I’ve had a few requests for outfits that represents my style at a much lower price point and am happy to oblige. While I made a decision to stop supporting fast fashion retailers several years ago there are many affordable destinations that offer well-made, classic styles at affordable price points, like this simple yet chic shift dress from Banana Republic factory that is only $48! (I love the black and red versions but would pass on the white as it looks more like a nightgown.) Similarly, this jean jacket is the perfect cut and wash but only $40?!
But looking elegant isn’t just about the items you wear – it’s about how things are put together and presented, so in addition to featuring more affordable items over the next few weeks I wanted to highlight my top tips for looking put together whatever the price point of your outfit.
- Keep outfits to 2-3 colors – This streamlines your look and helps create visual harmony. Monochrome dressing is a core tenant of the quiet luxury trend and timeless style in general and are a shortcut to easy elegance. (Look at Shiv Roy’s wardrobe on Succession, or classic images of Audrey Hepburn as examples.)
- Invest in your accessories – When you do have the budget to invest in your wardrobe use it towards shoes, jewelry, and handbags. These staples are the foundation of your outfit and can be mixed and matched endlessly with your dresses, tops and bottoms bringing down the cost per wear when you do spend a little more.
- Match your handbag and shoes – This may sound old fashioned, but if you match the color and/or materials of your handbag and shoes it brings visual cohesion to an outfit. Since my dress is a more autumnal red hue I paired it with bright white accessories to make the look more summery, but in August I’ll wear with camel tones to add a richness and warmth as fall approaches.
- Press your clothing – Nothing brings down an outfit more than lots of wrinkles but a nicely pressed dress whatever it’s price point will always look more elevated than a rumpled mess.
- Your posture is key – How you carry yourself drastically changes the overall impact of your look so shoulders back, chin up, and walk with an easy confidence.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Banana Republic Factory Jean Jacket
Haverhill Earrings & Haverhill Bracelet c/o (“Stacie15” for 15% off your order!)
Love that posture is pointed out here! my mom always tells me confidence is key! love this look as always, Staci! xo
Author
Thank you Lydia – couldn’t agree with your mom more! xx
Great tips!
I use you as inspiration but buy lower price points. (Yes, I’m a Maxxinista, 😝). You always look so elegant and timeless….my goal too.
For 4th of July I found a red Tommy Hilfiger shift dress that looked just like your theory shift dress. White hat with red ribbon and white Steve Madden flats ( Hermes knockoffs!). copied you head to toe, I walked into that bbq like I was arriving at Le Sirenuse.
Author
I love that and bet you looked fabulous!!!! xx
This is great advice; the shoes and matching bag aren’t old-fashioned! I always love looking at your daily outfits. Your sense of style is amazing.
Author
Thank you Mandy! xx
Thank you for being willing to research and post about more budget friendly options. Your style is lovely and sophisticated, but my budget is not the same as yours. I find it very difficult to find styles and options in my price range, and I appreciate that time and effort you are taking to prepare these posts. Would you be willing to not only prepare fashion posts, but also cosmetics suggestions as well?
Thank you for considering.
All of these tips are timeless and I wholeheartedly agree with each (esp ironing and posture). Even a ‘fast fashion’, pull-on, classically-styled 9” linen short, for example can be elevated with the right pieces/combinations and quality-invested-accessories.
Author
Such a big fan of ironing, and I’m always trying to improve my posture! Thanks for reading! xx
Such simple but impactful tips, Stacie! You always elevate every look regardless of what you wear because of your ease and elegance.
Author
Thank you Maria! xx
It took several years and lots of disappointing trends to realize that classics always win out and now that I am of a certain age I find it is less stressful to dress when you have at hand many of the classics you wear. I also spend less now because I’m not a victim of trendy fashions.
Well made clothing especially when it goes on sale is the way to go. I stick with my favorite colors of navy and black and work around them with lots of comfy dresses in the summer. My next purchase is that well made J Crew Elise striped sweater you wore over the white dress. Thanks for your posts.
Author
It definitely feels good to know what works and have lots of wardrobe staples to choose from! 🙂 Thank you for reading Amy! xx
I’m in the process of downsizing (everything)! I’m enjoying reading your suggestions. Your style is in my opinion…perfection!! Keep the suggestions coming.
You mention that pressing your clothes is important. Do you have a presser or steamer that you would recommend?
Thanks!