For years here at Who What Wear, we have been singing the praises of the capsule wardrobe. People everywhere have given up on testing new internet trends or embracing different “core” fashion movements (cottagecore, mermaidcore, the mob wife aesthetic, the list goes on) and are focused on high-quality basics you can easily mix in with items in your wardrobe. These pieces will last you longer than a season and are versatile enough to be styled from work to weekend, brunch to a travel day, first date to a housewarming party. You name it; these basics work for it. I decided this year I'm giving up the trendier pieces I've collected and only adding stellar basics to my closet. I rolled up my sleeves and got to scrolling on my favorite retailers on the hunt for the perfect basics, but of course, I wanted to keep budget in mind.
Keep scrolling to see the epic under-$100 basics I'm loving at the moment.
Picturing myself wearing this top with an Aperol spritz in hand.
If you don't have these in your collection, I would run, not walk.
Who doesn't love a good baby tee? Style with trousers, jeans, a midi skirt, a miniskirt… The options are endless.
These Open Edit heeled slides are perfect for the coming spring/summer season. They also come in a few colors you can choose from.
You can style this slip dress in so many ways. I'd recommend throwing a sweater over the shoulders and great ballet flats or sandals to top this off.
Top sellers for a reason.
I'm stocking up on my cotton poplin striped shirts. They really are classic and go with almost everything.
I have this tee. I can't recommend it enough.
A good satin slip skirt is a must-have in your spring/summer basics collection.
Meet your new favorite belt.
A tank you won't want to take off.
I'm eyeing these for summer.
Meet your new go-to tote bag.
You'll thank me later. These glasses go with everything.
The perfect lightweight jacket for spring.
I'm a huge fan of the viral Skims dress. You'll be surprised how much you'll end up wearing it.
I can't imagine going on a trip without these.
The French vibes this skirt has are unmatched.
The prettiest light-blue button-down.
The sweetest inital necklace.
Just add flats (or heels, up to you).
I'm so ready for little-white-top season.
I just add these to any basic-tee and denim outfit, and it takes everything up a notch.
Trench-coat season has arrived.
Layers well with the necklaces already in your collection.
I've been needing a new flirty white bodysuit. This Anthro one looks perfect.
Ballet flats are trending, and I don't see them going anywhere. I'd try these.
Just add sunglasses and sandals.
The perfect easy slides to pair with a sundress or linen pants.
If you're looking for new sneakers, I'd start with these.
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Cozy Cashmere! Sleek Suede! Dark Denim! 32 Affordable Fall Pieces You’d Find In A Wealthy Person’s ClosetOh, did I mention they're under $250?
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Dark-Blue Jeans Are Definitely "In" for Fall 2025, But so Is This Other Elegant Denim WashTrust us–you'll want to include it in your cold-weather wardrobe.
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Cozy Cashmere! Sleek Suede! Dark Denim! 32 Affordable Fall Pieces You’d Find In A Wealthy Person’s Closet
Oh, did I mention they're under $250?
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Dark-Blue Jeans Are Definitely "In" for Fall 2025, But so Is This Other Elegant Denim Wash
Trust us–you'll want to include it in your cold-weather wardrobe.
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This Dated Denim Pairing Is Suddenly the Chicest Way to Wear Jeans for Fall 2025Easy and stylish.
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The Specific Way Everyone Stylish in NYC Will Be Wearing Boots With Jeans This FallIt's all about this styling trick.
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No One Wears Jeans Like Chic Parisians Do—7 Effortless Outfits I'm Copying From the French This FallGet inspired.
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Whoa, Everything Is on Sale at Madewell Right Now—Some of These Chic Items Rarely Get DiscountedAt 30% off, these are bound to sell out.
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Looking Chic at the Airport in 2025 Means Wearing This Shoe Trend With Straight-Leg JeansTake notes from Margot Robbie.
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My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
