they dropped this city bag in the color of the season, chartreuse, it immediately went on my wish list.
2 colors available
Free People
I’m calling it now. Triangle scarves—especially in fun colors and patterns—will be the must-have accessory of this fall and winter. They’re a great way to add a little extra touch of fun to any outfit.
6 colors available
Old Navy
In case you haven’t heard, Old Navy’s fall collection is to die for this year. The styles and silhouettes are elevated in a way that makes them seem much more expensive than they are, and this trench-meets-barn-jacket is no exception.
Cotton On
This striped sweater has been on my wish list for months. With a delicious brown and blue color combo and fuzzy texture, it’s truly my perfect fall sweater this year. Need styling ideas? Check out our fall capsule wardrobe.
Old Navy
This cardigan serves as another example of how gorgeous Old Navy’s fall collection is. I love the exaggerated collar and sleeves, which make it an ideal choice for anything from the office to a night out.
4 colors available
Quince
The Quince cashmere cardigan is another tried-and-true favorite of mine. So much so that I am thinking I need to get it in more colors. At just $80 for 100 percent Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, this is the find I want to shout from the rooftops.
6 colors available
Quince
During a recent scroll of Quince, I came across this 100 percent merino wool sweater. Once again, I was drawn to the exaggerated mockneck and sleeves, which make the piece just a bit more unique than others in my knitwear collection.
4 colors available
ASOS
Another piece with a beautiful oversized collar, this blouse has the DÔEN look at a third of the price. In addition to the collar, the lace trim, floral pattern, and bow details make this top ultra feminine in the best way.
Nordstrom Rack
Short-sleeve cardigans have become a closet staple of mine. But for some reason, they’re kind of hard to find in stock and at a reasonable price. So when I saw this one for $25 at Nordstrom Rack, I knew I needed to add it to this list.
3 colors available
J.Crew Factory
Rugby shirts are majorly on trend this season, but again, can be expensive for no reason at all. This option is under $40 and 100 percent cotton, making it the perfect way to try out this trend.
4 colors available
Old Navy
You’ll see a theme amongst the pants on this list, and that’s that I am sick of classic jeans and leggings. First up, these pull-on barrel jeans from Old Navy, which are not only comfortable but make any of your go-to jeans outfits look just a bit more on trend.
3 washes available
Old Navy
These next two pants are looks for less for popular styles from DONNI, which can cost close to $200 for a single pair. Just imagine how cute these ribbed flare leggings will look paired with your favorite oversized sweater and clogs while sipping a PSL this fall.
4 colors available
Gap Factory
I own these and have been wearing them nonstop for weeks. Although they are a linen blend, the rich brown color makes them a bit more seasonally appropriate, so they serve as the quintessential summer-to-fall transition piece.
2 colors available
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, Vionic Shoes, and Kohl’s. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of DSW but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
Products included in graphics linked within the article. Feature graphic images credited to: Old Navy, Cotton On, Free People, ASOS, and J.Crew Factory.
