"There are few things in this life that have the power to rejuvenate us as much as a change in season. The combination of shifting temperatures and a fresh lineup of traditions, holidays, and events has an uncanny way of giving us a renewed sense of energy and inspiration. As one season bleeds into another, many of us also find ourselves excited to refresh our wardrobes, leaning into the colors, textures, and silhouettes that feel most aligned with the current time of year.
While those of us who are particularly attuned to our fashion ambitions would probably love to have a wardrobe akin to a main character on a top-budget television series (i.e., a perfectly styled outfit for every day of the year), the reality is this vision doesn’t always align with our personal budget. The truth is that many of us have to be strategic when adding new pieces to our wardrobes. Some items are worth top-dollar investment, but sometimes we have to recognize that an affordable option can shake up our fashion slump without breaking the bank.
As you’re refreshing your wardrobe this spring, be mindful of which pieces can pack a punch on a budget and which are worth investing in as wardrobe staples you’ll wear long after the season has come to a close.
Save: Sunglasses
While small in stature, never underestimate a pair of sunglasses’ ability to instantly elevate an outfit. Shades are especially practical during the warmer months, but also add a sense of completeness to an ensemble year-round. The good news: It’s easy to find a chic pair of sunnies at an affordable price. Look for yellow-tinted or oversized frames for a pair that’s on-trend this season.
Splurge: Bangles
Though the stacked look isn’t necessarily a new trend, a slew of spring ’25 runway sightings has officially propelled this age-old accessory into a full-on resurgence. Since my version of naked and afraid means a day without bangles, I’ve built up quite the collection—from affordable retailers, yes, but also from a host of more investment-worthy brands that I know will last for years to come.
Save: Collarless Jackets
Last fall, we saw the fashion crowd’s attention shift from oversized blazers to more corseted, buttoned-up silhouettes. Now, we’re sticking within the same vein of refined, buttoned-to-the-top outerwear, only this time, we’re ditching the collar altogether. Although today’s lady-like collarless jackets are fairly timeless, it’s a style that can be added to your closet in a budget-friendly way.
Splurge: Trench Coats
There is perhaps no piece more synonymous with spring fashion than the trench coat. Practical, stylish, and timeless, trench coats are a seasonal staple. Because they never go out of style, and because we grab for coats and jackets on an almost daily basis, this spring piece is worth investing in. Style with literally every outfit you’re already planning on wearing this spring.
Save: Boat Shoes
While the return of ballet flats was surprising to many, what may be even more surprising is this year’s return to boat shoes. The preppy loafers are set to take spring’s footwear by storm, but you can snag a pair on a budget (which will also help prepare for the possibility that the trend might be fleeting).
Splurge: Ballet Flats
While you can choose a more affordable version of ballet flats, the reality is that they’re inherently timeless—meaning that even when they’re no longer “trendy,” they’ll still be stylish. Choose to invest in a high-quality pair both for comfort’s sake and so they hold up for years to come.
Save: White Tanks
One closet staple you should never look past? A white tank. Trend experts have named the U-shaped tank this season’s effortless must-have. Now more than ever, the little white tank is finally getting the moment it deserves, and with the inevitability of the occasional pit stain, I think I’ll be sticking to more low-cost versions.
Splurge: White Button Downs
I’m of the mindset that you can never own too many button-downs, and since they’re a piece you can wear on repeat, a high-quality option will withstand more wear and tear wittle down its cost per wear within months.
Save: Silk Pants
Silk pants are the perfect elevated bottoms to reach for on days where you want to feel comfortable, but still want to look chic. Last year, I learned the hard way (read: my silk pants all but living at my dry cleaner’s) that splurging on a pair still meant they needed to get professionally cleaned. I added another, less expensive pair to my closet, and they do the job just as well.
Splurge: Trousers
Trousers, one of the few wardrobe staples I know I can count on year after year, have proven to be well worth the splurge. A few years ago, when trousers started to be styled outside of workwear, I figured it to be a wise investment to go ahead and add a few pairs to my wardrobe. Fast forward all these years later and I’m still rocking the same ones—and trust me, no one can tell.
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Fashion Writer
Emilee is a communications strategist and lifestyle journalist with an M.S. in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies and their executives. Beyond The Everygirl, Emilee’s work has been featured on POPSUGAR, MSN, and Yahoo.