Small Budget, Expensive Taste: 7 Items I'm Buying to Look On-Trend This Summer


Does anyone else have expensive taste, small budget syndrome? I’ll admit that my style preferences don't always reflect my available bank balance. I seem to be drawn to luxurious designer pieces, sumptuous fabrics, sophisticated silhouettes, and elevated styles—which all tend to carry a hefty price tag. Luckily, as Who What Wear's senior market editor, I've become hugely savvy on how to satisfy my expensive taste without breaking the bank. I tend to reach for modern detailing, refined silhouettes, and opulent fabrics that exude a luxurious vibe.
With the warmer weather approaching, I'm highlighting a handful of items I'm eyeing that are guaranteed to make you look on-trend this summer. From sheer skirts to mesh ballet flats and '90s-inspired pieces, the finds below look luxe and are trend-forward. Best of all, everything is under $100.
Luxe-Looking Linen
This summer, it's all about effortlessly elegant linen items such as tailored trousers and breezy button-downs. These picks will add a rich-looking touch to your outfits.
Shop:
Elegant Footwear
From sleek black slingbacks to pointed-toe flats and trending satin shoes, these fashion-forward and elegant styles will take your outfit from subpar to sophisticated in an instant.
Shop:
Preppy Cool
If Miuccia Prada says preppy polo shirts, academic blazers, boat shoes, and sporty swim bottoms feel right for spring/summer 2024, who are we to disagree? Whether you have a membership to a country club or not, it's easy to emulate this preppy-meets-sporty, moneyed aesthetic without spending a fortune.
Shop:
Butter Yellow
Spotted everywhere on the spring runways, beautiful, barely-there butter yellow is already shaping up to be the top color trend of the season—as seen on a whole host of fashion people in the past month. It's fresh and pretty, looks luxe, and is surprisingly versatile.
Shop:
'90s Basics
Minimalistic silhouettes are here to stay this summer, and whether you opt for a slip dress, boatneck silhouette, column skirt, or gray tailoring, the discreet-chic look is understated and cool.
Shop:
Full Skirts and Dresses
Whether you go for a skirt or dress, A-line silhouettes are having a major moment this summer and will add an elegant touch to your look. Stick to crisp neutral hues and style with chic Mary Janes or ballet flats for a luxe-looking outfit.
Shop:
All Things Sheer
The momentum for all things sheer isn't slowing down any time soon. We saw a whole host of ethereal dresses and skirts in white, pastels, and gray float across the spring/summer runways. For a wearable take on the trend, opt for a sheer skirt paired with a plain tee or a transparent blouse layered over a bra or tank and styled with jeans.
Shop:

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
Get With the Program: The 6 Summer Denim Trends We're All Wearing Instead of Baggy Jeans
The summer's hottest batch yet.
-
Bermuda Shorts, Bloomers, and Cutoffs, Begone—Expert Dressers Only Care About These Elegant Shorts
*The* shorts of the summer.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits—25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the Bill
Just about everything is under $25.
-
Low-Rise, Lacy, and a Little Bit Delulu: Welcome to the Gen Z Pop Girlie Summer
Put your headphones (and miniskirts) on.
-
The Summer 2025 It-Girl Wardrobe: 7 Highly Specific Items They're All Wearing
Aka the season's most wanted.
-
I Went to Shop the Zara Sale But Got Distracted by These 27 New-In Buys and Never Looked Back
They are too good.
-
Spotted at Wimbledon: The Anti-Summer Shoe Trend You Don't Usually See in the Stands
Never too hot for these.
-
From Pretty Satin to Cute Crochet, These Are the Shorts to Be Seen in This Summer
Trending styles for every budget.