As I’ve settled into 2024, I’ve realized that my style has notably pivoted over the past year toward a more elegant and classic look. I’m increasingly gravitating towards streamlined tailoring, polished handbags, and sophisticated flats over anything too trendy and I know I’m not the only one who’s doing so. The spring/summer 2024 runways overwhelmingly showcased a refined and grown-up mood whether it was the satin evening coats at Altuzarra or the beautiful draping and A-lien skirts at Brandon Maxwell. And now that those spring collections have hit the market, it should come as no surprise to see that the affordable shopping space is mirroring this overall style mood in its offering, too.
Plenty of the ideas put forth by the runways are now making their way onto the racks at outposts like Mango, COS, and Zara, meaning that if you’re also entering your elegant era, it’s never been easier on your wallet to get the look. To save you some time, I did the legwork and pulled together 35 utterly sophisticated finds that include pieces like draped dresses, pointed-toe flats, frame bags, and cigarette trousers. Ahead, shop my favorite affordable finds that look chic but don’t top $150.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the metal closure and slim-profile shape of a frame bag.
Reformation
Malika Linen Top
Halter tops are basically a cheat code for looking elegant.
Zara
Capri Pants With Vents
Don’t fight it. Pedal pushers are here and they’re happening
Jeffrey Campbell
Pistil Pointed Toe Flat
The elongated toe, the discreet heel—it’s all too good.
Heaven Mayhem
Mini Knot Earring
If your outfits need anything this season, it’s unquestionably a pair of bold earrings.
Lioness
Field of Dreams Dress
Lands’ End
Fine Gauge Sweater Tee
There will always be something retro-coded about a sweater tee to me.
Mango
Leather Straps Sandals
COS
Square-Neck Scuba Midi Dress
All this beautiful construction for $150? It almost seems too good to be true.
Love this edgier leather spin on the lady jacket trend.
The best $7 you’ll spend all month.
Reformation
Mayve Knit Dress
I can’t say no to a good boatneck silhouette.
Rue Sophie
Marina Sweetheart Top
Yes, going-out tops can be elegant, too.
I know baggy pants are trending, but suddenly the sleek silhouette of cigarette pants is what I’m craving.
Charles & Keith
Wisteria Elongated Top Handle Bag
The vibe of Alaïa’s Le Teckel bag for (way) less.
Zara
Minimalist Fitted Blazer
I’m so into the look of a shrunken blazer right now.
COS
Off-The-Shoulder Scoop-Back Top
An artful cuff makes everything look chicer, and that’s a fact.
Zara
Mini Heeled Leather Flats
I own these and can’t say enough good things about them.
If you think the front is nice, just wait until you see the back.
H&M
Structured-Knit Cardigan
I’ll be honest, H&M, I didn’t know you had this level of chic in you.
H&M
Dressy Twill Maxi Skirt
Make it a matching set if you’re smart.
COS
Embellished Denim Scrunchie
For an always-polished finish.
J.Crew
Fitted Tank Dress With Poplin Bubble Skirt
I’ll be honest, this isn’t the last matching set you’re going to see.
J.Crew
Pull-On Short in Stripe Mariner Cotton
I’ll take the entire outfit, please and thank you.
Banana Republic
Lucia Cropped Cardigan
Details like the bell sleeve make this simple cardigan a standout.
H&M
Flared Balloon-Sleeved Blouse
The pretty top your spring wardrobe was craving.
Mango
Striped Linen-Blend Pants
In the elegant color of the season no less.
Abercrombie
Long-Length Tailored Vest Set Top
I just bought this in multiple colors and couldn’t be more excited about it.
Abercrombie
Tailored Maxi Skirt
Cool grey tones are everywhere I look right now and they’re done best on tailored pieces.
COS
Tubular Knitted Tank Top
Special basics like this make me smile.
H&M
Shiny Twill Mini Shorts
I’d rarely call a pair of shorts elegant but I think the term applies here.