30 Compliment-Worthy Under-$150 Items, From a Fashion Editor
There’s nothing more satisfying than getting a compliment on the street from another woman. If you’re into fashion, you probably put a lot of thought into what you wear, so to be recognized for that means something—plus, it just feels good. Because of that, I’m always a little bit thinking about what items will garner compliments in the back of my head when I’m shopping. Even if it’s a simple pair of jeans or a classic blazer, my mind goes straight to whether or not it has the subtle details or qualities that’ll win me a compliment or two while I walk up Madison Avenue or down Mercer Street.
I’ve always been so intrigued in general about what makes an item noticeable and what doesn’t, so to put my years of shopping for compliment-worthy pieces to the test, I set out to find a whole heap of them. And to make the challenge even trickier, I put myself on a price limit of $150. Below, shop the 30 discoveries I made along the way, from capri pants to pops of red.
DONNI.
The Rib Petal Pusher Trousers
I recently got my hands on a pair of these Donni capris and wow, they’re so flattering. The material is stretchy but also firm enough to feel like real pants instead of thin leggings, and the ribbed fabric is extremely elevated.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
I can’t stop thinking about these $50 thong kitten heel sandals from Nordstrom. Gimme.
J.Crew
Balconette Underwire Bikini Top
At first, I saw this balconette bikini in black and was seconds away from buying it, but now that I’ve seen this ecru color, I think it’s the one for me.
Shop the matching ’90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($23).
ZARA
Zw Collection Linen Blend Pencil Skirt
This skirt is giving Marni and Prada vibes, and I’m 100% here for it.
COS
Mismatched Organic-Shaped Earrings
Big earrings will always be a good idea, especially when they cost less than $50.
ALIGNE
Leo Denim Pinstripe Waistcoat
I own the black suiting version of this vest and the fit is 10/10. I love this summery denim option that just came out, so much so that I might just put in a personal order.
Relaxed white trousers are essential in the summer, and if you need any styling inspo, just look to the chic inhabiters of Milan and Paris.
Fifth & Ninth
Taya 53mm Polarized Oval Sunglasses
These look just like the sunnies Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy used to wear.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton Oxford Long Sleeve Buttondown
This is the ultimate white button-down shirt. No one does it better than Ralph.
Levi’s Baggy Dad jeans are some of the best jeans I’ve tried on in ages. The fit is just the right amount of relaxed.
Celebs like Sofia Richie Grainge, Laura Harrier, and Jasmine Tookes are frequenting flat mules like this Schutz pair.
Reformation
Rina Low Waisted Linen Skirt
This low-rise linen pencil skirt has been in my Reformation shopping cart for far too long. I need to just press order already.
ZARA
Zippered Shoulder Bag
This simple, thin shoulder bag from Zara reminds me of all the old ’90s Prada bags in my The RealReal cart.
NORMA KAMALI
Pickleball Ruched Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress
For an easy dress that can go from the tennis courts to dinner with a few easy accessories changes, go for this pickleball dress from Norma Kamali. The red color is just an added bonus.
Heaven Mayhem
Double Knot Earrings
With mixed-metal earrings like these, you can play around with your other jewelry without fear of clashing.
Madewell
Chunky Metal Leather Belt
This $58 Madewell belt is blowing up online. I have one and would give it more than five stars if such a rating existed.
Massimo Dutti
Slider Sandals With Leather Strap
I love how subtle and chic these red flat slides from Massimo Dutti are.
This is the kind of no-stress frock that you’ll end up wearing once a week in the spring and summer.