If you know me, you know I love a chic neutral summer outfit. Now that the weather is warming up, all my favorite retailers have embraced the elevated French-style playbook that has become my personal style uniform every time the heat rises in New York City. While I'm a kitschy maximalist at heart, I constantly rely on my slew of expensive-looking basics and elevated silhouettes that have me getting more compliments than I know what to do with. Yes, I'm talking about the quiet-luxury movement.
While subdued basics and timeless cuts have long been favorites here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
long before Sophie Richie became Sophie Richie Grainge, the adoption of white, khaki, black, and gold into our summer outfit roster is becoming more and more prevalent now that I've spent hours searching for the best affordable summer staples. Don't believe you can get a cool-girl-approved look without spending an arm and leg? Keep scrolling for the best affordable summer staples that might change your mind.
H&M
Cotton T-Shirt
Every good outfit starts with a white tee.
H&M
Curvy Fit 90s Baggy Low Jeans
The warmer the weather, the lighter the wash.
Le Specs
Outta Love Sunnies
Despite being a sunglasses hoarder, these are the pair I keep reaching for to enhance my looks.
J.Crew
University Terry V-Neck Polo Shirt
French girls love this classic look.
J.Crew
Metallic Shell Earrings
Mermaidcore realness.
Levi's
Wedgie Icon Fit High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Levi's for under $100 is an automatic steal.
H&M
Flounced Skirt
This ruched skirt looks so rich.
J.Crew
Sculptural Orb Earrings
I have these and can confirm they go with anything in your closet.
Charles
Keith
Dark Brown Charlot Bag
If you're looking for a luxe bag that won't break the bank, Charles
Keith has plenty. This chocolate hue will hold up in your wardrobe for years to come.
Zara
Linen Blend Vest
A linen vest never goes out of style.
Zara
Strappy Heeled Leather Sandals
If you know, you know.
Zara
Leather Belt
A chic black belt will instantly transform any pair of pants into a polished, elevated look.
Rag
Bone
The Essential Rib Stretch Organic Pima Cotton Tank
A designer tank for less than $75? I'm adding it to my cart ASAP.
Zara
Linen Blend Tapered Pants
Zara's affordable linen pieces mean you can get the look without missing your payment on an electricity bill or two.
Zara
Ruched Ballet Flats
I'll never say no to an elevated ballet flat.
Zara
High Rise Relaxed Fit Jeans
These wide-leg balloon jeans stole my heart when I saw them for the first time last week.
H&M
Linen-Blend Dress Pants
Hello, gorgeous.
H&M
Lace-Trimmed Satin Skirt
This would pair so well with a simple black tank to let the lace shine through.
Ettika
Dripping Freshwater Pearl Linear Drop Earrings
These aren't your grandmother's pearls.
H&M
Oversized One-Shoulder Dress
This dress looks ten times more expensive than it actually is.
J.Crew
Cropped V-Neck Sweater-Tank
I love wearing crotchet tops and dresses all summer long.
J.Crew
Cropped Boatneck T-Shirt
Spoiler alert: I have at least three of these shirts in my closet right now.
H&M
Modal-Blend Slip Dress
This chocolate slip is so cool.
J.Crew
Kate Straight-Leg Pant
When J.Crew's classic styles are on sale, you know I'll buy at least five.
H&M
Double-Breasted Jacket
This boxy blazer would go so well with a simple jersey tank and jeans.
H&M
Gladiator Sandals
These look suspiciously like the sandals Mary-Kate Olsen swears by.
H&M
Oversized Shirt Dress
The Hamptons are calling.
J.Crew
Ruched One-Shoulder One-Piece
Perfect for any pool-side activities.
H&M
Linen-Blend Pants
What can I say? I love linen pants.
Sam Edelman
Ethyl Sneaker
These sleek white sneakers are sure to be your summer shoes of choice.
H&M
Tube Top
Although I wasn't always the biggest fan of tube tops growing up, this elevated find would go so well with some statement earrings and a black silk skirt.
Btb Los Angeles
Riley Clutch
This raffia clutch is what vacation OOTDs are made of.
Zara
Mixed Semi Sheer Knit Skirt
Straight outta Prada.
Madewell
Crotchet Bucket Hat
A bucket hat is my secret weapon for making any summer outfit look ten times cooler.
Charles
Keith
Black Ring Detail Hobo Bag
Living for the unconventional shoulder rings.
Zara
Linen Blend Full-Length Pants
These pants are equally perfect for a beach outing as they are for Sunday brunch.
H&M
Earrings
Shell-shaped earrings are the '80s trend I never expected to make a comeback.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.