I’m not sure how I missed the pre-quarantine memo informing everyone to get cute loungewear. On the contrary, I’ve been the idiot over here buying new spring clothes when I clearly should have been buying cute sweats, smh. Well, lesson learned for the next global pandemic. Anyway, it has now become impossible to get a lounge set anywhere because they’re all sold out. Pretty sure they were all bought up by the influencers considering they’ve all been flaunting new lounge looks every day. So since some of us didn’t get that initial memo and aren’t in the position to go spend $200 on a new sweatsuit, I’ve found some affordable loungewear options that still look expensive. Here are my must-have loungewear pieces from some of my favorite places to online shop.
1. Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal You’ve Met Your Match Knitted Sweater And Pants, $38
Nasty Gal ‘A Hot Pocket of Conversation’ Knit Lounge Set, $45.60
One of my favorite sites to shop, Nasty Gal, has been killing it with necessary new lounge arrivals during this quarantine. Like, they’re really testing my self control and ability to be responsible with that stimulus check. They have tons of cute loungewear pieces that look expensive, like these monochromatic matching sets that are about as chic as glorified pajamas can be.
2. Talentless
Talentless French Terry Embroidered Crop Tee, $38
Talentless Women’s Premium Modal Tank, $34
When it comes to loungewear, there’s one family we can wholeheartedly trust because they famously made loungewear cool (and basically invented athleisure). Yes, I’m referring to America’s royal family, the Kardashians. And Scott Disick, the unofficial Kardashian, has come through for us this quarantine with his own elevated, high-quality loungewear brand, Talentless. Now, before you roll your eyes at me, it’s important to know that, unlike Yeezy, Talentless actually is relatively affordable and their product is super high quality. I always knew Scott was my favorite for a reason!
3. Nordstrom
Topshop Peached Jersey Sweatshirt, $36
Free People FP Movement Sunny Skinny Sweatpants, $48
One of the primary secrets to making your loungewear look expensive is keeping your whole look in a neutral palette. For example, think about the worst-dressed person you know. That person probably wears a lot of contrasting colors and bold prints and looks tacky af. Then think about everything the Kardashians wear. So yeah, point proven, your clothes look more expensive when they’re plain and in a neutral color.
4. ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Hourglass Basic Jogger, $29
ASOS DESIGN Lounge Boxy Sweatshirt, $29
Another way to make your loungewear look more expensive, besides sticking to neutral colors, is to go totally monochrome with your look. To really maximize the “richness” of your look, do a monochrome look in a cool neutral color, like these dusty rose joggers and similarly colored boxy sweatshirt.
5. Shopbop
x karla The Sleeveless Crop Tee, $48
I know you’re all about to go crazy on me right now for putting this seemingly basic white tee and sleeveless crop on this list, but hear me out first. This T-shirt is designed by Karla Welch, a top celebrity stylist who clearly knows a thing or two about what you need from your everyday basics. And, let me be the first to tell you, she makes the PERFECT white tee. Her basics line is composed of everyday essentials in the most premium fits, so trust me, they’re worth it and you’ll definitely want to order a few.
6. Princess Polly
Rise & Lounge Jumper Black, $39 & Rise & Lounge Shorts Black, $32
Princess Polly is a site that has become a recent obsession of mine. No really, like I check the site daily for new arrivals… I think I might have a problem. Princess Polly always has incredible fashion finds that are totally affordable, and their loungewear basics are no exception. But warning, their product definitely sells fast—so if you see something you like, don’t sleep on it!
7. Zara
Satin Effect Striped Top, $17.90 & Satin Effect Striped Shorts, $29.90
This striped set from Zara is the epitome of what elevated loungewear looks like. It could legitimately be PJs or a full going out look, all depending on how you choose to style it. Of course, during these quarantine times I don’t expect you to put on your best heels with it, but rather, a chic pair of fluffy slippers and an oversized cardigan for a very casual, glam lounge look. They currently also have these cozy pants, which are available in several colors and will look extra high-end paired with a basic tee.
