After writing The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald spent the better part of a decade penning articles for Esquire magazine. In one of his more famed essays, The Crack-Up, he wrote, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.”
It’s an idea I’ve been chewing on for the last few months – especially when it comes to my own consumption. In a world of fast fashion and quantity over quality, it can be really hard – or seemingly hopeless – to find thoughtfully crafted, wear-forever clothing without spending a fortune. But I’ve always taken issue with the idea that price and quality are inextricably linked. Long-lasting fashion doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, you know? (I mean – the best t-shirts I’ve ever worn are made from all-natural fabric, and they’re only $6 at Target!)
So today, I’m walking you through 25 timeless pieces – all under $130 – that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. (As I’ve learned, it’s a lot easier to solve the consumption problem when you don’t need to consume! If businesses aren’t going to fix it, we can fix it ourselves. Thanks for that insight, Mr. Fitzgerald.) ANYWAY. Are you ready to look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks?
Sweater Wrap Coat, $104.30
Every time I wear a sweater coat on a plane, I’m complimented on my professionalism. The reality? I’m bleary-eyed, exhausted, and wearing a socially acceptable blanket in public. This version comes in both black and tan, boasts a removable belt, and is offered in sizes XXS-3XL – you’ll look like a million bucks while feeling like you’re still in bed.
Boxy Oxford, $88
Bye bye, boob gap. This button-up’s boxy shape is relaxed and chic, with more than enough room for any of your assets. Dress it up with a pair of trousers for the office, or pair it with a simple chino and sneakers for a model-off-duty vibe.
Wide Leg Ankle Khakis, $39
Full disclosure: Gap is quickly replacing Madewell as my go-to destination for high-quality pieces constructed with thoughtful materials. Case in point: these $39 pants are made from regenerative cotton, they’re preternaturally flattering on all body types (check out the size 14 model on the site – she looks fabulous!), and – to reiterate – they are only THIRTY-NINE DOLLARS.
Braided Leather Belt, $19.50
Belts can often be prohibitively expensive, but these 100% leather braided beauties won’t break the bank. (PS. These are just the tip of the budget-friendly belt iceberg. There’s also an extra 20% off orders over $100 right now, if you’d like to stock up on a few different silhouettes.)
Washable Silk High-Neck Midi Dress, $129.90
IT’S GIVING ELEGANCE. So pretty, so regal. (Navy and black are pictured above, but the wine red hue is also a total head-turner.) I don’t know of many dresses that can take you from wedding guest to work, but this one fits the bill! Bust out an electric slide on Saturday night, toss it in the wash on Sunday afternoon, and pair it with an oversized crewneck sweater for an office-ready outfit on Monday morning.
Cotton Teddie Sweater, $29.50
If you miss the old-school J. Crew sweaters from the early aughts, you’re in for a treat: HERE THEY ARE! This lightweight crewneck boasts near-perfect reviews, 100% cotton construction, and a silhouette that’s simple to dress up or down. (Did I mention that it comes in 10 different colors and it’s offered from size XXS to 3X?)
Berkeley Belt Bag, $117.60
The look and quality of the iconic Clare V Grande Fanny at only a third of the price? It’s possible, thanks to this 100% leather belt bag from our friends at ABLE. (Added bonus: this one is actually an inch wider, so there’s even more storage space for your daily essentials!)
Tailored Linen-Blend Pant, $90
These breezy linen trousers can take you from work to weekend – they’re a little polished, a little lounge-y, and a dream to wear in warmer months. They’re literal pajama pants you can wear outside. You will be the most pulled-together person in the grocery store, guaranteed. (They come in sizes 23 through 37, too!)
All Day Heeled Mule, $99
You can’t travel faster than the speed of light. An object at rest stays at rest. And whenever Emily posts a photo in which she’s wearing these Nisolo mules, our DMs are flooded with questions about them – these are just a few laws of the universe. I’ve had my All Day Mules since 2019 and they’ve only gotten better with age as they’ve conformed to my feet and developed the prettiest patina. $99 is a steal for a shoe that’s THIS well-made. (They’re aptly named, too – you really can wear these all day.)
Linen Fit & Flare Midi Dress, $79.90
Sometimes, a simple dress is all you need! I love the square neckline, the adjustable straps, the pockets, the 100% linen construction, and the nipped-in waist. You’ll turn to this dress over and over in warmer months for years to come, guaranteed. (PS. The white version is lined!)
Patch Pocket Short, $23.99
Okay, I take it back: Madewell’s still got it. I love the clean lines and tailoring on these shorts, and the patch pockets make them feel far more elevated than their $23.99 price tag. (Pro tip: if you like the cut and fit of the Colette line of bottoms at Anthropologie, you’ll also love the Emmett-branded pieces at Madewell.)
