Summer Elegance Unveiled: Affordable Trends for the High-End Taste

Do you have the expensive taste and small-budget syndrome too? I admit that sometimes my style choices don’t match my budget. I’m drawn to designer pieces that are expensive, fabrics with a luxurious feel, sophisticated silhouettes, and elevated style. As Who What Wear’s Senior Market Editor, I have become very savvy about how to satisfy my expensive tastes without going broke. I gravitate towards modern detailing, refined shapes, and opulent materials that give off a luxurious feel.

As the summer weather approaches, I want to highlight a few items that will make you look trendy this summer. The items below are trendy and look great. They range from mesh ballet flats to sheer skirts. All items are under $100.

Luxe-Looking Linen

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

The summer is all about linen, specially tailored trousers and breezy button-downs. These items will give your outfits a luxurious look.

Elegant Footwear

Image credit: Getty Images

These elegant and stylish styles, from sleek black slingbacks and pointed-toe shoes to trending satin footwear, will transform your look in a flash.

Preppy Cool

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Who are we to argue with Miuccia Prada if she says that preppy polo shirt, academic blazers and sporty bottoms for swimsuits will be in style this spring/summer? You can easily emulate the preppy-meets sporty, high-end aesthetic, whether you belong to a country-club or not.

Butter yellow

(Image credit: @monikh)

The barely-there butter-yellow color is the most popular spring trend, as seen on many fashionistas in the last month. It is fresh, pretty, and looks luxurious.

Basics of the ’90s

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

This summer, minimalist silhouettes will be in style. Whether you choose a slipdress, boatneck, column skirt or gray tailoring the look is cool and understated.

Dresses and Full Skirts

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

If you’re looking for something to wear this summer, the A-line shape is a great choice. It will give your outfit a sophisticated touch. For a luxurious look, stick to neutral colors and pair them with Mary Janes or ballet shoes.

All Things Sheer

(Image credit: @carodaur)

All things sheer aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. The spring/summer runways were flooded with a variety of ethereal dresses, skirts, and tops in pastels and white. To make this trend more wearable, pair a sheer skirt with a plain top or layer a transparent shirt over a bra/tank and style it with jeans.