If you know me, you know I love a chic, neutral summer outfit. Now that the weather is warming up, all of my favorite retailers have embraced the elevated, chic French girl playbook that has become my personal style uniform every time the heat rises in New York City. While I’m a kitschy maximalist at heart, I constantly rely on my slew of expensive-looking basics and elevated silhouettes that have me getting more compliments than I know what to do with. Yes, i’m talking about the chic, classy quiet luxury movement.
While subdued basics and timeless cuts have long been fan favorites here at Who What Wear long before Sophie Richie became Sophie Richie Grainge, the adoption of white, khakis, blacks, and golds into our summer outfit roster is becoming more and more prevalent now that I’ve spent hours searching for the best affordable summer staples. Don’t believe you can get the cool-girl approved look without spending an arm and leg? Scroll below for the best affordable summer staples that just might change your mind.
Every good outfit starts with a white tee.
The warmer the weather, the lighter the wash.
Despite being a sunglasses hoarder, these are the pair I keep on reaching for over and over to enhance all of my looks.
French girls love this classic look.
Mermaid-core realness.
Levi’s for under $100 is an automatic steal.
This ruched skirt looks so rich.
I have these and can confirm they go with anything in your closet.
If you’re looking for a luxe bag that won’t break the bank, Charles & Keith has plenty. This chocolate-brown hue will hold up in your wardrobe for years to come.
A linen vest never goes out of style.
IYKYK.
A chic, black belt will instantly transform any pair of pants into a polished, elevated look.
A designer tank under $75? Adding it to my cart ASAP.
Zara’s affordable linen pieces mean that you can get the look without missing your payment on an electricity bill or two.
I’ll never say no to an elevated ballet flat.
These wide-leg balloon jeans stole my heart when I saw them for the first time last week.
Hello goregous.
This would pair so well with a simple black tank to let the lace shine through.
Not your grandmothers pearls.
This dress looks ten times more expensive than it actually is.
Obsessed with wearing crotchet tops and dresses all summer long.
Spoiler alert: I have at least three of this shirt in my closet right now.
This chocolate-colored slip is so cool.
When J.Crew’s classic styles are on sale, you know I’m going to have to buy at least five.
This boxy blazer would go so well with a simple jersey tank and jeans.
These suspiciously look like the sandals Mary-Kate Olsen swears by.
The Hamptons is calling…
Perfect for any pool-side activities.
What can I say? I love me a linen pant.
These sleek white sneakers are sure to be your summer shoe of choice.
Although I wasn’t always the biggest fan of tube tops growing up, this elevated find would go so well with some statement earrings and a black silk skirt.
This raffia clutch is what vacation OOTDs are made of.
Straight outta Prada.
A bucket hat is my secret weapon for making any summer outfit look ten times cooler.
Living for the unconventional shoulder rings.
Equally as perfect for a beach outing as this pair is for Sunday brunch.
Shell-shaped earrings are the ’80s trend making a comeback I never expected to love this hard.
