30 Under-$150 Finds That People Will Whisper “Chic” At Every Time You Wear Them

By wazup on May 6, 2024 Comments Closed / 53 views

Eliza Huber wearing a fitted black blazer and black Donni capri pants.

There’s nothing more satisfying than getting a compliment on the street from another woman. If you’re into fashion, you probably put a lot of thought into what you wear, so to be recognized for that means something—plus, it just feels good. Because of that, I’m always a little bit thinking about what items will garner compliments in the back of my head when I’m shopping. Even if it’s a simple pair of jeans or a classic blazer, my mind goes straight to whether or not it has the subtle details or qualities that’ll win me a compliment or two while I walk up Madison Avenue or down Mercer Street.

I’ve always been so intrigued in general about what makes an item noticeable and what doesn’t, so to put my years of shopping for compliment-worthy pieces to the test, I set out to find a whole heap of them. And to make the challenge even trickier, I put myself on a price limit of $150. Below, shop the 30 discoveries I made along the way, from capri pants to pops of red.

DONNI.

The Rib Petal Pusher Trousers

I recently got my hands on a pair of these Donni capris and wow, they’re so flattering. The material is stretchy but also firm enough to feel like real pants instead of thin leggings, and the ribbed fabric is extremely elevated.

Open Edit

Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

I can’t stop thinking about these $50 thong kitten heel sandals from Nordstrom. Gimme.

J.Crew

Balconette Underwire Bikini Top

At first, I saw this balconette bikini in black and was seconds away from buying it, but now that I’ve seen this ecru color, I think it’s the one for me.

Shop the matching ’90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($23).

Madewell

Lantern Straw Hat

The perfect summer sun hat—secured.

ZARA

Zw Collection Linen Blend Pencil Skirt

This skirt is giving Marni and Prada vibes, and I’m 100% here for it.

COS

Mismatched Organic-Shaped Earrings

Big earrings will always be a good idea, especially when they cost less than $50.

ALIGNE

Leo Denim Pinstripe Waistcoat

I own the black suiting version of this vest and the fit is 10/10. I love this summery denim option that just came out, so much so that I might just put in a personal order.

COS

Linen Wide Leg Pants

Relaxed white trousers are essential in the summer, and if you need any styling inspo, just look to the chic inhabiters of Milan and Paris.

ZARA

Mesh Ballet Flats

Yes, you need these red mesh flats.

Wilfred

Parasol Dress

I would pay way more than $88 for this buttery soft drop-waist dress.

Fifth & Ninth

Taya 53mm Polarized Oval Sunglasses

These look just like the sunnies Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy used to wear.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Cotton Oxford Long Sleeve Buttondown

This is the ultimate white button-down shirt. No one does it better than Ralph.

Levi’s

Dad Jeans

Levi’s Baggy Dad jeans are some of the best jeans I’ve tried on in ages. The fit is just the right amount of relaxed.

Schutz

Lolita Mules

Celebs like Sofia Richie Grainge, Laura Harrier, and Jasmine Tookes are frequenting flat mules like this Schutz pair.

H&M

Shopper

I love how luxe this beach tote is. I’d absolutely carry it for more than just a seaside excursion.

J.Crew

Cashmere Relaxed Cropped V-Neck Sweater

This color just screams spring to me.

Reformation

Rina Low Waisted Linen Skirt

This low-rise linen pencil skirt has been in my Reformation shopping cart for far too long. I need to just press order already.

H&M

Heeled Sandals

Oh, these are going to sell out lightning quick. Run.

ZARA

Zippered Shoulder Bag

This simple, thin shoulder bag from Zara reminds me of all the old ’90s Prada bags in my The RealReal cart.

NORMA KAMALI

Pickleball Ruched Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress

For an easy dress that can go from the tennis courts to dinner with a few easy accessories changes, go for this pickleball dress from Norma Kamali. The red color is just an added bonus.