Fashion's Not-So-Strange Addiction: These Under-$125 Cult Items

Fashion people don't mess around. When this trend-forward group spots a new item with the potential to be "a thing,” they pounce on it quickly to further cement their insider status. And when said item just so happens to be on the affordable end, well, let’s just say they click the "add to cart” button even more aggressively. After all, who doesn't want to be the one with the next It item? Exactly.

On that note, after scrolling through our Instagram feeds this week, it became apparent that there are actually a few key finds from lower-priced brands like ASOS and Zara that fashion girls seem to be addicted to. We're talking coveted pieces that could easily be summed up as "cult-like" because multiple women (not just one or two) across the globe are wearing on repeat.

With all that in mind, we’ve curated a selection of the five under-$125 It items we’re spotting over and over again on IG. Keep scrolling to discover the defining pieces on IG, along with other affordable must-haves that are bound to become cult hits as well.

We probably don't need to sit here and hash out the reasons why this top is quickly becoming a cult item. One quick glance, and you immediately know it's just right. Yep, that's all thanks to the ultra-flattering V-neckline, on-trend balloon sleeves, and interesting waist detail you can tie in the front or back.

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The ASOS Leather-Look Dress

One word to describe this coveted faux-leather dress? Special. Crazy popular amongst U.K. girls, the silhouette is quite fashion-forward with the zipper detail, puffed sleeves, and midi length. And the rich color and luscious-feeling fabric brings the style to the next level.

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The Mango Cotton Jacket

The coolest fashion girls won't seem to quit this ultra-versatile organic cotton jacket. We totally get it—it's ideal for transitional temps, cool in nature with the slouchier fit, and can legit pair with anything your closet (including the coordinating wide-leg trousers).

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The Zara Polka-Dot Dress

You may already be familiar with this famous dress. The polka-dot number has literally been everywhere this summer. In fact, the Who What Wear UK team has predicted it to be the next jacquard coat. Why is it such an It item? Well, the desirable price, effortless fit (the voluminous silhouette is so in right now), and wildly-popular polka-dot detail makes it a certified front-runner for sure.

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The ELOQUII Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Sure, summer is winding down, but this vibrant standout will continue to hold its own for off-duty life well into September. The forward hue and statement-making accents (including the knotted detail and elevated sleeves) are just a few of the reasons why it has become a mainstay in the wardrobes of fashion people.

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Next, check out the secret Mango section you probably didn't know about.

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Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.