You Don't Need $$$ for Elegant Outfits—6 Affordable Pieces That Do the Trick

Fashion collage featuring sophisticated outfits from style influencers Sylvie Mus, Felicia Akerstrom, and Marina Torres.

No matter the time of year, there is no better time to do a closet reset. Spring is no exception as we begin to shed the heavier layers and navigate the change of weather. With any wardrobe refresh, I like to prioritize pieces that make for easy dressing and give an elegant feeling to my looks. Before you know it, all the pieces come together to create the most sophisticated outfit rotations.

Another factor that is top of mind is my budget. I am constantly keeping an eye out for pieces that are elevated and affordable. This season, my focus is on chic black slingback heels, smart gray blazers, classic black dresses, and more. Ahead, peruse six standout pieces that I swear by for putting together affordable, sophisticated outfits—all but one piece come in at under $150.

Effortless Satin Pants

Female curvy fashion influencer poses on a sunny sidewalk shielding eyes from the sun wearing a black v-neck cardigan sweater, woven shoulder bag, cream satin pants, and black ballet flats.

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

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Black Slingback Heels

Paris-based fashion influencer Sylve Mus poses for a mirror selfie wearing a white satin button-down shirt, brown cuffed jeans, and black slingback heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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Smart Gray Blazers

Fashion influencer steps off a sidewalk wearing a stylish outfit with oval sunglasses, a gray blazer, white t-shirt, a burgundy Hermès bag, faded black jeans, and black Mary Jane flats.

(Image credit: @sobalera)

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Timeless Blue Button-Down Shirts

Stylish female influencer Felicia Akerstrom wears a light blue button-down shirt, white t-shirt, and black skirt.

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

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Classic Long-Sleeve Black Dresses

Plus size fashion influencer Abisola Omole smiles while posing in a long sleeve black dress and Manolo mule heels.

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

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Dark-Wash Denim

Swedish art director Clara Dyrhauge wears a stylish outfit with a black sweater, skinny belt, woven bag, dark wash jeans, and pointed-toe heels.

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)

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Jennifer Camp Forbes

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.