These 36 Madewell, J.Crew, and H&M Items Are Serving Chicness
Love the "quiet luxury" aesthetic but not the four-figure price tag? Same, honestly. That's why I've simplified my shopping criteria this season to chic, classic items that will stand the test of time.
Building a smart, simple, and stylish wardrobe is easy when your go-to places for elevated basics are more affordable retailers like H&M, J.Crew, and Madewell. Right now, that looks like quality cashmere, unique necklines, and a bit of sparkle for the holiday season.
But with pages and pages of merchandise, ever-changing inventory, and surprising sale-on-sale deals, shopping smart requires a certain element of speed and style savvy. So, we've selected 36 supremely chic clothing, shoes, and accessories to kick off your pre-holiday shopping spree. Whether it's a new classic coat or the perfect pair of party shoes, we're sure you'll find something to add to your wardrobe that will help elevate any outfit this season.
Shop H&M
An off-the-shoulder top in creamy winter white is basically the definition of chic.
I missed out on these stylish slingbacks last season; I won't make that mistake again.
Plaid dress pants that are chic and comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Normally I wouldn't include pajamas on a list of chic items to shop now, but this affordable set with overlocked edges is too sweet to pass up.
Shop Madewell
The same goes for a sparkly midi skirt. Wear the coordinating pieces together, and get even more use out of them as separates.
If you haven't already bought into the resurgence of ballet flats, here's your chance to get a great pair at a decent price.
Not black, not brown, but "Chocolate Raisin." The perfect color for an elegant everyday bag.
Don't underestimate the versatility of a great pair of jeans in a super-dark black wash.
Try styling a silky slip skirt with contrasting fabrics like cashmere or leather for a supremely chic but simple look.
Belts don't have to be basic; look for a design with sculptural hardware to pull together any outfit.
Tennis bracelets always look chic. And you don't have to spend a fortune to participate in the timeless trend.
You won't find a better-quality pair of loafers and a more affordable price this season.
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew cashmere is on my shopping list season after season.
Sharply tailored outerwear is an essential element in any classically chic wardrobe.
These sweet slingbacks are flying off shelves; we predict they'll be everywhere this holiday season.
This cotton turtleneck sweater is so good J.Crew brought it back from the archives.
These patent-leather mules are on the pricier side, but so timeless that they're worth the investment.
A quality pair of gloves is always a welcome gift, but let's face it: You'll want to keep a pair for yourself, too.
Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.
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