On the Hunt—My Top Picks for Affordable Dresses, Spring Sandals, and More
Welcome to On the Hunt, a monthly series in which we open the floor (or should we say DMs?) to our Instagram followers to ask their most burning fashion and beauty questions. We'll select up to five inquiries to answer and offer our advice with shopping picks to match.
We recently asked you via Instagram Stories to share what items you're currently searching for so we can help with your specific spring shopping needs. Before you think, "Wow you're too good to us," remember that sharing the best in fashion and beauty is technically in our job descriptions. After scrolling through every single DM (this took hours, people), we landed on four key items we saw you mention over and over again: affordable wedding guest dresses, everyday oversize blazers, pastel sweaters, and spring sandals. So without further ado, here are our picks for your top fashion needs.
Buying a dress for a friend's wedding is fun and exciting, but buying five different dresses for five different friends' weddings is expensive. We're all for outfit repeating when it comes to formal events, but you also don't have to spend a ton of money on special-occasion dresses. In fact, there are so many under-$300 options that look twice their price. Search for silk or satin fabrics, as they tend to look and feel more luxe.
The wrap dress is popular for a reason: It really does flatter a wide range of body types. It also means you'll be comfortable both sitting and dancing for long periods of time while at a wedding or other special occasion.
The price point on this dress can't be beaten. Wear it with strappy sandals all spring and summer and with tights and a cropped faux-fur coat come winter.
What's not to love about this red option? We love the puffed sleeves, the dramatic neckline, and the side ruching.
This short-sleeve dress is a great option for a non–floral print.
An oversize black blazer is a wardrobe staple that works for all seasons. We love pairing ours with a T-shirt and vintage-style jeans, but it looks just as cool with skirts, trousers, and shorts. For years we bought blazers one size up to get that oversize look, but now, plenty of brands are making theirs a little roomier and boxier to take the guesswork out.
This is the classic oversize blazer that everyone needs in their closet.
Leave it to H&M to make a chic $50 blazer that doesn't look like it's $50.
The leather-separates trend doesn't seem to be slowing down, which means now is the time to invest in this belted leather blazer.
Our love for Billie the Label is only growing, and this blazer is no exception.
This tuxedo-style blazer is great for evening events, worn over trousers, or even as a dress.
The button details on this structured blazer look so luxe.
Spring sweaters mean we get to play with lighter textures and interesting hues. Pastels are always a great option for getting into the mood of the season and pair particularly well with blue and white denim. From shrunken cardigans to oversize knits, here are some options too good to pass up.
This dreamy pale yellow shade is actually difficult to come by, so we'd recommend snapping it up stat.
Sherbet shades are trending for spring, which means this cropped cardigan is at the top of our wish lists.
You can never have too many ribbed knits, especially when the price tag is $35.
We could easily write an entire story with 100 spring sandals that we'd love to own. There are so many cool options available at the moment—from strappy heeled sandals to bright and printed ones to flat leather options. It was hard, but here are five current favorites for your consideration…
We dare you not to wear these mock-croc slides daily come summer.
If you only pack one pair of heels on vacation, it should be these.
It's not every day we find chic leather sandals that are under $100. This two-tone pair will definitely win compliments.
Next: 25 Spring Items That Put a Smile on My Face
Michaela Bushkin is the fashion director on the branded content team, leading the strategy for our fashion and luxury partners. She specializes in content creation and styling for photo and video shoots, specifically across Who What Wear and Marie Claire. She spends her free time online shopping (or "researching" as she likes to call it), reading at the beach, and trying as many new restaurants in L.A. as possible.
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