There are few things I get more excited about than receiving an email with the subject line "Your order has shipped." Those four little words spark so much joy inside me. (That's normal, right?) What sparks even more joy, though, is when the order in question is full of affordable fashion items. Like many, I've been particularly conscious of the money allocated toward my wardrobe.
With keeping to a budget for spring shopping top of mind, I found myself scrolling every last page of Forever 21's website, knowing I'd find tons of affordable fashion items. It was tough, but I finally narrowed my list down to 30 chic spring pieces, including cardigans, accessories, denim, and more, all for under $30. Yes, $30—that was not a typo. (Plus, you can pay for your new favorites in four easy installments, without interest, using Afterpay.) Don't just take my word for it. See all of my great finds below.
Forever 21
Linen-Blend Cropped Cami
If you clicked on this story because of the outfit above, you won't be disappointed. This crop top is still available, and yes, it's only $18.
Forever 21
Pleated Linen-Blend Shorts
Since I know you'll want the matching shorts, too.
Forever 21
Cutout Linen Mini Dress
It's the cutouts for me.
Forever 21
One-Shoulder Sweater Crop Top
The ribbed tank's older, cooler sister. I'll be wearing this basic with every high-waist bottom I own until further notice.
Forever 21
Split Colorblock Sweatpants
Have you ever been more impressed with a pair of sweatpants before? I think not.
Forever 21
Buckled Quilted Platform Sandals
Quilted fabrics are trending at the moment, so these sandals are a no-brainer.
Forever 21
Wraparound Cropped Shirt
This top has date night written all over it.
Forever 21
Buttoned Pocket Shirt
The puffy sleeves make this basic not so basic.
Forever 21
Tie-Back Cropped Tee
This top is giving me all the "business in the front, party in the back" vibes I could ever want or need.
Forever 21
Corduroy Cuffed Shorts
When you get bored of your go-to denim shorts, may I suggest these cream-colored corduroy ones?
Forever 21
Faux Leather Stiletto High Heel
If you haven't worn heels in the past year, may I suggest you break your hiatus with these?
Forever 21
Braided Square-Toe Block Heels
Another really chic option in what's looking to be spring's biggest color trend: bubblegum pink.
Forever 21
Bandeau
Cardigan Sweater Set
Just about everyBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
editor is obsessed with cardigan sets like this one, myself included.
Forever 21
Heathered Drawstring Midi Skirt
Wear this with a ribbed tank when you want to be as comfy as possible but still look polished.
Forever 21
Ribbed Cutout Buttoned Top
This sweater has so many cute little details so don't be surprised when the compliments start rolling in.
Forever 21
Cotton-Blend Tank Top
I suggest buying this $8 tank in all six colors ASAP.
Forever 21
Gator Clip Hair Set
Hair accessories are a fun way to dress up a basic tee-and-jeans outfit. Try it out and report back, please.
Forever 21
Double-Breasted Buttoned Blazer
I know I'm not the only one still dressing up for video meetings, which is why I had to include this very chic cropped blazer.
Forever 21
Tie-Front Plunge-Back Dress
Just add your favorite sandals to this tie-waist dress and be on your way.
Forever 21
Satin Floral Print Skirt
This flirty skirt is so versatile—it's all about your footwear du jour.
Forever 21
Side-Slit Maxi Dress
This T-shirt dress comes in four neutral colors, and yes, I'd like to own them all.
Forever 21
Smocked Puff-Sleeve Top
I'm such a fan of smocked tops for warm months. The puffy sleeves on this one caught my attention immediately.
Forever 21
Spotted Print Handkerchief Top
This is the kind of top I'd wear on vacation (remember those?) with denim shorts.
Forever 21
Ribbed-Trim Cardigan Sweater
Every chic wardrobe needs an oversize cardigan. I guarantee you'll reach for this to throw over all of your favorite dresses this spring.
Forever 21
Crop Top
Midi Skirt Set
This top is actually part of a set that comes with a midi skirt. Talk about a win-win.
Forever 21
Cropped Tank Top
Shorts Set
I have an answer to your "I want to wear sweatpants, but it's almost 80 degrees outside" problem, and it's this mocha-colored outfit.
Forever 21
Beaded Hoop Earring Set
Gold jewelry instantly elevates any outfit. You can quote me on that.
Forever 21
Drop-Shoulder Button-Front Shacket
I love this shacket styled unbuttoned over a spring dress, but honestly, it's a piece that can and will be worn year-round.
Forever 21
Raw-Cut Long Sleeve Crop Top
Just add high-waist leggings, sneakers, and a crossbody bag for a very cool but very low-key farmers market 'fit.
Forever 21
Transparent Faux Leather Sandals
The perfect sandals for showing off your pedicure.
Psst: Don't forget you can pay for everything you saw here in four easy installments (with absolutely no interest!) using Afterpay.
Michaela Bushkin is the fashion director on the branded content team, leading the strategy for our fashion and luxury partners. She specializes in content creation and styling for photo and video shoots, specifically acrossBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
and Marie Claire. She spends her free time online shopping (or "researching" as she likes to call it), reading at the beach, and trying as many new restaurants in L.A. as possible.