When Beyoncé sang the words, “Let me upgrade you,” we doubt she was talking about your wardrobe … or was she? After all, she continues, “Switch your neckties to purple labels,” and you know what that means, don’t you? The “purple labels” in question are Ralph Lauren purple labels, sold only at high-end department stores. And, let me tell you, they ain’t cheap. I’m not pulling a “purple label” situation on you here, O.K.? You can exhale. This list is all about clothing items that’ll upgrade your closet without downgrading your bank account.
There are 37 pieces below that I think deserve a place in your closet. I’m talking about sweats for the streets (peep No. 4), jeans that’ll take you from working hours to happy hour, and a great dupe for that ultra-expensive Gucci belt you’ve been eyeing but just can’t justify. So, who’s down for some upgrades?
Add Some Flare
2021 was the year that Millennials told us that “skinny pants” were no longer in vogue. These are still the leggings you love without the form-fitting shape that has the under-40 set in an uproar. Buttery soft and available in several solids and patterns, I say wear what you want starting with these uber-comfy, high-waisted flair pants… at least until Gen Z comes for them.
Get Your Legs Under You
If you don’t care what anybody thinks about your wardrobe, you’re my kind of person. You’re probably also the kind of people who wear leggings 24/7 and call them “yoga pants” but have never set foot in a yoga class. These high-waisted leggings feature the more traditional silhouette with more than two dozen colors to choose from. The price is great, too.
Belt It Out
I know what you’re thinking: That belt looks remarkably similar to the high-end version from Gucci. And, you’re right. The only differences are an “O” instead of a “G” and, oh, about, $470. This belt set includes belts in black, brown, and khaki (or another combination of your choosing) for right around $20. Reviewers agree these are trendy and of good quality for a low price.
Sweats For The Streets
The first time I laid my eyes on this lounge set, I thought it was a classy two-piece outfit. To my surprise, it’s a sweatsuit. Let me just say, sweatsuits have come a long way when I can wear one out to dinner and look as pulled together as I would in a pair of dress pants and a blouse. This comes in a number of colors and even a variety of styles.
Tighten Your Laces
A touch of lace elevates any outfit and this long-sleeved blouse with lace sleeves is an instant winner. Designed to be loose-fitting for a chic but comfortable look, this top comes in hues from light purple to bright yellow so you can match your look to your mood. Reviews call this shirt “cute and flattering” with “lovely sleeves.” Grab it in sizes from small to XXL.
Throw On A Cardi, B
Cardigans are my wonder garment and I’m talkin’ year-round. I live in a pretty moderate climate so it’s perfect for cooler nights or to grab if you’re headed into the A/C during the summer. This one has a slouchy look that somehow still looks pulled together with an open front that’s perfect for showing off your latest graphic tee.
Dressed To The Nines
Sometimes, nothing but a dress will do. (I know, I hate those times, too.) All kidding aside, I find myself reaching for a dress a lot in the summer because it’s just cooler (like, temperature cooler, not hip cooler). This one earns high marks from me for its great length (not too short, not too long), belted waist, and pockets, obviously.
Sweat It Out
Nothing says “I’m stepping up my sweatshirt game” like grabbing one with a little French vocab on it. This crop top hoodie, which seems like a complete mismatch, says “C’est la vie” on it — translated roughly to “that’s life” in English. The crop on these is totally on-trend with great color options to choose from. (There’s even a tie-dye one!)
A Maxi For Many
I know what you’re thinking: Why are you showing me a sleeveless maxi dress when spring seems so far away? Here’s the thing: It’s not. And, maxi dresses aren’t to be constrained to warm weather anyway; throw a denim jacket or cardigan over that thing and keep it moving. These come in a ton of great colors and really can be year-round wear if properly styled.
On The Loose
There are times when I’m getting dressed that I just want “easy.” O.K., who am I kidding? That’s every day. This ribbed V-neck pullover is a simple choice with so much potential. Throw it on with a pair of jeans and sneakers for an easy outfit or pair it with a chunky necklace and ballet flats for an entirely different vibe.
Peep These Pants
I’ve looked at these high-waisted pencil pants probably a hundred times over the past year. Don’t judge me; I don’t leave the house … which is exactly why I don’t need these. But, you do! These are a cult favorite from Grace Karin with adorable bow ties at the ankles and a classy tie at the waistband. There are some really unusual color choices here, too, which are great for changing things up when you’re feeling bored.
