EASY STAPLES UNDER $100 – Merritt Beck

Since it’s not anywhere close to feeling like fall yet but summer is over in just a few short weeks, this is a time I prefer to shop my own closet as opposed to buy a bunch of new. There are certainly exceptions to this rule if I find something fabulous, but generally speaking, August is a month of outfit repeats for me! It’s a chance for me to get as many wears as I can out of my favorite buys from summer before the season is over. A few looks you can expect to see me in again before I swap my summer wardrobe out include this vest + maxi skirt, this Zimmermann set, this Aligne LBD (which I’ll wear into fall too, if I’m being honest), and these lace shorts. I actually just wore the vest + maxi skirt over the weekend at dinner with my family! I’m taking the latter pieces to California so you’ll see me wearing those over the next few weeks.

If you’re wanting to incorporate some new for these last weeks of summer but don’t want to spend a lot, below are some budget buys from my own closet that I’ve been loving this season! They’re all great basics that will actually be useful as we head into the fall season too, so you don’t have to be worried about a one-and-done piece in this roundup.

• I own this under $30 tee in both black and white and can attest it’s one of the best I’ve ever purchased. It’s 95% cotton and 5% elastane, so it has just the right amount of stretch for an amazing fit, and is SUPER soft for ultimate comfort. The fabric is thick and opaque too, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through whatsoever. Highly recommend! I’ve got plenty of boxy, oversized tees already, so I prefer this style more fitted – I have the XS in both colors.
• I receive countless compliments on these sunglasses, and people are always shocked when I tell them they’re by Madewell. Perhaps the best $75 I’ve ever spent! I’ve been wearing them practically every day since last summer. Great quality and such a flattering shape! They come in five colors, but classic black is what I’d recommend.
• Another accessory I’ve worn repeatedly over the last year is this pair of two-tone earrings! Especially as I’ve been incorporating more silver into my wardrobe, they’ve been incredibly useful. They’re just a solid everyday style that’s comfortable and cute! Also available here.
• If you live somewhere warm, don’t miss this dark olive cargo skirt! It’s perfect for transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall – the color works in both seasons, and the silhouette is ideal for temps that refuse to go down. It’s originally $295, but it’s on final sale for only $72! It fits true to size.
• Another Zara win is this cotton poplin balloon top. It’s a fashion forward piece that serves as a fun statement staple you can dress up or down! It’s slightly cropped, but if you’re wearing high-waisted jeans or shorts you won’t have to worry about an exposed midriff. Super cute on! I got the XS.
• I’m trying to mix things up in the jewelry department and recently purchased a few styles by Heaven Mayhem! This beaded necklace and these earrings have both been really useful over the last month, and the colors will make them useful as we head into fall too. I did end up buying these double lobster clasps for the necklace, because the fishhook closure on the necklace fell off super easily – not sure why they used that and didn’t secure it on at least one side! Dumb.