You don’t need a raise to upgrade your wardrobe (but you deserve one). As temps rise and iced chai becomes my personality, I’m leaning into wardrobe staples that feel breezy, look chic, and are—most importantly—not going to dip into my summer vacay budget. Nordstrom’s under-$50 filter is my favorite hack for stocking up on warm-weather gems. I’m talking a viral Skims bra that I can personally say lives up to the hype, a designer dress that’s shockingly under $40, and lightweight linen shorts that turned this certified shorts-hater into a convert. Whether you’re dressing for summer Fridays, travel days, or just a coffee run with main character energy, these 10 budget-friendly finds are stylish, comfy, and super easy to throw on when you need to be out the door in five. All-Season Essential: Free People Cotton T-Shirt: This is the tee you’ll reach for three times a week (at least). Made of 100% cotton with a relaxed-but-not-sloppy cut, it plays well with denim, flowy skirts, or even swimsuit bottoms. Viral Favorite: Skims Fits Everybody Demi Bra: There’s a reason this bra comes with its own fan club. Reviewers say it’s featherlight and disappears smoothly under everything—even your favorite fitted dress. Made from Skims' ultra-stretchy signature fabric, it molds to your body without squeezing or shifting. Under-$30 Designer Steal: Steve Madden Cotton Midi Dress: The smocked, cinching bodice? Snug but stretchy. The tiered skirt? Flowy without veering into ballgown territory—and all made from breathable cotton you’ll want to nap in. Wear it with sneakers, slides, or barefoot on your porch with a glass of something chilled. Editor Favorite: Caslon Linen Drawstring Shorts: Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by stiff, too-short pairs of shorts (*raises hand*). Trust me when I say these are different. The linen is light and airy, and the relaxed shape looks extremely cute with a tee and an oversized denim jacket. (A summer shorts unicorn, if you will.) Bp. Tiered Cotton Maxi Skirt: If your summer vision board evokes “slow strolls at a farmers market” vibes, this one’s for you. With a full, floaty silhouette and a comfy elastic waistband, it’s as easy as your go-to sweats—but looks way more polished. Pair it with a crop top, a basic tee, or whatever’s clean, tbh. You’ll always look put-together. Pact Organic Cotton Leggings: These are the leggings I reach for on hot days. The organic cotton blend fabric feels breathable and soft, and—praise be—they have a waistband that doesn’t dig. Kate Spade New York Initial Pendant Necklace: Minimalist but not boring, Kate Spade’s dainty pendant adds just the right amount of sparkle to everyday outfits. It’s gold-toned, sleek, and makes a sweet little gift (to yourself, obviously). Just pick your initial and prepare for compliments from strangers and your fave barista alike. Spanx Tight-End Tights: This is a safe space, right? I want to get real with you. Sometimes I don’t have the patience for shaving, and I’m sick of thigh chafing. When I want to wear a cute lil’ dress anyway, I turn to these light-as-air tights. Made with Spanx’s signature compressive fabric, the waistband never rolls down my curvy waist. 1822 Butter Jeggings: Your softest leggings and favorite pair of jeans just had a very well-behaved child. These pull-on jeggings are made from 1822’s signature "butter" fabric, which reviewers even say is comfy enough to wear on a plane or a rooftop dinner. Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals: If you’re a Birkenstock loyalist, you already know the drill: molded footbed, arch support, and that magical ability to make your feet feel loved after 10,000 steps. The Gizeh takes it a step further with a cool, clean design that’s just dressed up just enough for dinner al fresco. Whether you’re sipping prosecco on your fire escape, power-walking to happy hour, or pretending to read at the beach while people-watching in oversized sunglasses, these under-$50 picks have you covered—literally. Whether it’s a “just one drink” night that turns into a rooftop hang or a long walk through an overly air-conditioned grocery store, these are the kind of effortless, put-on-and-go staples that’ll quietly carry your whole season. Just don’t be surprised when people stop you to ask, “Wait—where’d you get that?” |
