It’s somewhat of an urban legend nowadays that you need to spend a lot of money to be considered chic. In the past decade, the high-low trend has emerged, vintage shopping has reached peak popularity, and gushing to your friends about the cheap thrill you just scored is no longer considered low-brow. In fact, it’s said cheap thrills that can actually make your entire outfit feel more on-trend and expensive.
Whether it’s the addition of a fun jewelry style or a cool third piece, sometimes cheap basics are what end up standing out most in your outfit (and nobody would ever guess was actually affordable). There are a few cheap basics that almost always fall into this category—from the sweater style that makes your jeans-and–a-T-shirt outfit stand out to the one It piece of jewelry to own this spring. Below are the five cheap spring basics that look anything but and will actually make your whole outfit chicer.
FLAT SLIP-ON SANDALS
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Flat sandals are one of those items that don’t require a large price tag to be good quality. You can usually find quality leather slip-on sandals for well under $100. I’ve found from my personal sleuthing that neutral-colored flat sandals also tend to look more expensive as well—think camel, nude, and beige.
SHRUNKEN CARDIGANS
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The cardigan trend has been huge for a few seasons now, and this spring is going to be all about shrunken styles. Whether they’re tied around your shoulders or worn the traditional way, shrunken cardigans are one of those magical third pieces that you can throw on over basic jeans and a tee and all of a sudden your outfit looks thoughtful.
ASYMMETRICAL BODYSUITS
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By now, everyone has probably jumped on the bodysuit bandwagon (if you haven’t, they take all the legwork out of tucking your top in), but this spring it’s the asymmetrical style specifically fashion girls will be clamoring for. Luckily for us, you can find an affordable version at all of our favorite retailers right now, and the single shoulder detail just makes the bodysuit feel like a step up from your average.
SLIP SKIRTS
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Behold the magical power of a slip skirt. Regardless of its price tag, a solid or printed midi slip skirt just feels expensive. Its sleek silhouette pairs well with virtually anything and has an air of effortlessness about it.
CHAIN NECKLACES
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If there’s one jewelry style that’s going to be everywhere for spring 2021, it’s the chunky chain necklace. It seems retailers everywhere have gotten the same memo because affordable favorites like Mango and Pixie Market have beautiful versions that ring in right around $30 right now. Throw it on with even a plain T-shirt and suddenly your outfit feels elevated.
Next up, six of the prettiest necklace trends the fashion world is embracing this spring.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.