Looking elegant and spending a lot of money aren't mutually exclusive, as much as social media might make you think it is. Everywhere I look, everyone seems to be wearing full outfits from luxury designers but, as much as I'd like to be able to afford these pieces, my budget simply doesn't stretch that far. This—coupled with the fact I've been honing my skills as a fashion sleuth for the past 13 years—means I've become a bit of a dab hand at assembling elegant outfits affordably. Now, I'm putting those skills to the test.
My colleagues challenged me to re-create some of the chicest outfits on Instagram with pieces currently on the market. The catch? No item could be more than £100. Unlike every maths test I took at school, I completely nailed this assignment, if I do say so myself. But I know its only your opinion that matters here.
Below are seven sophisticated outfits which I've shopped out using pieces I've found from your favourite high street brands. Elegant and affordable, I hope the inspire you and reinforce the fact that good taste doesn't have to come with a high cost. Happy shopping.
7 Elegant and Affordable Outfits I Know You'll Love
1. Blue Stripe Shirt + White Jeans + Simple Sandals
Style Notes: Blue striped shirts always look classy and elegant, especially when paired with white separates. For a low-key finish, add in a pair of white jeans and simple sandals.
Shop the Look:
I've never added anything quicker to my basket.
Pearl earrings, even if they're faux, will make any outfit feel luxe.
I hear great things about Massimo Dutti's denim.
These flew in the black colour way—I expect the same to happen with this white pair.
2. Black Dress + Ballet Pumps + Woven Bag
Style Notes: There's nothing that says sophistication quite like a simple black dress, especially when it's styled with ballerina flats and a chic handbag.
Shop the Look:
Simple but so chic.
I own these earrings and I get so many compliments on them.
Designers love creating crescent-shaped bags, so this one feels high end by proxy.
If you haven't bought a pair of ballet flats yet, there are no more excuses.
3. Linen Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: Bermuda shorts are on trend this season, and it just so happens that they look the elegant part, too. Keep things elevated with a button-up shirt and fuss-free flat shoes.
Shop the Look:
You'll never regret buying a fresh white linen shirt.
Finally a racer vest that covers bra straps (I own it so I know this for a fact).
The front crease gives these Bermuda shorts extra polish.
A frugal way to tap into the mesh shoe trend.
4. Blazer + Belt + Slip Skirt
Style Notes: When it comes to classy pairings, nothing beats a slip skirt and blazer combo. Add a belt to pull the look together, and simple sandals that don't detract from the ensemble.
Shop the Look:
H&M does the best budget tailoring.
I own this skirt in cream and get so much wear out of it. Now, the black just makes sense.
The perfect waist cincher.
I just ordered these and they're so comfortable.
5. Waistcoat + Jeans + Pointed-Toe Shoes
Style Notes: One of my favourite ways to style jeans right now is with a waistcoat; a piece that has the ability to make any outfit feel more refined. Handily, there are plenty on the market.
Shop the Look:
The gold buttons on this waistcoat make it look all the more premium.
A great accessory to invest in.
This shade of blue denim looks authentically vintage.
At this price, it would be rude not to.
6. Two-Tone Dress + Sunhat + Sandals
Style Notes: Black and white dresses are the epitome of chic. During the summer months, pair them with raffia and black leather accessories for a sleek touch.
Shop the Look:
The chicest women wear straw hats on their holidays.
This is pure elegance.
I see COS's quilted nylon bags every single day on social media.
These give a good impression of The Row.
7. Jumper + Silky Trousers + Tote Bag
Style Notes: Luxury is a pair of silky trousers—add a soft knitted jumper to create a high-end texture clash. A dash of leopard print will give your outfit a playful touch, but one that still feels classic in its origin.
Shop the Look:
My favourite high street knit.
No one will guess this cost you less than £35.
The brown satin is gorgeous.
A great way to add some personality into a classic look.
