There's nothing more satisfying than getting a compliment on the street from another woman. If you're into fashion, you probably put a lot of thought into what you wear, so to be recognized for that means something. Plus, it just feels good. Because of that, I'm always thinking about what items will garner compliments in the back of my head when I'm shopping. Even if it's a simple pair of jeans or a cute summer top, my mind goes straight to whether or not it has the subtle details and qualities that'll win me a compliment or two while I walk up Madison Avenue or down Mercer Street.
I've always been so intrigued by what makes an item noticeable and what doesn't, so to put my years of shopping for compliment-worthy pieces to the test, I set out to find a whole heap of them. To make the challenge even trickier, I put myself on a price limit of $250. Below, shop the 30 discoveries I made along the way, from capri pants to the pops of red that keep on trending.
I recently got my hands on a pair of these Donni capris, and wow, they're so flattering. The material is stretchy but also firm enough to feel like real pants instead of thin leggings, and the ribbed fabric is extremely elevated.
I can't stop thinking about these $50 thong kitten-heel sandals from Nordstrom. Gimme.
At first, I saw this one-piece in brown and was seconds away from buying it, but now that I've seen it in black, I think it's the one for me.
The perfect summer sun hat—secured.
This skirt is giving Marni and Prada vibes, and I'm 100% here for it.
Big earrings will always be a good idea, especially when they cost less than $50.
I own the black suiting version of this style of vest, and the silhouette is 10/10. I love this summery option so much that I just might just have to add it to my wardrobe as well.
Relaxed white trousers are essential in the summer, and if you need any styling inspo, just look to the chic inhabiters of Milan and Paris.
Yes, you need these red mesh flats.
I would pay way more than $78 for this perfect, low-key summer dress.
These look just like the sunnies Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy used to wear.
This is the ultimate white button-down shirt. No one does it better than Ralph.
Levi's Baggy Dad Jeans are some of the best jeans I've tried on in ages. The fit is just the right amount of relaxed.
Celebs such as Sofia Richie Grainge, Laura Harrier, and Jasmine Tookes are frequenting flat mules like this Schutz pair.
I love how roomy this beach tote is. I'd absolutely carry it for more than just a seaside excursion.
This color just screams summer to me.
This low-rise linen pencil skirt has been in my Reformation shopping cart for far too long. I need to just order it already.
Oh, these are going to sell out lightning quick. Run.
This simple, thin shoulder bag from Mango reminds me of all the old '90s Prada bags in my The RealReal cart.
For an easy dress that can go from the tennis courts to dinner with a few easy accessories, go for this pickleball dress from Norma Kamali.
With mixed-metal earrings like these, you can play around with your other jewelry without fear of clashing.
If it has an open back, I usually want it.
This $58 Madewell belt is blowing up online. I have one and would give it more than five stars if such a rating existed.
Everyone, it seems, is ditching hot pants for longer shorts this summer.
I love how subtle and chic these red flat slides from Massimo Dutti are.
I used to never be a raffia-bag person, but this one feels more elevated than others I've seen.
This is the kind of no-stress frock that you'll end up wearing once a week all summer.
Need.
My finger is hovering above the purchase button at Zara because of this top. I just love how structured it is.
I've lost count of how many Who What Wear editors own these viral Free People barrel jeans.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
The Classic Hero Piece That Fashion People Reach For All Summer LongSomething for every personal style.
-
I've Lived in NYC, L.A., and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for SummerShop the highly curated list.
-
The Perfect $16 Tank Top and More Zara Items I'm Texting Everyone I Know AboutElite finds.
-
These New Under-$100 Nordstrom Summer Items Are What I Call Fashion, PeriodExpensive-looking staples.
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style in Summer 2025Gotta catch 'em all.
-
Linen Pants! Full Skirts! Long Shorts! Zara Has Every Single Chic Bottoms Trend—40 Picks That Are Worth Your AttentionGood luck picking just one.
-
27 Crochet Pieces From Zara, H&M, J.Crew, and More That Scream Cool GirlYou'll wear these on heavy rotation.
-
Fashion People Are Wearing This $50 Accessory (Kendall Jenner Included), and I Bought It—My Outfits Are Now CoolerThis item is everywhere.
