Amazon
Mar 18, 2022

I'm on a Shoestring Budget, But These Zara, H&M, and Amazon Items Make It Easy

by Sophie Matthews

When the year started, I made it a point to diligently avoid overspending. But let me tell you, with all the fun trends and options out there right now, that's hard to do. Luckily, Zara, H&M, and Amazon make it easier.

After what seems like many years in sweatpants, I've found a new love of clothes again. From finding comfortable fabrics (hello, silk) to getting inspiration from tastemakers (hello, SJP!), I'm ready to step out. And Zara, H&M, and, yes, Amazon have some great, affordable pieces that won't send me into a tailspin. A shoestring budget isn't always easy to work with, but they don't call me Sherlock Clothes for anything. So they don't actually call me that, but you get the gist.

This spring, I'm putting my money where my mouth is and trying to actually respect my small budget. Let's face it: It's wise to be conscious of what you spend your money on. So I've found some of the best and brightest that won't break the bank. From new trends to tried-and-true oldies but goodies, there's something for everyone—especially for those of us who want to treat ourselves (without the stress-induced bank log-in immediately after purchase).

Zara Split Slim Jeans

Split Slim Jeans

A straight-leg pair of jeans will never go out of style.

Lioness Palermo Blazer

The definition of polished.

Zara Poplin Top With Ruffles

Poplin Top With Ruffles

I had to stop myself from buying two.

H&M Dressy Jersey Pants

Dressy Jersey Pants

Slouchy and tan trousers are it.

H&M 90s Baggy Ultra High Waist Jeans

90s Baggy Ultra High Waist Jeans

Reasonably priced jeans? A match made in heaven.

H&M Short Twill Skirt

Short Twill Skirt

A little pleated skirt is a no-brainer in my book.

H&M Rib-Knit Dress

I can't wait to live in this Friday through Sunday.

Amazon Slim-Fit Tank

I will never have enough tank tops in this lifetime.

H&M Shirt Dress

Dress it down with jeans or wear it solo; you'll get many outfits thanks to one dress.

H&M Ribbed Jersey Dress

Ribbed Jersey Dress

Perfect for summer nights or easy mornings.

H&M Faux Suede Slingbacks

Faux Suede Slingbacks

Slingback of my dreams.

Zara Belted Printed Dress

Belted Printed Dress

Buying this for that vacation I haven't planned yet.

Zara Voluminous Mini Dress

Voluminous Mini Dress

Ready for my big break.

Vanlinker Rectangle Yellow Sunglasses

Rectangle Yellow Sunglasses

The future is bright, my friends.

H&M Quilted Jacket

It's almost unbelievable how cute this jacket is.

Zara Satin Effect Cut Out Dress

Satin Effect Cut Out Dress

Regardless of how you felt about a certain *reboot,* won't you join me in trying to dress like Carrie Bradshaw? Plus, this one is TikTok famous.

R.Vivimos Linen Short Sleeve Ruffled Dress

Linen Short Sleeve Ruffled Dress

I'll live in this for the foreseeable future.

H&M Trenchcoat

A chic trench for under $100.

H&M Tie-Belt Twill Coat

Tie-Belt Twill Coat

Early morning coffee runs never felt so chic.

Zara Embroidered Textured Bustier

Embroidered Textured Bustier

Even better, add the blazer and pants for a perfect outfit.

H&M Denim Shirt Dress

Denim Shirt Dress

I believe they call this one the "showstopper."

Zara Printed Dress With Draping

Printed Dress With Draping

My shrine to Carrie Bradshaw continues.

Zara Embroidered Poplin Top

Embroidered Poplin Top

Never pass up a poplin.

Zara Leather Slide Loafers

Leather Slide Loafers

Not your father's loafers.