My Friend Gave Me a $550 Budget to Update Her Spring Wardrobe—Here's What I Ordered

Mimi Nguyen poses in a store in New York City wearing a low bun, black leather gloves, belted trench coat, black pants, and Adidas Tokyo sneakers.

(Image credit: @mimixn)

As the fashion-savvy person in my closest friend group, I am constantly fielding queries from them on what to buy and where to shop, especially at the beginning of a new season. As predicted, this spring was no different. As soon as the weather even slightly warmed up, I got a text from a friend asking if I wouldn't mind being her personal shopper for the season.

This time around, she gave me a fun budget of $550 to find her key pieces for spring that could be easily incorporated into any closet. In the end, I narrowed it down to eight chic finds that would do the trick. These range from a standout woven bag to effortless linen pants and cool suede sneakers.

Ahead, shop my top picks for each category, plus some extras I have my eye on that are perfect for updating your spring wardrobe.

1. Woven Leather Bag

British style influencer Anna Newton wears a tan suede jacket, faded linen ivory linen tee, brown woven leather tote bag, and white jeans.

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

My Pick

More Woven Bags

2. Drawstring Linen Pants

Style influencer Sylvie Mus poses on a Paris sidewalk wearing a low bun, earrings, black deep v tank top, tote bag, white linen pants, black sandals, and a denim jacket in her hand.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

My Pick

More Linen Pants

3. Suede Sneakers

Mimi Nguyen poses in a store in New York City with a low bun, black leather gloves, belted trench coat, black pants, and Adidas Tokyo sneakers.

(Image credit: @mimixn)

My Pick

More Suede Sneakers

4. Boatneck Top

British style influencer Lizzy Hadfield poses outside with a glass of wine wearing a low bun, black sleeveless boatneck top, black belt, and jeans.

(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

My Pick

More Boatneck Tops

5. Full White Skirt

British style influencer Karina Marriott poses on a London street in front of a black Porsche wearing layered necklaces, a gray crewneck sweater, burgundy tote bag, white cotton poplin maxi skirt, and studded black flats.

(Image credit: @thestyleidealist)

My Pick

More Full White Skirts

6. Woven Shoes

Style influencer Anne-Miek Kessels poses on a sidewalk wearing a white oversize blazer, black tee, black leather belt, black wide-leg pants, and black woven flats.

(Image credit: @modedamour)

My Pick

More Woven Shoes

7. Relaxed Jeans

British influencer Lucy Alston walking across the street in Oxted wearing black oversize sunglasses, black leather bomber jacket, gray top, relaxed jeans, and black Adidas Samba sneakers.

(Image credit: @lucyalston_)

My Pick

More Relaxed Jeans

8. Black Leather Belt

Style influencer Marina Torres wearing a white tee, long trench coat, black belt, and wide-leg jeans.

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

My Pick

More Black Belts

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Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known 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. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion 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.