Stop Waffling
Here’s another casual option that has just enough detail to make it interesting without sacrificing comfort. This waffle-knit blouse has the cutest faux buttons on the neckline with longhorn sleeves and a wide cuff plus an oversized fit, which is great for Taco Tuesday when you had one too many margaritas. Go for a solid or choose from one of the striped options.
You Have Great Jeans
Quick! Tell me where you’re going to find classic black jeans you won’t be embarrassed to wear outside the house for just 20 bucks? … The answer is Amazon, in case you didn’t know. These are designed by the Gloria Vanderbilt brand with a tapered leg and a high-rise fit that sits at your natural waist. Thinking about spring? Try the “violet bliss” or “wispy pink.”
A Shift In Things
This swing shift dress is an easy-peasy upgrade to the dresses already in your closet because it’s A. Perfect for all seasons and B. Perfect for all seasons. I would style this flowy tunic dress with tights and booties when the weather is cool and strappy sandals when the temperature starts to rise. The subtle polka dots on some of the options add an extra touch of sweetness.
Earn Your Stripes
Earn your very own stripes with this striped button-down top which has cuffed sleeves, a chest pocket, and nearly 10 color palettes to choose from. It’s a beloved option on Amazon with more than 7,600 reviews like this one: “Absolutely love this top! The fabric is amazing, it fits beautifully, long enough for leggings, and super cute with jeans.”
All Dressed Up
Picture this: Warm sunshine. An umbrella drink. Sand and water as far as the eye can see. It’s coming, I promise, just a few. more. months. away. Get your summer wardrobe off to a strong start with this two-piece maxi dress that’s giving off all the tropical vibes. The title of the first review on this one says, “Surprisingly great for an online dress” and I’ve never felt anything more.
Mad For Plaid
Patterned dress pants don’t get enough love, in my opinion, and you can totally treat them like a neutral. See that pair pictured? Sure, you could throw on a black top (and I would) or you can get a little sassy and pair it with hot pink, red or yellow. These have a bit of stretch, a high waist, and a cropped ankle.
Simply The Best Joggers
If you’re a Lululemon lover, listen up: These 7/8 joggers are a great dupe for the higher-end “On The Fly” pants without the $118 price tag. I can vouch for these personally because I bought them in black … and then promptly ordered them in two other colors. The material of these pants would be great for wrinkle-free travel, too.
Sweater Weather
Sweater weather is my favorite weather, even being a Floridian. I love nothing more than a slight (read: super slight) chill in the air and being able to pull on a snuggly sweater. This long-sleeved striped sweater has a slimming V styling with a drop shoulder and ribbed cuffs and hem. The blue stripe also pairs perfectly with your favorite jeans.
Lay The Right Foundation
Upgrading your closet sometimes starts with the layers closest to you. These cross-back sports bras come in sets of three or five with a great selection of basic colors. Ordinarily, the color wouldn’t matter when you’re talking about undergarments (unless you’re fancy like that) but the strappy goodness of these is just crying out for a little peek under a favorite top or sweater.
Huff And Puff
There’s nothing basic about a basic blouse with puff sleeves, especially when it has as much character as this one. If you’ve been hesitant to order from SheIn but all your friends are talking about it, you can grab this top straight from Amazon and have it in your hands in two days. This top has a vintage appeal that hits right at the waist.
Dress Out
If you enjoy showing a little leg (even if they’re covered up with tights), this turtleneck sweater mini-dress is crying out for you. So chic, with a slouchy turtleneck and lantern sleeves, wear it solo with tights or pair it with boots and leggings for multiple ways to wear. I’m a big fan of the wine and teal colors especially.
Cute As A Button
Much like pockets, buttons make everything better and this long-sleeved dress with buttons up the side is a solid wardrobe choice that can be dressed up or down. One reviewer said, “… very comfortable and when paired with leggings and boots super cute!!” There are also sleeveless options here with buttons down the front if summer is on your mind.
Yoga Pants, Work Pants Or Both?
Hear me out: Yoga pants you can wear to work. Pretty awesome, right? These straight-leg pants pull on simply and have eight (count ’em, eight) pockets. The four-way stretch makes these comfortable enough to do yoga in but classic enough to work to the office. These are ankle-length and wrinkle-resistant … and that last one is a major win if you hate doing laundry.
