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3 days ago
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The style bar is high in this city, but so is the cost of living. Here’s how I manage to be effortlessly cool without going broke.
Jeanine EdwardsDirector, Commerce Initiatives
Updated
Tue, April 15, 2025 at 8:41 PM UTC
Take it from me, you don't need a rich banker boyfriend subsidizing your life to look stylish. (Quince/H&M/Gap Factory)
New Yorkers have a bit of a reputation. Some call us rude, others say we're always in a hurry. The one thing few can deny? We've got great style. There's a reason this city is considered a fashion capital, and it's not just because of the runway shows that happen in February and September. Just walk down any street, and there's a pretty good chance you'll encounter plenty of well-dressed folks who inspire you to try something new or ask, "Where'd you get that?"
Yes, NYC's fashion cred is high, but so is the price of just about everything in this city. This means that, for many, splashing out hundreds of dollars on new clothes, shoes and accessories every couple of months just isn't realistic. Add kids into the mix, and budgeting is more important than ever.
Thankfully, my years as a fashion and shopping editor have taught me that you don't need to spend a fortune to look good and fit in with the stylish set here in the city. You just need to know where to shop and what pieces will look chic and timeless for years to come. Over the years, I've doled out tons of fashion advice to the moms at my daughter's school — and even strangers on the street — about how to look expensive on a budget. Today I'm sharing some of my closet essentials with you. They've served me well navigating NYC with a kid in tow and earned me plenty of compliments along the way.
Here are 11 capsule pieces — from tops and pants to shoes and accessories — that'll significantly up your luxe-style game, but none of them cost more than $50. I know firsthand they'll be worthy additions to your wardrobe, whether you live in the city or somewhere else.
Striped Top
I own five of these classic striped tops. Yes, it's that good. The neckline is incredibly flattering and the material — J.Crew characterizes it as "substantial cotton fabric" — holds its shape and hasn't gone see-through after years of wear and washing. It's currently on sale for less than $25, which is a total steal. If I didn't already own a closetful, I'd absolutely stock up in every color.
More than 400 J.Crew shoppers have given this must-have a five-star rating. "Great quality shirt and looks good with lots," one customer wrote in their review. "I bought this for vacation and it travels well and looks great."
Cropped Flare Jeans
I practically live in jeans, so I own lots of them. The silhouette that makes people inquire the most? Cropped flares. They're denim, but there's something just a little more polished and chic about the style that makes them feel elevated and less casual.
I recently snagged this Levi's pair on sale, and I haven't been able to stop wearing them. They're super comfortable, fit my waist and hips perfectly, and they hold their shape. Even better, they look good with lots of different shoes, from flats to heels.
"Great fit!! They hug all the right places and are very comfortable," one fan commented. I agree wholeheartedly!
Linen Button-Down Shirt
Most people think of linen as a summer fabric, but there's no reason you can't wear it year-round. It's a highly breathable natural material that is perfect when the weather is warm, or use it as a layering piece on cooler days. I discovered H&M's 100% linen button-down shirt a few years back, and it's become a real staple in my wardrobe. I have several colors and wear them all the time — both open and closed — with jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses. As with most linen, it is prone to wrinkles, so you'll need a good iron or steamer.
Simple White Sneakers
I'll admit I've been tempted to splurge on trendy athletic shoes. Remember wedge sneakers? Dad shoes? I've owned them all, but I always come back to a simple, low-profile white tennis shoe like this one by Roxy. Not only does it match everything, but canvas styles like this are machine washable, so keeping them clean is a breeze.
And if you think sneakers only work with jeans and shorts, think again. Classic white kicks like this look super cute with skirts and dresses in the spring and summer. Plus, they're more comfortable than heels!
Crewneck Cashmere Sweater
As a person who always runs cold, I own an absurd number of sweaters. Quince's cashmere styles are my favorite and get a ton of wear. They're also so deliciously soft that they've caused people to pet me — no joke. I hugged a parent at one of my daughter's school events, and she almost immediately exclaimed, "OMG, your sweater is so soft" while she continued to rub my arm. Odd? Yes. But totally understandable because these sweaters are pretty amazing.
Unsurprisingly, thousands of shoppers rave about this piece and like me, have purchased it in multiple colors. "I love this sweater. It feels amazing and actually fits well," one person shared. "I love [these] sweaters! Since January, I have purchased eight ... and would like more!" another revealed.
Linen Pants
Summer in the city is often humid and sweltering, so wearing thick cotton jeans is a hard no. Instead, flowy linen pants are the way to go. Choose a neutral color in a fit that's not too baggy and you'll instantly achieve "rich mom" status — seven-figure bank account not required.
I own lots of linen trousers from places like J.Crew and Gap, but I'm currently eyeing this striped style from Nordstrom Rack. They're under $30 (that's over 50% off) and will look great with a white tee and sandals or sneakers.
Chore Coat
Never underestimate the power of a good jacket to totally transform an outfit. Somehow even jeans and a T-shirt or a plain dress can look more polished with the right topper. When the weather's in between — not quite hot but also not cold — I rarely leave home without a canvas chore coat like this one. It looks good over so many outfits, and it's the perfect finishing touch to pull any look together.
Another reason to snag this style while it's on sale for 50% off? Unlike trench coats, which look sophisticated but are often dry clean-only, this jacket is made from machine-washable cotton. Live your life in it and toss it in the wash when it inevitably gets a bit dirty.
Black Trousers
No closet is complete without a flattering pair of black trousers that you can throw on whenever you need to look put-together. This is a wardrobe staple worthy of investing in, but I'll let you in on a little secret: I have this Old Navy pair and they are excellent. They have the perfect amount of stretch, look way more expensive than they are and they're durable. Pair them with a black blazer and you're ready for business.
"Love that these are no-wrinkle and the fit is good. If (you're) in between sizes, I'd go up. Very comfortable!" one shopper shared.
Low-Heel Sandals
Navigating this city in high heels? I think not. Subway stairs and uneven sidewalks make practical shoes a must. I'm partial to low block-heel sandals in the summer because they look dressy, but they're comfortable and easy to walk in. They're also really versatile. They look good with dresses and skirts, but you can wear them with the linen pants or cropped flare jeans on this list to instantly elevate a casual look. I'm currently coveting this off-white style slide because I'll be able to wear it with anything. At less than $40, the price is right.
Classic Tote
I saved up to buy a spacious, genuine leather tote that I hope to have for the rest of my life, but I'm actually pretty impressed by this style I found on Amazon. It looks nearly identical to my Madewell Transport Tote for a fraction of the price.
You'll note this purse is quite simple without any hardware or ornamentation. That's the point. Boring? Maybe. But a style you can reliably carry for years to come no matter where you're headed? Definitely.
Round Sunglasses
This may be a hot take, but sometimes those excessively oversized sunglasses that people wear to look chic actually look quite obnoxious. I've found that a more classic round frame stands the test of time, is more elegant without being overbearing and suits a variety of face shapes. Ultimately, I recognize that sunnies are a highly personal choice, so go with whatever looks best on you. Just don't leave home without protecting your peepers — subjecting your eyes to sun damage is the opposite of chic.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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