I Dressed in Entirely Under-$100 Pieces for 11 Days Straight

We all love an under-$100 thrill, and if your whole outfit is made up of them, even better, right? That was the mindset I had when I decided to wear the best clothing under $100 to the office for over two weeks straight. The result? A true test to find the most stylish, expensive-looking pieces on the market. I hit up my under-$100 go-tos, including H&M, Zara, Topshop, & Other Stories, Mango, Reformation, Urban Outfitters, Storets, and, of course, our Who What Wear collection. While there was some trial and error (yes, some outfits did not make the cut; DM me for a laugh), overall, I ended up with way too many pieces I wanted to keep. Scroll down to read my honest thoughts on the outfits and grab a few affordable pieces to inject some newness into your wardrobe.

This outfit is like if your young 'n' cool middle school teacher decided to kick it up a notch with a lime-sorbet sheer turtleneck. Today, that is me. Also, I want you to know the Mango dress comes in separates too; the skirt is fantastic.

Pictured: Mango Check Pattern Midi Dress ($100); UO Cass Mesh Turtleneck Top ($42); H&M Knit Wool-Blend Sweater ($60); & Other Stories Pointed Slingback Kitten Heels ($79)

Here I am dressing like a #StickofButter, a term coined by Man Repeller's Harling Ross that subsequently took over the more fashion-y corners of the internet. I'd say that this is more margarine than butter, given the saturated hue. And yes, another H&M sweater, but they have really good knitwear right now.

Pictured: H&M Cable-Knit Wool-Blend Sweater ($60); Topshop Skirt ($55); Charles & Keith Mini Square Toe Boots ($69) available in Nude and Black

May I interest you in a shot of chartreuse? This cardigan is so soft—like, curiously soft. I also enjoy the button story going on here from the cardigan to the cords.

Pictured: Out From Under Lola Cropped Lettuce-Edge Cardigan ($34); & Other Stories High Waisted Corduroy Pants ($79); UO Chrissy Square Toe Heels ($39)

This bodysuit is special. Upon wearing it, one Who What Wear editor bought it on the spot. The only thing I would change is that the wire doesn't lay quite flat on my chest. It's not super noticeable though. The white jeans with contrast stitching were another highlight from this experiment. Word to the wise: I'm 5'4'' and have to wear them with super-tall heels so they don't drag.

Pictured: Reformation Claudia Bodysuit ($98); BDG Stovepipe High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans ($59); Topshop Godiva Mules ($85); vintage choker

This outfit is polar vortex–ready on top and spring shindig–ready on bottom. Definitely confused about the seasons, but still pretty cute. Also, this coat is almost 75% off—don't sleep.

Pictured: Babaton Oren Coat ($75); H&M Knit Wool-Blend Sweater ($60); Storets Mindy Sheer Turtleneck Top ($36); Mango Bow Leather Shoes ($80); vintage Levi's

The schoolteacher is back and ready for more. This time, she has graduated (sorry) to full-on neon green in the turtleneck department. Seriously, though, dressing in one color is the easiest way to look like you know what you're doing. And white shoes usually help (and look more forward than black).

Pictured: Topshop Longline Double Breasted Blazer ($95); & Other Stories Open Back Floral Midi Dress ($99); Storets Turtleneck ($30); Zara mules

This sweater feels like a fresh iteration on the perma-athleisure trend yet is not so hypebae that a girl who also moonlights as a middle school teacher feels like a fraud in it. The pants follow a similar storyline.

Pictured: Topshop Monochrome Colour Block Jumper ($75) jeans, and mules; Storets Mindy Sheer Turtleneck Top ($36)

Back at it again with the monochrome trick. If you need a suit, though, this one looked rather expensive for the price. They have it in multiple colors, too, if Pepto pink isn't your speed.

Pictured: Topshop blazer, pants, and mules; UO Ginger Sheer Mock-Neck Top ($20)

I found this duster coat at the Bearded Beagle on a vintage shoot and couldn't wait to wear it. At $48, it was a no-brainer for this under-$100 challenge.

Pictured: vintage blazer coat and choker; Mango Slit Hem Trousers ($80); Topshop mules

I'm not familiar with a brand that delivers the quality and style of our Who What Wear collection at the price point, and it's my job to know brands! Sure, I may be slightly biased, but it's good stuff and this whole outfit is under $75. Can't beat that.

Pictured: Who What Wear Classic Blazer ($23), Straight Leg Oversize Pocket Pants ($35), and Ally Closed-Toe Heeled Pumps ($17)

The finale dress! Tie-dye is posed to be one of the biggest trends this spring, and Topshop is already all over it. I like that this print feels a bit different than your classic swirl pattern.

Pictured: Topshop Tie Dye Mesh Midi Dress ($60); Storets Mindy Sheer Turtleneck Top ($36); Who What Wear Payton Faux Croc V Cut Mules ($35); vintage belt