8. Missguided
Casual Loungewear Jumpsuit, $28
Gray Balloon Midaxi Cardigan, $28
When it comes to super cheap fast fashion you have to be extra careful with your selections to ensure that they don’t actually look cheap. Thankfully, you truly can’t go wrong with an all-black loungewear jumpsuit, which is ideal for chilling. Plus, you can even wear it casually with a pair of chunky dad sneakers whenever we’re actually allowed out of the house again. Another must-have is this long cardigan, which is an ideal piece to have in your quarantine arsenal for just throwing on over all of your lounge outfits.
As you can see, there are a few themes here when it comes to purchasing affordable loungewear if you want it to still at least look expensive. In summary, try to stick to neutrals and monochromatic or tonal looks. You’ll naturally feel better about yourself quarantining in one of these chic affordable looks rather than your current slob-kabob look of a 2012 sorority formal tee paired with your gross ex-boyfriend’s sweats.
Images: Garin Chadwick / Unsplash; Nasty Gal (2); Talentless (2); Nordstrom (2); ASOS (2); Shopbop (2); Princess Polly (2); Zara (2); Missguided (2);
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
In my opinion, there’s nothing cooler than a fashion blogger who can successfully mix expensive and inexpensive fashion pieces. Like, someone who can mix a head-to-toe Zara ensemble with a casual Chanel bag in such a stylish way that I just assume everything she’s wearing is designer. And, in the same vein, there’s also nothing more disappointing than a fashion blogger who does dress head-to-toe in everything designer, which is an unattainable reality for most of us peasants. Besides, it’s also not as cool because it’s not as impressive—like, if you have money, then I expect you to be able to dress great. Those of us who follow fashion trends on IG know the crushing disappointment of seeing your fave blogger wear something that you just “have to have,” only to discover said piece has a price tag that’s triple your paycheck. That being said, there are some obsession-worthy designer Instagram trends happening right now that you probably want to get in on, but don’t think you can afford to. Well, I’ve done you all the favor of finding pieces similar to the designer ones you love so that you can actually do the more fiscally responsible thing of not blowing your entire paycheck on a single trendy designer piece.
1. Square-Toe Heels
I will bet my life savings that you have seen these shoes on Instagram by now. (Disclaimer: my life savings right now is like, $3.) Everyone out there who considers themselves a “fashionista” knows that Bottega Veneta is the current “it” brand. They have made square-toe heels THE only heel you need for fall. There are two different popular iterations of the heels that are currently trending: square-toe black mesh and square-toe cushion sandal. Both are super cute, but at just about $1,000 a pair, they’re highly impractical. Instead, I found these incredible dupes for you all that are a reasonable $70. I can’t imagine they’ll be in stock for long, though, so be early to the trend and order yours ASAP.
2. Pouch “Cloud” Bag
Sticking with the currently popular Bottega Veneta trend, the pouch or “cloud” bag is very clearly the only bag you need to be cool on Instagram this season. PSA, though, from one drunk mess to another: this is not the ideal bag for bringing to a boozy brunch because it seems way too easy to lose. So, don’t max out your credit card for this bag that you’ll 100% leave in your Uber home. Rather, get this amazing dupe from Amazon and save approximately $2,500 (along with the self-hatred that comes with inevitably losing your expensive bag).
Simple Dumplings Messenger Bag, $28.99
3. Chain Belt
Okay, so in general right now “chain” sh*t is very big on Instagram. Between chain necklaces, earrings, pumps, and belts, they are everywhere. In fact, you’ve probs seen your fave fashion bloggers casually rocking a Chanel chain belt. Uhm, happy for you and your financial success, but like, I can’t afford that. Even on The Real Real, the cheapest chain belt I can find is like $300, and it’s rusted and not cute. And considering I do still need to pay my monthly rent, even $300 on a trendy designer belt just isn’t going to work for me. Fortunately for all of us, there are plenty of chic and expensive looking chain belts that are actually affordable. I actually own this one from Princess Polly and I highly recommend it.
Princess Polly Artemis Belt, $28
4. Feather Crop Top
Okay, so this trend is definitely extra, which is exactly why it’s such a hit on Instagram. Like, it’s highly unlikely you’re wearing this costume-esque top out in real life unless you’re Kourtney Kardashian, but you’re doing it for the ‘gram! The strapless feather crop top simply isn’t practical; however, it will definitely rake in the likes. That being said, there’s no need to go out and buy Kourtney Kardashian’s exact one from Attico, which clocks in at over $1,000. But, it would be totally worth purchasing this similar top from Dolls Kill that costs less than a bar tab. 
