I Tried On 42 Cheap Basics at Nordstrom—I Would Buy These 16 Right Away

We love an editor try-on story here at Who What Wear. Whether our editorial staffers are testing the latest and greatest for the season in our Great Try-On series or an editor is trying on the latest belt trends, we spend almost as much time snapping mirror pics as we do sitting at our computers. We figure it's a fantastic way to serve you authentic shopping content, and we are happy to fill our camera rolls with research for you, dear reader.

Today's subject is affordable basics from Nordstrom. I may have taken a little leeway with the term "basic," as some of these items lean more toward being basic with a twist. Rest assured, my picks are versatile and relatively affordable, with all pieces ringing in at under $150. Start scrolling to get to the cream of the basics crop at Nordstrom.

Pretty White Tops

You know when you put on an article of clothing that fits perfectly and is comfortable? That's the goal when shopping for the perfect top, and one of my favorite styles at the moment are pretty white options.

PS, in all the photos, I'm wearing reusable nipple covers, which I've come to love way more than a bra. They give me the confidence to wear any top without worrying about if my bra is showing.

Mixed-Media Dresses

Wow, this mixed-media dress style is an absolute gem. The top part is one material while the skirt is another with a lot of volume in mind. I usually sleep on navy, but this dress just reminded me how lovely it can be. It's in the same comfort zone as black but is just a bit more lively.

Neutral Blazers

Please meet my ideal blazer for spring and summer made of breezy cotton. I love the very subtle tonal stripes. They add dimension and visual interest without making the blazer any less versatile. The lapel shape is perfect, and the tortoiseshell buttons complete the warm-weather vibe.

I'm wearing a size small, which felt true to size if not slightly oversize.

Strapless Dresses

Reformation had an extremely similar dress for $278, but this WAYF one is a third of the price. Both have removable spaghetti straps and a smocked back, which is ideal for getting the perfect fit. The Reformation version has more layers on the bodice, but for the cost, the WAYF dress is clearly the winner.

I'm wearing a medium here, which explains why the bodice looks a bit big on me. I'd say it runs true to size.

Curve-Hugging Dresses

I'd never tried Naked Wardrobe before and was honestly blown away by the material, which is incredibly thick and stretchy. I love how it hugged my curves and molded to my body. The rich brown is gorgeous in person too.

I tried on a size large because they didn't have any other sizes and was so surprised when it fit. I would have ordered this in a medium, a size up from my normal size. I completely agree with Nordstrom's fit recommendation to order a size up. The only other element to note is a slit in the back would have been helpful, as it does restrict your legs a bit when walking. I assume they kept the leg opening narrower to achieve the hourglass look, but consequently, it's not a dress you can walk too quickly in.

The brown version is now sold out but here are some other great options.

Ribbed Tank Tops

At $25, this tank is a steal. It's very soft and on the sheer side. Once again, my reusable nipple covers came in the clutch, creating the most seamless, invisible look! Between the thick binding and the racer front, it totally hits the trend mark. With six color options, you're spoiled for choice. I'm wearing an extra small and found it's true to size. If you're between sizes, I would size down.

Black Bubble-Hem Crop Tops

If you're down for a crop top, this style is excellent. Its slightly oversize drape reminds me of how some TikTok users tuck their tops under their bra bands, but with this top, you can get the same effect minus the effort and worry of becoming untucked. I'm also a fan of the strong shoulder (excellent for balancing proportions) and the textured material, which always reads more expensive.

Slip Skirts With a Twist

If you already own a classic slip skirt, I recommend trying a spicy little upgrade. Between the slit and the small cutout with a tie detail, it has all the elements of a great going-out skirt.

Tank Tops With Stylish Details

At first glance, this may seem like a normal tank top, but three things make it a standout pick: The curved hem is so cool and flattering (the Line by K has curved hems, and that brand is always ahead of trends), and in my opinion, because it highlights the waist, it looks way better untucked than a regular straight hem. Lastly, the exposed-seam details and oversize neck and armhole binding add visual interest. She is a winner—trust me!

I'm wearing a size small here and could have gone for an extra small if I wanted a super-snug fit.

Affordable Jeans

Affordable jeans often have a tell that gives them away as less expensive than their designer cousins, but I found some styles without a flaw to be seen!

A-Line Miniskirts

Why is it that most miniskirts are cut super slim to the body? Don't they know it's already a big deal to free the knee when we millennials have been in midis for the better part of a decade?! But it turns out I hadn't tried an A-line mini until I came across this under-$50 number at Nordstrom. The slightly roomier, more forgiving cut feels easier to me. I also think the bow from the wrap is a darling detail. I am wearing a small, which felt true to size.

Effortless Shorts

Am I the only one who finds shorts a tricky clothing category? My old denim cutoffs have been on a hiatus that just might become permanent, and I find Bermuda shorts can be hard to pull off without heels at my height. A slightly sporty pair somehow sidesteps all of my shorts woes. How cute are they with the curved-hem tank?

White Cotton Shirtdresses

After trying on mostly formfitting clothing, this looser-fit dress felt like a big exhale. It's also lined, so you don't have to worry about it being see-through. For those who want a little more coverage, I think this style of summer dress checks all the boxes.

Pretty Open-Back Dresses

This dress style is sweet in front and has a little spice in the back.

Classic Black Dresses

If you're looking for a summery LBD update, you can't go wrong with a classic dress style.

Textured Tops

I'm usually not a big print girl, but give me a textured fabric any day of the week. The ruffle hem and twist detail at the bust make this tank a great, visually interesting option for summer in the office. Add a pair of trousers and you're set.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.