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.
-
Yes, Affordable Cashmere Lounge Sets Do Exist—These Are the 17 Best OnesThese will sell out fast.
-
Here's the Comfy Yet Incredibly Chic Boot Style Fashion People Are Already Wearing on RepeatThese make any outfit look more expensive.
-
This Is the Chic Bag Trend Fashion People Swear By Right NowBring on the compliments!
-
These 25 Chic Sweaters From Mango Will Be the Guaranteed Stars of Your Fall and Winter Highlight ReelShop them before they sell out.
-
The 35 Most-Wanted Luxury Buys of Fall 2025, PeriodThe It heels, celebrity-approved handbags, and statement outerwear pieces that are defining the season.
-
These 29 Free People Finds Will Sell Out by November 15Everything we're eyeing (and buying).
-
My Mom's 63, I'm 29, and We Both Love Zara and Madewell—Here Are 33 Pieces We're Both Eyeing RNThey're ageless, timeless, and modern.
-
Fashion People Have Been Waiting for the Alex Eagle x J.Crew Launch—29 Chic British-Meets-American Pieces Worth Scooping Up NowWait until you see the sneakers.