A Stand-Up Choice
Keep it classy in this floral blouse that has a stand-up collar and a touch of sheerness for the perfect lightweight choice. For a looser fit, the product description recommended sizing up one or two sizes or going for a more fitted look. Pair this elegant top with anything from jeans to a pencil skirt for a variety of looks to suit any situation.
Pencil Me In
Speaking of pencil skirts, try this one on for size … literally. This high-waisted, wrap-front styling takes the basic pencil skirt to the next level. Would that make it a mechanical pencil compared to a regular one? (This is how my mind works.) I love the wide size range and assorted colors including the ginger color pictured. You can’t beat the price, either, at right about $22.
Skirt The Issue
You guys, stop what you’re doing and buy this skirt. This floral print tulle skirt has been on my watch list for months and I’m closer than ever to pull the trigger. I love the khaki and black color pairing here and the price tag, if I’m being completely honest. I’d throw a basic black top on with this and let the skirt do all the talking.
A Blaze-r Of Glory
Nothing elevates your wardrobe like throwing a blazer on over your outfit. Graphic tee? Add a blazer Floral blouse? Add a blazer. Barely there tank? Yep, add a blazer. This one is open-front for a more relaxed vibe with a single button and side pockets. It’s also lightweight and comfortable, which is probably definitely unlike the blazers of your mom and grandma’s generations.
Soft As Satin
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look of silk. This satin button-down blouse delivers all the appeal of a chic silk blouse with a price tag that doesn’t touch $25. Here’s what one reviewer said: “BEAUTIFUL!! Perfect, just what I wanted, perfect color, perfect fit, silky, very soft.” That just about checks every box I have when I’m getting dressed.
Ready To Suit Up
Every woman should have at least one power suit in her closet and here’s yours. This two-piece set comes in killer colors (hot pink!) with elastic-waist pants and a shawl-collar blazer. The thing about a suit is, you don’t need much else to make it pop. Throw on your favorite pair of heels (or flats) and a great necklace and you’re ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.
Put It On Re-Pleat
Pleats hit a multitude of imperfections and this pleated-front blouse will help you camouflage that belly, a stubborn area that most of us struggle with. Wrinkle-free fabric makes this an easy-care wardrobe piece that feels silky smooth against the skin. One reviewer said what we’re all thinking: “I’m a mom and the loose tummy is still hanging around. I can’t sing the praises of this blouse enough!”
Doing Double Duty
I love the look of layered pieces but I don’t love the bulk that layering often causes. This two-in-one pullover top is sneaky because it delivers a layered look without the heft. Long enough to throw on over leggings, this has the surprisingly tailored look of a button-down with a chic sweater thrown over the top of it. It’s a great transition piece for the cool-in-the-morning, warm-in-the-afternoon days ahead.
Bust Your Buttons
Maybe you’re more the simple button-down type of person, without the need for a layered look. You can’t go wrong with a classic button-down especially when it’s white. There’s just something crisp and clean about this look, isn’t there? Reviewers are pleased with the stretchiness of the fabric, which can be a problem in pieces like this. Snag it in short- and long-sleeved versions.
All Wrapped Up
Getting dressed up sometime soon? Even if you aren’t, you won’t feel guilty dropping a whopping $36 on this velvet wrap dress in a slew of rich colors. Hugging all your curves just right, this hits above the knee for showing off a little leg. Grab this one now so that when you have a last-minute event pop up, you’re all “wrapped” up and ready to go.
Feeling Jumpy
Two words: Jump suit. (O.K., maybe that’s one word. I don’t know.) Either way, this one is fire …and if I could use an emoji in this post, I would. Available in blue, red, or silver with enough sparkle to outshine everyone else in the room, this long-sleeved romper has a belted waist, straight-leg pants, and a V-neck top for showing off the girls.
Cold Shoulder
Give ’em the cold shoulder with this off-shoulder blouse — with stripes or without. This is a twist on a basic top thanks to the loose, batwing sleeves, more fitted waist, and just a hint of the skin-up top. One reviewer suggested adding a lace bralette or strappy sports bra (like the ones a few products above, maybe?). Others called it “cute,” “stylish” and “my new favorite.”
Empty The Tank
Call it a tank top or call it a cami, but whatever you call it, it’s the perfect thin layering piece for cardigans, blazers, and more. This tank is better than one you’ll find on clearance at Old Navy because that small touch of lace is the extra detail you didn’t know you needed. You’re going to want this in every color so it’s a good thing a single Andrew Jackson will pretty much cover it.