In a world where consumer choices seem endless and prices can skyrocket, finding quality items that don’t break the bank feels like a small victory. In 2024, we made it our mission to hunt down the best products that prove you don’t have to splurge to get great value. Naturally, as fashion editors, we’re always on the cutting edge of innovation, working with products that we get to test out and style. When we tell you something is worth the money, you usually believe us, but when we actually spend the money ourselves, that’s when you know a purchase is 100% backed and vetted by us.
From the trendiest suede totes to runway-inspired tights, these 19 under-$100 finds are purchases you can feel good about—affordable, practical, and seriously satisfying. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your basics drawer in 2025 or treat yourself to a little luxury without the guilt, there’s something here for everyone.
Madewell
Studded Western Belt
“This is the closest alt I’ve found to the viral and perpetually-sold-out Khaite Benny Belt. The buckle is just right, the studs are nicely spaced, and it’s not too thick. The sub-$80 price point is just the cherry on top.” — Anna LaPlaca, Senior Editor
Abercrombie & Fitch
Textural V-Neck Sweater
“When I say this sweater looks like I ordered it from Net-a-Porter, I’m not lying. If you’re an XXS or XS, run and add it to your cart before it completely sells out.” — Nikki Chwatt, Associate Editor
A New Day
Mel Sheer Mesh Ballet Flats With Memory Foam Insole
“I’m so thankful my colleague Ana influenced me to buy these mesh flats. They’re confusingly affordable, come with memory foam soles, and hit right on the shoe trend of the moment. What more could you want?” — LaPlaca
Free People
The Carrie Tube
“Trust me. This is the tube top to end them all. It’s cut from the softest, stretchiest material that really sculpts and holds you in. It’s fittingly called the Carrie for its undeniable late-’90s vibe, and I’ve already lost count of how many times I’ve worn it, including packing it on every trip I went on this summer. Needless to say, I’ll be buying it in multiple colorways to wear with everything.” — LaPlaca
NA-KD
Round Neck Knitted Sweater
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for a red sweater. This easy, chic, and affordable option from Swedish retailer NA-KD was perfect as a first step into wearing colorful knitwear this winter. I’ve always been into pops of red to brighten up any outfit, so this was such a fun, low-stakes purchase. I ended up wearing it on a recent trip to Paris and got tons of compliments.” — Ana Escalante, Assistant Shopping Editor
Golden
Butter New Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging
“While shopping at Aritzia a few weeks ago, I noticed the activewear section and decided to try a few pieces—I’m so glad I did. I ordered two workout tops, but my favorite item was definitely these leggings. They have a soft, butter-like texture and a thick waistband that comfortably hugs my midriff. My favorite feature is the curved stitching, which flatters the backside. Now, I need a pair in every color.” — Chwatt
Gap
Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag
“I don’t think I’ve ever received more compliments or DMs about a single item than I have about this bag. People are always shocked to discover that it’s a faux-suede tote from Gap and, more importantly, that it’s only $70 because the quality is most certainly not that of an under-$100 bag. I love this chestnut, but the chocolate brown is now on my wish list too. They both constantly sell out, so I’d recommend acting fast.” — Michaela Bushkin, Branded Content Fashion Director
Mango
Kitten-Heeled Shoes
“I’m always weary of cheap footwear, but after ordering and returning too many pairs of similar black pumps that weren’t quite right (despite being double or triple the price), I decided I had nothing to lose by trying this kitten-heel version from Mango. Will they last for years? Definitely not. Are they really cute and exactly what I was looking for? Yes. I particularly love the little silver buckle, especially since I’m in my silver-jewelry era.” — Bushkin
Reformation
Dusk Knit Top
