Small Budget, Expensive Taste: 7 Items I'm Buying to Look On-Trend This Summer

Does anyone else have expensive taste, small budget syndrome? I’ll admit that my style preferences don't always reflect my available bank balance. I seem to be drawn to luxurious designer pieces, sumptuous fabrics, sophisticated silhouettes, and elevated styles—which all tend to carry a hefty price tag. Luckily, as Who What Wear's senior market editor, I've become hugely savvy on how to satisfy my expensive taste without breaking the bank. I tend to reach for modern detailing, refined silhouettes, and opulent fabrics that exude a luxurious vibe.

With the warmer weather approaching, I'm highlighting a handful of items I'm eyeing that are guaranteed to make you look on-trend this summer. From sheer skirts to mesh ballet flats and '90s-inspired pieces, the finds below look luxe and are trend-forward. Best of all, everything is under $100.

Luxe-Looking Linen

This summer, it's all about effortlessly elegant linen items such as tailored trousers and breezy button-downs. These picks will add a rich-looking touch to your outfits.

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Elegant Footwear

From sleek black slingbacks to pointed-toe flats and trending satin shoes, these fashion-forward and elegant styles will take your outfit from subpar to sophisticated in an instant.

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Preppy Cool

If Miuccia Prada says preppy polo shirts, academic blazers, boat shoes, and sporty swim bottoms feel right for spring/summer 2024, who are we to disagree? Whether you have a membership to a country club or not, it's easy to emulate this preppy-meets-sporty, moneyed aesthetic without spending a fortune.

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Butter Yellow

Spotted everywhere on the spring runways, beautiful, barely-there butter yellow is already shaping up to be the top color trend of the season—as seen on a whole host of fashion people in the past month. It's fresh and pretty, looks luxe, and is surprisingly versatile.

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'90s Basics

Minimalistic silhouettes are here to stay this summer, and whether you opt for a slip dress, boatneck silhouette, column skirt, or gray tailoring, the discreet-chic look is understated and cool.

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Full Skirts and Dresses

Whether you go for a skirt or dress, A-line silhouettes are having a major moment this summer and will add an elegant touch to your look. Stick to crisp neutral hues and style with chic Mary Janes or ballet flats for a luxe-looking outfit.

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All Things Sheer

The momentum for all things sheer isn't slowing down any time soon. We saw a whole host of ethereal dresses and skirts in white, pastels, and gray float across the spring/summer runways. For a wearable take on the trend, opt for a sheer skirt paired with a plain tee or a transparent blouse layered over a bra or tank and styled with jeans.

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