For many of us, when we finally get some downtime, figuring out how to spend it can be a challenge. Even though the possibilities are endless, it can be easy to waste it away on that House Hunters marathon (spoken from personal experience), so I came up with an alternative. Similar to what I did with affordable shoes, everyday jewelry pieces, and special basics to buy when you're bored, I found 38 cool items in four essential categories (that are especially good for this time of year): shoes, bags, T-shirts, and swimsuits.
No one wants to do sudden harm to their bank accounts just because they're bored, so, again, I put the emphasis on affordable items. There's truly so much good stuff out there to shop right now that I could've made this story double the size, but my goal is not to overwhelm you with options. So I narrowed it down to 38 fashion items that are fun to buy and very useful. Keep scrolling to shop them all.
Shoes
Snag these in the neutral snake print too.
Meet the mules you'll reach for constantly.
Loving this polished take on the tourist sandal trend.
I already own a pair of these, but I think I need this new color combination.
The square toe on these is the perfect finishing touch.
Look closely—these seashells are really pretty.
These could easily pass as designer.
This is the ankle boot trend you'll see everywhere in 6 months.
I'm still not tired of this color trend
Ballet flats are a thing again, and this pair is very unique.
Bags
Added this to my cart immediately.
I love an affordable It bag.
Now that's a summer bag.
Swap out winter's black leather bag for this.
This is right in step with the beige trend.
Because spring.
Not your average straw bag.
I hope to have a summer vacation to pack this for.
Tired of animal print? Buy this.
T-Shirts
One can never have too many Reformation tees.
Pro tip: Ribbed tees always look expensive.
Mott and Bow's new tees are so soft.
I love the shrunken fit of this.
Seriously, what did we all do before Everlane?
The simplicity of this tee is exactly what I love about it.
These cult-favorite tees now come with stripes.
The more stripes, the better.
This is my kind of graphic tee.
Kaia Gerber wears this affordable brand often.
Swimsuits
This Amazon find is gold.
Chic.
+ Textured Cheeky Bikini Bottoms ($12)
Swimsuits like this are the reason Aerie is so popular.
One of the year's biggest swimwear trends (animal print) can be yours for $13.
Not the cheapest one on the list, but worth it.
This beauty also comes in white.
+ Ribbed High Leg High Waist Bikini Bottom ($20)
No wonder this is selling out.
This brand is one of our favorite under-the-radar sources for affordable swimwear.
Just add a big straw hat.
Next up, what to put away and keep out this spring.
-
What to Buy for Fall If You Don't Want to Regret It Next Year (or the Year After)Investments only.
-
The Top 10 Things to Buy This September If You Want Cooler Outfits and More ComplimentsFall is in full swing.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 FindsSo, so good.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)Here's to effortless outfits.
-
Don't Blame Me If They Sell Out While You Read This—35 Chic Zara Finds That Need Your Immediate AttentionThese won't be around for long.
-
I'm an Experienced Fashion Editor—I Predict These 32 New Arrivals Will Sell Out by FallTake my word for it.
