Last month when I shared my review of the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, I shared some photos of it on yours truly. That day I happened to have been wearing one of my favorite “kick around” dresses – a terry fleece number from Old Navy. I got a lot of questions about the dress, which I was so happy to share because it was seriously so cheap and I wear it all the time!
Sadly, that particular dress is currently sold out, but I thought I would take the opportunity to share with you some of my favorite buys under $100 – with most closer to the $50 mark. With the exception of the Topshop skirt, these have all been tested for at least a year of frequent wear, and they’re still amongst my favorites and going strong. So even though they’re a bit easier on the wallet, none have ended up as “fast” fashion throwaway items. Enjoy!
1. Old Navy plaid flannel shirts. Oh, I love these shirts. I probably wear them a good amount of the time in the fall/winter seasons. Some complain that the quality is off, and they aren’t the thickest, warmest flannel out there, which is true. But that actually makes me like them better, since they’re easier to layer and I can wear them from fall and even into spring. I bought these three last year and am contemplating adding a fourth! I can usually find them on sale for around $20.
2. Topshop Scuba Skirt. Normally I wouldn’t recommend an item I hadn’t worn and tried out for a while, but I just picked this up yesterday and like it so much I had to include it. It’s a great little black skirt for fall to pair with tights. The scuba material feels more expensive than it is, and it doesn’t seem like it’ll show wrinkles after you sit down. Yes, the flippy black mini may be a little young – but so far, my Benjamin Button chants aren’t working out and I’m only getting older! So I thought I’d try this out while I still have the chance. Plus, it’s a wee bit longer than it looks here. Full price is under $50.
3. Gap Broken In Straight Khakis. I bought a few pairs of these (in green khaki and red) back when we were going on safari, and they’re both still going strong. Really comfortable cotton pants that are that perfect loose, but not too baggy shape that are still flattering to the body. I think everyone should try out at least the green army color they make each season. Frequently can find them with a code for around $40 or less.
4. Ann Taylor Slim Knit Pants. My favorite black pants ever. I’ve been saying that in this blog for years, and it’s still the case. Really comfortable and flattering. I had a slight scare when I went to go look these up on the Ann Taylor site and thought they had been discontinued – I was prepping the “buy” button to snap up two more emergency pairs, that’s how dedicated I am to these pants. These are on sale for around $60 right now, and usually are available at a similar promotional price.
5. Vans Perforated Leather Slip Ons. Mine are in the white and have reached an unnatural state where they are not suitable for public photography. Even so, they are one of my favorite “kick around” shoes and I’ll replace them with the black pair when the dingy level becomes too embaressing. Plus, I think they look quite chic and casual.
$60 at full price, what more can you ask for? I have to admit that I find versions from designers like Prada a little baffling – they look almost 100% alike (though I am sure the Prada are quite comfortable….I would hope so for 8x more!).
What are some of your sub $100 favorites in your closet?
17 Comments
simiyalala
November 12, 2014 at 8:44 amThe Anne Taylor Pants are absolutely wonderful. Thanks to your blog, I bought a couple of pairs earlier this year. I wear them all the time: they are comfortable, they wash really well, don’t fade, look great. Kudos!
Katherine
November 12, 2014 at 4:40 pmI’m so glad you like them! Yes they do wash really well 🙂
laura
November 12, 2014 at 9:24 amThanks for the pants recommendations – now that it’s starting to get cooler I’m always looking for work bottoms that aren’t slacks!
Anna
November 12, 2014 at 10:02 amI got a beautiful flannel shirt from Uniqlo. You should check them out if you get a chance. I also wear GAP Khakis but have the slim cut style. I am kicking myself for that because I did want to go for the more relaxed version but then again I got them on sale for $10! I am also sort of lusting over the Vans but something in my mind tells me that I’m not quite ready for that trend just yet. I’d like a pair of Supergas really.
tata
November 12, 2014 at 11:45 amgreat article! i also recommend uniqlo for some very affordable but really good items. flannel shirts and also their sweat pants. some say their jeans are pretty good too.
Sandy
November 12, 2014 at 12:26 pmwhat website is the lady wearing jumper/vans slip on from? very cute outfit!
Katherine
November 12, 2014 at 4:40 pmJ.Crew!
Whitney Farris
November 12, 2014 at 6:00 pmI buy many of those Old Navy flannel shirts. I happen to have the one pictured. I like them for some of the same reasons that you do. They are light enough that you can tuck without looking like a lumberjack! It is surprising to me that you can dress them up rather nicely as well! They layer very nicely as well
Whitney Farris
November 12, 2014 at 7:54 pmFor cheapies, uniqlo cashmere and down vests/jackets. All priced at 100..00 or under. They really are great staples to have in your wardrobe. They make nice gifts to give friends.
Katherine
November 13, 2014 at 3:49 pmThanks for the tip Whitney! Glad to meet another flannel fan 🙂
Emily
November 12, 2014 at 10:08 pmI haven’t been to Old Navy since college, when everything I bought fell apart after 2 washes. I guess I should give them another chance.
For my picks under $100, I love the Ann Taylor Gallery Tote. It’s great as a work bag!
Jemily Life
Katherine
November 13, 2014 at 3:49 pmThat’s a beautiful tote and it looks very versatile too!
Emily
November 12, 2014 at 10:09 pmI should clarify, the retail price is technically more than $100 but Ann Taylor has great sales all the time so it should be easy to snag for way less. I got it for 50% off!
Maria
November 13, 2014 at 9:01 amI bought those AT pants (and the Trouve V-neck sweater!) on the strength of your review last year and ended up getting two more pairs of the pants and the sweater in every color it came in when it went on super sale. You are were very right about it being such a comfortable, easy outfit! Just had a mini panic about the pants and went back and ordered a pair in wine. 🙂
You are def young enough to rock that skirt BTW…..
Katherine
November 13, 2014 at 3:48 pmThanks so much Maria! And I’m so glad you like the pants and the Trouve. I love that sweater too!
Kimberly
November 16, 2014 at 12:41 am1) Uniqlo merino vneck sweaters- soft, lightweight, and machine washable. On sale the price is $20.
2) Also at Uniqlo- The J+ cotton shirts (men’s and women’s) are a great buy at $49, the material feels like Prada shirts.
3) Zara men’s department for alternative sweat/ knit pants. Priced between $60 and $70, they sell out quickly at full price. Styles are similar to Y3 or Rick Owens, sized similar to womans pants.
4) J. Crew tissue tees, in short and long sleeve. So light you can pack two or three in the space of a normal tee. They last longer if you don’t put them in the dryer.
Love the Topshop scuba skirt, it should look great on you! I bought a knee length version from H&M last year but haven’t worn it yet. Still waiting for winter in the Bay Area.
Katherine
November 16, 2014 at 1:36 pmThank you for the list! I need to take a closer look at Uniqlo with all the great feedback I’ve seen. Great tip on the Zara men’s department, I would have never though of that!