If you're sticking to a tight budget, shopping can be a slightly depressing experience. If Instagram is anything to go by, it can seem like everyone else in the world is swanning around clad head to toe in designer wares. Of course, this has no bearing on reality, but it can still feel a little disheartening. Yes, we work in the industry, but we're also strong believers in the idea that fashion and frugality are not mutually exclusive concepts. In our experience, taste is not something that can be bought, and a good eye can work with any budget.
Because we like to practice what we preach, we've put together five outfits your paycheque will thank you for. In our (totally biased) opinion, you'd never tell these pieces were all sourced from affordable stores. Our secret? We look for relatively simple separates and then adorn them with well-chosen and expensive-looking accessories. After all, you don't want to fall into the trap of buying transient fast-fashion trends and then discarding them the following season (it's not good for your bank account or the planet).
It's also worth knowing which fabrics and colours look expensive. For example, going tonal is an easy and quick way to fake a high-end finish, and when it comes to affordable fabrics, denim and knitwear are our go-tos. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see the five new-season outfits you can re-create for under £110. You're so welcome.
Jumper + Wide-Leg Trousers + Croc Bag + Earrings = £108
Style Notes: We're so into the camel-coloured tonal trend this season, and thankfully, it's easy to re-create on a budget. Stick to tailored trousers, a simple knit and accessories like gold hoops and a mock-croc bag. Easy.
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Printed Top + Slip Skirt + Strappy Sandals = £99
Style Notes: Slip skirts are everywhere at the moment, and luckily for us, they're available at every price point. This Dorothy Perkins number will look so expensive when paired with COS's printed jersey top and H&M's strappy sandals.
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Related: I'm Cashmere Obsessed—This Is Where You Can Find the Best High-Street Pieces
Boilersuit + Roll-Neck + Lace-Up Boots = £94
Style Notes: The boilersuit has got to be one of fashion's most democratising trends. You'd never know this Topshop style wasn't a designer iteration. It'll look cool with lace-up boots and a white roll-neck layered underneath.
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Knitted Dress + Flared Jeans + Baguette Bag + Leopard Sandals = £105
Style Notes: Clever layering is another sneaky way to fake a designer finish. This H&M knitted dress is the perfect pairing for Topshop's dark denim flares. Add a baguette bag and animal-print sandals and you're ready to go.
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Gingham Dress + Mary Janes + Ladylike Accessories = £94
Style Notes: A gingham dress is set to be the key new addition to your dress collection this summer. This New Look number stands out thanks to its lace-up detailing and midi length and is guaranteed to look the part when paired with Mary Janes and ladylike accessories.
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