17 Upgraded Basics You Don't Need More Than $40 For

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

What could be better than something that’s as easy to style as, say, your favorite jeans or white tee but is just a lot more eye-catching and unique? I know—17 of them, all under $40, which is precisely what I’ve got for you today and just in time for summer.

Thanks to our very own aptly named and affordable Who What Wear collection for Target, I was able to round up a number of pieces that, as I mentioned, will serve you just as well as your simplest clothes but bring in way more compliments this coming season. Take the above black tank as an example. As someone who tends to live in basics, I can't think of any easier item to upgrade my everyday look. So whether you’re into skirts, dresses, pretty tops, fun pants, or all of the above, simply keep scrolling to see and shop all of today’s finds and get a little summer styling inspiration along the way.

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

This polka-dot top will make dressing up easy.

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

The matching pants are a fun alternative to jeans and look just as good as with your favorite basics.

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Of course, a matching set is always a good idea, too.

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

This basic tank alternative literally stopped me in my tracks.

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(Image credit: @ktzahorak)

What I'll be wearing on my next car ride to the grocery store.

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(Image credit: @maggie_mccormack)

Another matching moment that is too good to pass up on.

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Think little black dress but make it trans-seasonal.

Next: the three sneakers fashion girls will be wearing this summer.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.