I Ordered 3 Under-$50 Basics From Amazon on a Whim—Here's My Honest Review

Ordering basics on Amazon isn't something I'd say is easy, as far as shopping is concerned. The options are vast, and things can quickly get overwhelming, but I'm here to help. My number one tip is to narrow down the offerings to Amazon Fashion's in-house brands. Many of its brands happen to be basics-heavy brands, and in my experience, the quality is surprisingly good given the price point.

While poking around in Amazon Fashion recently, on one of the first crisp fall days of the year, I added three basics that caught my eye to my cart: a fluffy gray sweater, a pair of dark-wash straight-leg jeans, and a thick fleece pullover that looks like something I might've swiped from my husband's closet (in a good way). Upon their arrival at my doorstep two days later, I was so happy with my purchases that I decided to write some reviews. Keep scrolling for my unfiltered thoughts about the items and shop them for yourself.

The Item:

Daily Ritual Women's Teddy Bear Fleece Quarter Zip JacketPrice:

$49

My review: You wouldn't really know by looking at the picture on the model, but this fleece pullover (I'm wearing a size small) is surprisingly thick and cozy. In fact, I would recommend it as more of a jacket than a sweatshirt for indoors. The fleece has a nice, full texture, and I found it to look very well made and not as bulky as I thought it would be upon taking it out of the package. My only complaint would be that instead of being lined with the fleece material, it has a polyester lining that isn't quite as nice, but it's not a dealbreaker.

Also wearing: Totême hat; Madewell x Kule Relaxed Dadjean (currently unavailable, shop similar); Clergerie Gillef Sherpa Slippers ($417)

Shop the fleece:

The Item:

Goodthreads Boucle Shaker Stitch Balloon-Sleeve SweaterPrice:

$40

My review: I donated a lot of sweaters at the end of last winter, so I've been in need of a refresh of some basic styles. This one instantly caught my eye, with its chic mock neck and slightly puffed sleeves. Here, I'm wearing a size small. Gray is trending this fall, so that's what I went with. When I unboxed it, my first thought was how soft it was. It's fluffy and warm but also lightweight enough to tuck it in. It's also a great length (for reference, I'm 5'4") and looks cute with skinny jeans and ankle boots, as you can see.

Also wearing: J Brand jeans; BY FAR boots

Shop the sweater:

The Item:

Daily Ritual High-Rise Slim Straight JeansPrice:

$39

My review: Designer denim is expensive for a reason—it's made with quality materials and is expertly stitched. With that in mind, it's understandable that affordable denim can be hit-or-miss. But hoping for a hit, I took the plunge and ordered this pair (in a size 26, for reference). I liked that they were slightly loose on the model. They were closer to a pair of skinny jeans on me, so if I were to order them again, I think I'd go up a size for a more relaxed fit. They're quite stretchy (and comfortable), but in the several hours that I wore them, they didn't stretch out all that much. My verdict is that I'd recommend, but go up a size if you want a fit similar to how they look on the model.

Also wearing: Dôen Rune Top ($190); Prada Logo Platform Loafers ($850)

Shop the jeans:

Shop More Stylish Amazon Basics

Next up: 42 Things You Have to See From Nordstrom, Amazon, and Shopbop Right Now