Feather Tube Top Trim Black, $38
5. Underwire Bra Crop Tank
So this brand Orseund Iris has been taking over my Instagram feed with their signature outer underwire bra tops, and basically, I’m obsessed. Unfortunately, their signature tube tank costs a whopping $195. And like, it’s really cute, but for another $100 I could get that rusty used Chanel chain belt from The Real Real, you know? At least the belt I would potentially rewear. This crop top, on the other hand, is the kind of piece you wear once for the ‘gram. So, simply put, it’s just not worth it. But what is worth it is this similar style bodysuit from Princess Polly, which is currently on sale for just $18. For under $20, you can sacrifice a vodka soda or two to make the purchase if you simply must achieve this lewk.
I’ve always had a love for the finer things in life. Unfortunately, my current financial situation doesn’t allow me to go around dressing in head-to-toe designer threads. So, instead, I prefer to buy timeless designer accessories and then buy trendy fast fashion clothes. If you’re like me, these similar dupes are great alternatives for the trendy designer ones. And, if you’re not like me and can actually afford all the original designer versions, then the least you could do is also buy me one of each while you’re buying your own.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Images: @sonniehiles/Unsplash; @kyliejenner/@rosiehw/@cassdimico/@kourtneykardash/@orseund_iris/Instagram; Muse; Dolls Kill; Amazon; Princess Polly (2)
The weather is getting colder and those super cute Zara cutout booties just aren’t going to do you any favors once the temp hits below zero. Your feet need boots that will actually keep them warm, but without sacrificing style, of course. Obvi, you don’t want to wear gross clunky snow boots with your new puffer coat and matching scarf and hat set. It’s going to be a lot harder to get that cliche candid Insta of you playing in the snow if you have to crop your feet out of every picture.
You need some legit boots with actual weather-proof defense. But like, without them making you look like a first grader on a snow day. So I’ve rounded up five pairs of affordable and cute winter boots that are weather-appropriate. These boots will withstand this season’s weather but also won’t break the bank or make you look like an Arctic explorer. You really can have it all!
1. Sperry Syren Gulf Waterproof Duck Boot ($79.97)
Before full-blown snowstorm weather, you’ll need boots that can protect you from the elements. But without all that fur nonsense that will cause your feet to profusely sweat. These beautiful pale pinky-nude boots by Sperry are the answer to your prayers. Not only are they the cutest things I’ve ever seen since Kimye’s kids, but they’re also perfect for those in-between days. Like when your weather app can’t decide if it’s going to be light showers or f*cking ping pong balls falling from the sky.
2. JBU Brenda Weather-Ready ($64.50)
These are the perfect winter boots with their season-appropriate red cabin plaid print and weather-proof materials. They’ll look amaze with jeans and leggings, while also protecting you from the harsh weather. Like, how cute would these be with your Slutty Mrs. Clause attire for SantaCon? They’ll be able to withstand both the snow AND the beer slush on the ratchet bar floors. They’re like, the boots you never even knew you needed.
3. UGG Classic Short Leather Boot ($119.97)
Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny how unbelievably comfortable UGGs are. Not to mention, they’re like, totally a thing again. I mean, Kendall Jenner is like, still technically a “UGG influencer“, so that’s all the validation I need. You can get this classic pair at Nordstrom Rack for a much better price than you would find anywhere else.
4. Kamik SnoValleyL ($89.95)
Okay, now we’re getting into the legit Eskimo-style boots for when there is actually snow on the ground. You’re going to need a pair of boots like these for when you inevitably have to leave your cave bed and latest Netflix binge to go out into the cold stormy world for your life essentials. You know, like another bottle of rosé or more tampons.
5. Santana Canada Mixx Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boot ($119.97)
These boots are amazing and I’m legit ordering them right now. They’re way cuter than traditional snow boots which also usually cost double the price. They have a Step Up 2 backup dancer vibe that I’m here for and need in my life ASAP.
There you have it, five affordable winter boots that aren’t ugly AF. So now you can keep your shopping list of all the unreasonable sh*t you need money for like overpriced holiday candles that smell like Christmas trees. F*ck, those are irresistible.
Images: Shutterstock; Nordstrom Rack (3); Zappos (2)
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
