I’m something of an affordable-shopping expert, having cut my fashion-editor teeth on a weekly magazine whose sole purpose was to showcase the hottest pieces on the high street. And although my taste and budget have evolved over time, still, nothing beats the buzz of finding something affordable and stylish that I know is going to look so much more expensive when I wear it.
So when my colleagues asked me to create an edit of trendy yet classic outfits under £100, I was more than up to the challenge. I scoured social media to unearth a selection of outfits I really love, and then I began tracking down the more affordable pieces I needed to re-create them. I knew I could (and would) do the outfits justice, but even I was impressed at just how many I was able to assemble without breaking a sweat. It’s a testament to how strong the high street is this season. Below, you’ll find the fruits of my labour.
I’ve deliberately selected an array of looks that are sure to appease any type of dresser. From chic minimalistic ensembles to cosy knitwear looks, these 12 trendy outfits are all under £100. Keep scrolling to shop them now.
1. FLORAL MIDI DRESS + KNITTED VEST + BOOTS
Style Notes: It might be autumn, but dresses are still trending in a big way. I love how Claudia has made her floral midi work for the new season by pairing it with a knitted vest and boots.
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Zara always has a great selection of floral dresses. How great does this autumnal style look with knee-high boots?
I love Claudia's pop of pink, but if you're after something more neutral, this is it.
A great pair of boots will work hard for you year-round. Wear this simple yet chic black pair with dresses, denim and midi skirts.
2. BRETON KNIT + STIRRUP LEGGINGS + CHUNKY LOAFERS
Style Notes: Once again this year, Breton-stripe knits are shaping up to be best sellers for every brand from ASOS to ARKET. Lately, there’s been a fresh drop of striped sweaters, one of which Grece has styled with on-trend stirrup leggings and chunky loafers.
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Zip sweaters are here to stay. Wear with leggings like Grece has above, or style with a slip skirt, denim or wide-leg trousers.
Stirrup leggings were all over our Instagram feeds last year, and I'm pleased to say they're back again. Dress them up with heels and an oversized shirt ahead of party season.
I promise these loafers will go with so many autumn outfits. Add socks for a preppy touch.
3. OVERSIZED BLAZER + JEANS + CAP
Style Notes: This is one of the easiest looks to re-create on a budget simply because it’s comprised of items you most likely already have in your wardrobe. Style a plain white tee, trainers and jeans with an oversized blazer and a cap (which are so on trend right now) for a cool weekend look.
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Not yet invested in a classic black blazer? Consider this your sign. Zara does some of the best on the high street.
Opt for a wide-leg jean to fit the cool, relaxed vibe of this look. This pair come in sizes 4–22.
Caps were everywhere last winter and are going nowhere for 2022. An embroidered style adds a low-key twist to a look.
4. KNITTED DRESS + CHUNKY BOOTS
Style Notes: Another look I can always rely on when I’m in a hurry is a pair boots with a knitted midi dress. Bring the combination up-to-date and in-season with a maxi hem and chunky soles.
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Style this brown knitted dress with heeled knee-highs for a dinner date and chunky boots for the weekend.
When considering chunky boots, opt for a pair that comes up higher on the leg to ensure they go with dresses, skirts, trousers and denim.
5. PUFFER COAT + BOOTS
Style Notes: If there’s one thing that’ll guarantee you’ll look trendy this season, it’s the longline puffer coat. Wear yours with simple sock boots and hoop earrings as seen on Basma for an easy outfit solution on cold days.
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For a contemporary twist on the puffer, opt for a double-breasted style like above.
You can never go wrong with simple gold hoops. I wear this classic pair almost daily.
Opt for heeled sock boots like Basma to add a touch of glam to your outerwear, or choose flats like above if you're after something a tad more practical for the wet weather.
6. GREY SWEATER + HEELS + SLIP SKIRT
Style Notes: This look will never go out of style. Follow Lorna's lead, and pair your versatile slip skirt with a cosy knit and heels for an evening-ready look that will serve you well this winter.
