The Budget Jeans-and–T-Shirt Capsule: 9 Outfits Under $150 Each

There’s nothing quite as classic as a T-shirt–and-jeans combination. The two are the fashion world’s most laid-back, harmonious couple, and the versatility they offer is unparalleled. A tee and jeans can miraculously translate to everything from the office (dress code permitting) to date night all the way to a weekend getaway. It just depends on how you accessorize them. Looking to dress them up a bit? Go for a pair of the season’s strappy low-heel sandals and a statement bag. Ready to unwind and head to brunch with friends? Grab a tote and cute trainers. It can go pretty much every which way, and that’s why building a capsule collection of pieces around this combination is a smart idea.
Furthermore, if the T-shirt and jeans were to cost, say, less than $50 each, then keeping to a budget of under $150 and building out a perfect outfit would be within arm’s reach. Ahead, we did just that, teaming a classic Hanes white tee and a pair of stylish jeans from H&M. Scroll down to discover and shop the outfits that will keep your spring and summer style feeling fresh.
Silk Kerchief + Beaded Bag + Strappy Sandals
Cat-Eye Sunnies + PVC Tote + Chucks
Crochet Bag + Low-Heel Sandals
Beaded Bag + PVC Sandals + Baroque Pearl Earrings
Woven Bag + Espadrilles + Seashell Earrings
Croc-Embossed Bag + Loafers
Net Bag + Braided Sandals
Belt Bag + Mule Slides
Woven Tote + Flip-Flops
Up Next: How to reduce your closet to 37 pieces with this capsule wardrobe.

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)
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