10 + fabulous pieces under $200 (almost) to wear right now & into next season.
It’s that time of year.
You are loving the warm weather and hot summer days. And you have that wardrobe sorted.
But you are thinking about buying new things – gorgeous winter clothes – but it’s still months till you can start wearing them right?
You have an itch to scratch and want to buy something new. You NEED (!) something to lift your spirits, to spark some joy. ( God do we need a little of that in this crazy world !)
I get it !
So what to buy now?
It’s about buying something new you can wear now and also wear into autumn, into next season.
You want something that will give you mileage, great cost per wear, and have some longevity.
The trick : look for trans seasonal fabrics ( linen ? No ! Cotton, Yes! Satin or light weight wool twill even better. )
Here are 10 keys pieces to buy now, wear now and into winter…all under $200. OMG …Not joking !
Why you want them, how to wear to wear, . And scroll right down for all my picks . Get shopping.
Satin puff sleeve top.
It’s black but in an interesting satin shiny fabric and great cut. It’s structured so it sits well, looks expensive and keeps its shape. ( as in it won’t look floppy even if you are). It won’t cling to the bits you want to hide ( I’m an expert in that !). The sleeves give drama but also give good muffin arm coverage. Oh and it won’t look too summery come Autumn when you go out for dinner. Wear this right now with white jeans and slouchy chinos. With black shorts ! And heels. In winter with a leather skirt or leather pants. Grey coat on your shoulders. Buy more puff sleeve tops here.
Bermuda shorts:
You’ll wear them right now in summer with a simple chic white or black tank and strappy heels. But come autumn shorts will look great with knee high boots, a knit and a coat. Or try with black opaqaues ( Maybe sheer hose if you are brave) with heels. Pull on any short jacket – leather Bomber or a barn jacket, see below. Done ! You want these shorts in neutral or black . These shorts are also great but will so much better with heels. And these are so chic.
JW Anderson jeans at Uniqlo.
So you know that jeans are the make or break of any wardrobe. If your jeans are updated and modern they take everything else along for the ride into chicdom. So your old tight (dated) blazer will get another season. The white Tee that looks sad will suddenly look a little perkier when it’s with new shape jeans. I’m loving anything slouchy in the jeans department like barrel jeans but now is also the time to get back straight jeans. THE cut of these jeans are super tremendous! SOOOO good. Not stretchy but I pulled these on and thought damn ! Remember straight jeans looked totally wide leg when you were wearing tight skinny jeans ( I remember these things!) . Anyway you NEED these jeans from Uniqlo Everyone is different but these are a great cut and length ( Yes, flattering ). I’ll post photos soon !
I got size 30 in blue 63.
A denim shirt
The most obvious trans-seasonal fabric is , of course denim. It works almost all year round. Which is why a denim shirt should be on your list to buy now, wear now. But no!no ! no! not any ye olde worlde denim shirt. You want something this season with a bit of frill or puff sleeve or even a neck tie/pussy bow ( I’ve been telling you buy pussy bow for a while now and it’s big for next season – Chanel and Dior – all you need to know). You will wear right now with white jeans, with blue jeans. With white shorts. Next winter ? How good is double denim under a big camel coat? How cool is a denim shirt under a check blazer? Love this too.
Screenshot
The crop utility jacket / trench.
You know I’ve been going on about crop trench coats for , well, forever ! They are still so right. Perfect for summer, perfect for winter. And especially if it’s a cape /trench. Especially if it’s got a funnel neck like this one. I have worn my crop cape trench from COS all summer. It’s so light , so it works over a white rib tank. It’s like a cardigan . But not frumpy haha. The thing about crop jackets is that they look great with high waist pants and skirts. They work. It’s a good silhouette. This is great and so is this one ! Wear into winter over a white knit with slouchy pants or jeans.
White slouchy jeans:
White jeans or any white slouchy denim pants are an all year rounder in your wardrobe. Yes, 365 days of the year .
LOVE white jeans in winter with a camel knit, a big grey coat, with anything choc brown. Especially brown suede. Delicious ! These slouchy jeans are a great cut and do the trick in the relaxed jeans department. Wear now in summer obviously with a grey Tee, with a white tank, a puff sleeve top or a denim shirt. White jeans are almost better in winter than summer
A (balloon) Midi dress
You can’t NOT include a dress in this list ! It’s a piece you can easily wear into next season with knee high boots as you can see here. Right now you will wear it with white strappy heels or mules. Easy. Love this one as it has a great neckline and fit n flare cut but the balloon shape is a happening thang. When it’s chilly weather throw a coat over the top and pull on boots. Would I layer this dress over a knit ? Nope ! It’s bare arms all the way ! Although you could toss a sweater OVER this dress as it’s the skirt part that is making the statement . This orange balloon dress is great too ( not sure you can wear into winter !)
White A Line denim skirt.
Same as white jeans ! A white denim skirt is one of those pieces you can wear ALL summer with any simple tank. But come winter this skirt will work with a neutral or grey slouchy knit , with loafers or with knee high boots.
Right now ? A white denim A line skirt is perfect with a white/grey/black tank. A puff sleeve top or with a shoulder pad tee. Invest now and get seasons of wear. This one is great too.
Choc brown Suede slouch bag
Did you buy the Arket brown suede slouch bag when I told you too in 2024? I have worn it so many times summer and winter. Talk about cost per wear ! This casual slouch bag shape is still so right. It’s relaxed, easy and you can fit so much in there too. Love a brown suede bag because it is so versatile : wear it with white, with black with khaki and any camel.
So many good suede bags around but this one is also great for the price. More on LTK
White loafers
Depending where you live you may have been wearing loafers at some stage this summer ? My point being ? White loafers are another all year round investment that you take you across the seasons . I’ve been banging on about white loafers so so long! Was it 2017?? Yes ! That’s because I believe in them. They work! Instantly update your wardrobe from summer to winter. Black or brown suede loafers are great in winter but can look too heavy in summer. But white loafers lighten the lewk. So right with camel pants , a skirt or jeans and a white tee in summer. And of course in winter with choc brown coats, denim and grey. Actually with everything ! these are great too. BTW I bought these loafer mules and I love them !