“I actually can’t believe it took me until this year to purchase the Reformation Dusk Top. It only took countless recommendations from my fellow editors, seeing it in person 10 times, and finally trying it on in store to convince me. But convinced I certainly am. First of all, the boat neckline could not be any chicer and makes even the most basic outfit look so much more elegant. The real selling point for me was the material. It’s thick but moldable and impossibly comfortable. It’s the kind of piece I can see myself wearing over and over again and never tiring of.” — LaPlaca
“Last month, I was searching for the perfect white T-shirt to wear under my sweaters and jackets. When I stumbled upon a fashion influencer on Instagram passionately endorsing this particular T-shirt, I knew I had to give it a shot. What truly captivates me about this top is its lightweight fabric. It feels effortlessly soft against the skin and is ideal for layering without creating any unnecessary bulk.” — Chwatt
Steve Madden
Eternal Natural Multi
“I put some serious miles on these bad boys this year. These trusted two-tone Steve Madden ballet flats have been to more places this year than some people I know—from the streets of SoHo to first row at Copenhagen Fashion Week. I’ve taken at least 50,000 steps in these. While they’re cheap and I’ve had to replace them twice, you know they’re a great buy if I’ve bought them more than once.” — Escalante
ZARA
Suede Slingback Shoes
“These are seriously the most underrated pair of shoes on Zara’s site. I’m amazed they’re still available. They enhance any outfit and are comfortable for all-day wear.” — Chwatt
Uniqlo
Pleated Wide Trousers
“I swear by these $50 pleated pants from Uniqlo, and I’ve suggested them to so many people throughout the year. The cut is perfect—classic yet modern. They’re also wildly comfortable in a stretchier fabric but still look expensive because of the forward silhouette. Oh, there’s also elastic at the waist (amazing). I wore the black pair throughout the year with just a tee or a button-down shirt and a belt for warmer months and am currently wearing it with sweaters now that it’s winter. I could go on and on about these pants, but I’ll leave it there and let you shop.” — Bobby Schuessler, Shopping Director
“I wore this necklace nearly every other day last spring and summer and plan to break it out again on my next beach trip. It’s the perfect vacation piece to wear with sundresses and bikinis. Style it alone or my preferred way, which is stacked with other pearl and colorful necklaces. I have a ‘more is more’ jewelry motto when it comes to beach vacation jewelry.” — Bushkin
Calzedonia
Micronet Tights
“I’m not super adventurous with my tights, but it wasn’t until I went to Paris and saw a few French women sneakily wearing fishnets under their pencil skirts and jeans that I decided to try out this trend. I’m so glad I did, and buying these $15 Micronet Tights from Calzedonia was the perfect affordable way to step into a fun layering look.” — Escalante
“I wear these jeans at least once a week. (Please don’t ask me how often I wash them.) If you want them to fit a bit more low-rise like they do on the model here, then order them one size up, which is what I did. The wash and the fit are both perfect.” — Bushkin
Chic Decor HK
Natural Large White Luminous Conch Earrings
“Not joking, I’ve tracked this: I’ve sold over 20 pairs of these conch earrings to my friends and followers in this last year alone. I found them on Etsy one random day and blindly ordered, and they’ve cemented their spot as one of my favorite pieces I own, period. Although my jewelry drawer may be overflowing, I find myself wearing these at least three times a week in the peak summer months. Pro tip: Get the oversize pair. It’s the best, in my opinion, but I have all three sizes!” — Escalante
Caslon
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
“This cashmere knit is basically the little sweater that could. I wear it at least four times a week when it starts getting chilly outside. It’s the perfect basic layering piece, and I always feel especially luxe when I tell my friends I’m wearing cashmere. Plus, it’s shockingly discounted now at just $60. Run, don’t walk, to snag this one before the price goes up.” — Escalante
Heaven Mayhem
Baby Knot Silver
“Anything Heaven Mayhem makes, I’ll buy, so when the wonderful team at Van Etten offered to send me the gold Baby Knot earrings Hailey Bieber sported earlier this year, I was sold. I was so in love with the gold that I added the silver to my cart almost immediately upon wearing them.” — Escalante
