#budget-fashion

#budget-fashion

Before I graduated from college and became a full-time writer, I had my dream retail job: working at Reformation. Thanks to my treasured employee discount, I had a wardrobe stuffed with basics from the sustainable, celebrity-loved clothing brand, including adorable vacation dresses, matching sets, and cashmere sweaters. While I can confidently say Reformation's pieces are worth the investment, it's a bit of a splurge for my current budget without the sweet discount, so I've gotten creative and supplemented my wardrobe with a few wallet-friendly alternatives.

When it comes to packing for cold-weather trips, dresses are often overlooked, but a well-chosen winter dress can be one of the most versatile pieces in a travel wardrobe. From cozy sweater dresses that feel comfortable enough for long travel days to polished maxi dresses that work for dinners and special occasions, winter-friendly silhouettes make getting dressed on the road refreshingly easy. Even better, many of these styles transition effortlessly into early spring, making them smart investments beyond the season.

This winter, a number of footwear trends are battling for the spotlight. From Mary Janes to sneakerinas, it's been difficult to name a definitive reigning champion-until now. After much consideration, knee-high boots have won the title of the most sensible and stylish shoes for travel, and there are so many pairs marked down at Amazon right now to help you score the look for less.

Looking more put-together doesn't always come down to big purchases or dramatic changes. More often, it's the small upgrades that quietly do the heavy lifting - a better beauty tool, an impactful accessory, or one product that makes everything else work harder. This list is full of affordable finds that look and feel a little bougie, even though they're surprisingly cheap. Each one earns its spot by making you look more polished, more pulled together, or just slightly more expensive than you actually are.

To wrench myself out of the house this time of year, I need it to feel like an occasion-which, of course, calls for An Outfit. My trick for feeling fancy without the fuss? A party dress. Layered over sheer tights and my favorite Sézane boots, a good dress takes the guesswork out of picking out an ensemble and is easy to elevate with my favorite accessories.

These palazzo pants are perfect for any occasion. Their lightweight crepe fabric won't pill or shrink, and their paper bag waist looks great with crop tops, button-downs, and more. With a wide-leg silhouette, they're always on trend. "Have gotten lots of compliments on these," wrote a reviewer who gave them five stars.

I write about style for a living, so I'm accustomed to falling in love with clothes that are out of my budget. I've learned to keep my shopping temptations (somewhat) at bay, but I still want my wardrobe to look expensive. Needless to say, I've become an expert at shopping for luxe-looking finds on a budget. Amazon's fashion store is a surprisingly lucrative place to find expensive-looking pieces that won't break the bank,

Belt bags are the rare accessory that blends style and practicality into one lightweight pouch. And after the trend's meteoric rise during the pandemic era, the bag quickly became a staple on the everyday traveler's packing list. Naturally, trends change and evolve, and now belt bags are back en vogue with a more fashion-forward approach that's still a great addition to your travel gear collection.

However, when living out of a suitcase for any period of time, it can be a challenge to keep your clothing items looking fresh and crease-free (especially without the aid of a wrinkle-release spray, portable steamer, or iron). Whether you're hopping off a long-haul flight or heading out of your hotel for a day of sightseeing, wrinkle-free travel pants make it easy to look polished without sacrificing comfort.