29 Affordable Picks I Think Are Immune to the Trend Cycle
If you were to take a peek into my closet right now, it would read as a classic fashion capsule with a minimalist feel. I can't help it—a timeless wardrobe gives me comfort and confidence, and I am fiercely loyal. There's something so powerful about the fact that certain pieces can be worn regardless of the year or trend cycle.
My recommendation is to create a foundation of these closet staples with your personal style in mind and round your wardrobe out with some trendy pieces of the moment. To start, consider perennial options like a black blazer, a crisp white button-down shirt, a tan trench coat, black flat shoes, and sweaters that make a luxe statement.
Many conflate classic styles with large budgets, but you'd be pleasantly surprised to find that classic, affordable fashion exists—so many of these options only look expensive. I often end up doing a double take when I realize a piece is under $150. Ahead, find 29 affordable classic picks to shop now and wear forever.
A great pair of faux-leather pants is an easy way to elevate a spring look.
White oxford shirts can be styled in a plethora of ways, from casual to dressy and everywhere in between.
Converse Chucks are consistently available for a reason. Swap out your usual white or black ones for this cool beige version.
I'm currently obsessed with this cropped version of the classic Levi's denim style.
A camel-colored sweater always gets complimented. Wear it with everything from leather pants to jeans.
Minimal black shoulder bags make getting out the door that much easier. Wear this one with a sweater and jeans or with a frilly dress.
Shirtdresses make for easy dressing—just add a bag and shoes and you're good to go.
These white jeans have a slim-fit silhouette, putting them nicely between a true skinny and straight-leg style.
There's nothing like a black dress that stands the test of time.
No matter the year, a green military-inspired jacket is released by most classic brands. Reason? It's versatile and adds subtle color.
A basic white tee is an essential regardless of the time of year.
Long cardigans offer warmth and dimension. I personally love going for a charcoal option.
Simple tote bags are great for lugging around your essentials. Opt for black or a neutral hue like this taupe pick.
I'm all for one-and-done dressing, and this jumpsuit does not disappoint.
This black blazer can be styled in a multitude of ways. Wear it layered over a tee and jeans, over your favorite dress, or with work-ready trousers.
This Wayfarer-like frame has been popular for decades, and I don't think it is going out of style any time soon.
A black bodysuit is great for layering and helps you avoid the annoying need to constantly retuck your T-shirt.
A reviewer claims these jeans "have a little stretch but still have the weight and look of jeans rather than some that look like leggings."
Simple black ballet flats round out any shoe closet no matter the season.
A ribbed sweater always feels more luxe. I'm especially a fan of this brown color.
Black midi skirts can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces in your closet.
Add a polished feel to any outfit with a pair of nice black loafers.
Next up: I Live For a Good Sale, and These Under-$120 Finds Are Really Impressing Me
Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
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