Heritage Barn Jacket, $59.99
A weatherproof, 100% waxed cotton twill body. A cheery olive hue. A timeless corduroy collar. Nothing says “I’ve got my shit together, but I’m low maintenance about it!” like a well-fitting barn coat. (Eagle-eyed readers may remember that I scored and recommended this coat last year in a Link Up post, albeit at a much higher price point – it’s DEFINITELY worth it.)
Two Pack of Open Hair Clips, $18
Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest impression. Swap your bobby pin (or hair tie, for my fellow thin-haired gals) for a modern, graphic clip – it’ll look pulled-together and intentional, even for those who don’t have a ton of time to spend on styling their hair every morning.
Full-Length Colette Pants, $130
The internet’s favorite pants now come in FULL LENGTH and NOBODY TOLD ME? They have a slightly cropped flared bottom, too, which makes legs look a mile long. I’ve long-struggled to find professional, wide-legged pants that don’t cling at the hip and thigh, but these check every box and more. (They’re offered in sizes 23-34 and in tall, petite, and plus sizes, to boot!)
Shaker-Stitch Cardigan, $21.99
Smart, simple, and refined. Toss a classic cardigan over your shoulders to protect from chilly restaurants now; don it all fall for a cool, studied, professorial look. (Added bonus: you’ll be able to pay for that restaurant meal with the money you saved!)
Italian Leather Handwoven Bag, $129.90
In October of 2023, I treated myself to this $485 purse from Clare V in celebration of my 32nd birthday. Do I love it? Yes! But would I rather have a purse with the exact same dimensions, near-identical construction, and an extra $355 in my bank account right now? SURE WOULD.
Fit & Flare Dress, $30
THE REVIEWS! How stunning do those normal women look in this? It’s the ultimate throw-and-go dress – add a cardigan for church; slip on some sneakers for the farmers market; pair it with sandals and statement earrings for vacation.
Utility Barrel Pant, $98
Em grabbed these subtle barrel-legged pants last month, and I mistook them for a MUCH more expensive brand. They’re more comfortable than jeans and the cotton twill looks refined and chic. (You can watch Em’s video review here to see the pants in motion!)
Ballet Flat, $98
Spoiler: the Mary Jane ballet flat is a trend. (A cute one! But a trend, nonetheless.) To that end, DO NOT SPEND $250 on a pair of Loeffler Randall flats. Don’t spend $180 on Alohas! These sweet ballet flats are just as well-made – 100% leather lining and upper – with charming proportions at only a fraction of the cost. (A year from now, you’ll be thrilled that you kept $152 in your pocket. I promise.) And if you’re more of a mule gal, Gretchen owns and loves this tried-and-true backless version!
Drop Waist Midi Dress, $120
If you told me this dress was $600, I would FULLY believe you. The drop waist! The silhouette! The back!!! (The strap is removable, BTW.) It’s so classic and refined without feeling try-hard or contrived – SWOON.
Knitted Waistcoat, $130
Are you speaking on a panel as an authority in your field? Are you the head of your own cool business? Do you just have great taste? Are you one of the lucky few who can actually wake up like this? These are the things people will think when you walk in donning a refined vest, just like this one. (And it’s 100% cotton from Boden, so you know it’s going to last!)
Ivory Dots Button Down, $98
Looking to impress? Swap your white t-shirt for this simple, breezy top made entirely from organic cotton. (The subtle Swiss dot print really gives it something extra, don’t you think?)
Organic Cotton Open-Stitch Crew, $98
Chilly office? Late-night beach bonfire? Icy movie theater? No problem. This relaxed sweater’s lightweight weave is luxe AND functional. Pair it with bold sunglasses or a chunky pair of earrings for an on-trend, dressed-down look this summer.
New Balance Sneakers, $89.99
New Balances are here to stay. And while you could rock a standard gray pair, I far prefer this indigo suede version! Mix and match these with outfits as you would a denim jacket or pair of jeans – they’ll add some fresh, unexpected color and texture to any look. You can’t go wrong adding this hue to any outfit – it’s a total style hack.
Scalloped Trim Shift Dress, $75.49
Over a decade ago, I bought a scalloped hem shift dress from J. Crew which I wore NON-STOP (to job interviews, to brunch, to the taco truck, to weddings – you couldn’t get me out of it!). But then life happened, and my go-to dress no longer fit. So imagine my utter surprise and delight to find it again, updated in 100% linen fabric with the sweetest button-back details. I love the sunny yellow hue, but I know that I’ll get wear out of the ochre version for years to come. ADDED TO CART!
Any other favorites? Any affordable brands worth checking out? Any timeless pieces on sale you’d like to share with the class? Here’s to building a long-term wardrobe without breaking the budget. We’ll see you tomorrow for an awesome edition of the Link Up, followed by the FIRST River House Reveal on Monday! Have a great weekend. xx
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
