In the past few weeks, I've added a few trendy things to my cart only to decide to let them go because there were still on-trend pieces that had yet to be worn hanging in my closet. I'm sure they'll get more use once the weather gets better and once I start seeing people again, but the pieces I have been gravitating toward nonstop have been the more basic and cozier items. When shopping, I'm shifting my focus towards pieces I'll be getting maximum wear out of in the long run. I'm a fashion editor, and even I'd prefer to work from home in a chic set or oversize sweatshirt. But contrary to popular belief, just cause it's cozy doesn't mean it has to be expensive or boring, which the options below are here to approve.
Below, I took a deep dive through WWW's favorite affordable retailers to find 25 under-$50 pieces that you'll be reaching for again and again. This isn't to say I won't be opting for more trendy options at all, but the items below will certainly make it easier to mix and match other pieces to make the ideal comfy yet elevated wardrobe.
H&M
Ribbed Pants
Now that's what I call luxe loungewear.
Who What Wear
Crewneck Pullover Sweater Vest
I'm still not over how cute this set is.
Zara
Seamless Leggings
Perfect shade for spring.
Urban Outfitters
Mare Ribbed Lace-Up Top
If you feel like adding some color to your wardrobe.
Treasure & Bond
Blouson Sleeve Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
Can't go wrong with a zip-up.
H&M
Oversized Cotton Shirt
My favorite closet essential.
Forever21
Cropped Cardigan Sweater
The bolero trend isn't going anywhere.
Zara
Combination Shorts
Gym class but make it fashion.
Birkenstock
Arizona Eva Sandal
The only shoes I'll be rocking these next few months.
H&M
Wide-Cut Sweater Vest
Sweater-vests aren't a trend anymore—they're simply a wardrobe staple.
Mango
Knitted Cropped Cardigan
Perfect shade of baby blue.
Who What Wear
Regular Fit Ruffle Detail Jogger Sweatpants
I've been wearing this sweatsuit nonstop.
Zara
Coca Cola Polo
I love the vintage vibes this gives.
Mango
Hooded Knit Sweater
Mango's sale pieces sell out quick.
Out From Under
Luciana Thermal Long Sleeve Top
I'm clearly still not over tie-dye.
H&M
Shoulder-Pad Sweatshirt
This isn't your average sweatshirt.
We the Free by Free People
Be Free Tunic T-Shirt
A comfortable white tee is essential.
H&M
Ribbed Wool-Blend Pants
Just looking at this makes me feel cozy.
Who What Wear
Puff Elbow Sleeve Collared Neck Pullover Sweater
This one is incredibly soft—trust me.
H&M
Rib-Knit Cardigan
I can never resist sage green.
Naked Wardrobe
Snatched Rib Leggings
Lori Harvey's recent collab is comfortable and size-inclusive.
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.