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I love this ribbed texture, which helps give the knit an expensive-looking edge.
A black slip skirt will be one of the hardest working items in your wardrobe. Go up a size if you want a slightly more relaxed fit.
An elegant shoe you can style with everything, from denim to dresses.
7. WHITE JEANS + BLAZER + FLATS
Style Notes: This timeless look will work hard for you year-round. Layer a cashmere knit under the blazer when the cold sets in, or wear with a shirt or blouse when spring comes back around. I especially love Franny's chic flats, which are just about everywhere this season.
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A houndstooth blazer is such a great, versatile piece of tailoring. Wear over blouses, T-shirts or your favourite going-out top.
White jeans aren't just for summer! Add tailoring and cosy knits to make them work for the colder months.
Loafers are all over my Instagram feed right now. This suede pair will work with white, blue and black denim.
8. DENIM DRESS + CREAM KNIT + BOOTS
Style Notes: A denim dress, knit and boot combo is a look you can throw on for just about any outing, be it the school run, a weekend brunch date, or low-key drinks after work. Who knew £100 could get you so much outfit potential?
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Cream knitwear is such an elegant choice. Size up in this affordable knitwear to give it that cool, relaxed feel that everyone is after this autumn.
Warehouse is always a great destination for dresses. I'll be wearing this denim midi with boots, sandals and trainers.
Opt for a block heel over a stiletto if, like me, you're after a slightly more practical shoe choice.
9. STATEMENT SWEATSHIRT + CARGOS
Style Notes: You heard it here first: Combat trousers are going to be big news this winter. (Thank you, The Frankie Shop.) Get ahead of the style pack by wearing yours with other ’90s staples like Jo-Ann’s tie-dye sweatshirt.
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Nod to the ’90s trend with this fun tie-dye sweatshirt. Adding cargo trousers gives it a cool, autumnal feel, but you can also wear it with denim shorts come summer.
Zara has a great cargo offering right now. This straight-fit pair is super comfy and flattering.
Keep your footwear simple with this look. Simple white trainers are just the ticket.
10. PRETTY BLOUSE + WIDE LEG JEANS + FLATS
Style Notes: Karina pairs an embroidered blouse with ’70s-inspired wide-leg jeans and Mary Janes here to create a simple yet pretty autumn look. Add a trench or wool coat for extra warmth, and you’re set!
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Puff sleeves, embroidery, a ruffle collar… This blouse has everything I’m looking for.
Zara's Marine Straight jeans are so popular, and for good reason. Super comfy and with a stretchy fabrication, they’re both flattering and stylish.
Get the Mary Jane look with these nude ballet pumps, which feature a delicate bow detail and cross-foot strap.
11. WAISTCOAT + TRENCH COAT
Style Notes: A trench coat is a staple that belongs in every autumn wardrobe. I’m obsessed with how Jen has styled hers with another of the season’s hottest buys: the tailored waistcoat. This is proof that two coats are always better than one.
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A longline trench coat is a timeless wardrobe staple. This neutral style goes up to a size 30.
Opt for a different colour under your trench, like this khaki shade, to make your waistcoat pop.
M&S is one of the Who What Wear team’s favourite high-street destinations for trousers.
12. CHUNKY KNIT + MINISKIRT + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Thanks to the likes of Prada, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent, miniskirts are having a moment. Give yours an autumnal spin by pairing it with the chunkiest knit you can find, loafers and knee-high socks. Oh, and gold hoops never hurt in the style stakes either.
Shop the look:
I always look for H&M's wool-blend knitwear; this one comes in at a price I can't fault.
The easiest add-to-basket in this entire feature.
Double-up on your woolly textures with this knitted miniskirt.
A preppy staple that will help all of your outfits look more on-trend this season.
Rest assured, the chunky loafer trend isn't going anywhere.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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