My friend was texting me last week to tell me she’s finally found a dress for the New Year’s Eve wedding she’s attending. She was lamenting how she has all these chic going-out looks she’s accumulated for special occasions but hardly gets to wear. Meanwhile, her regular wardrobe is being denied that same investment, and as a result, she’s feeling less than polished on your average day.
The moral of the story is that it’s perhaps our more casual outfits that deserve the attention. Whether it’s our Monday-to-Friday uniforms or our off-duty weekend wardrobes, these everyday looks are what really define our style. My stylish but busy friend is looking for rich-looking shopping picks that will help her feel more low-key elegant on an everyday basis. Given that she’s dealing with all the usual end-of-year expenses, we’re keeping these under $200. Hopefully, there’s an affordable little something here for you as well.
27 Edit Naturalizer
Nikita Kitten Heel Tall Boot
Get them while they’re on sale.
Mango
Knitted Coat With Detachable Scarf
A scarf coat in this creamy hue is almost too elegant.
Pixie Market
Yve Faux Leather Maxi Skirt
Faux-leather column skirts look so polished.
Melie Bianco
The Brigitte Satchel: Mini Edition
Reformation
Gale Satin Mid Rise Bias Pant
Relaxed satin pants are the perfect day-to-night trousers. I love them with a chunky knit.
Frances Valentine
Metallic Leather Opera Gloves
Leather opera gloves instantly upgrade any outfit.
Le Specs
Outta Love Sunglasses
As do these sunglasses that bring Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy energy for under $100.
Mango
Wool Jacket With Pronounced Shoulders
Immaculate tailoring in winter’s buzziest hue.
J.Crew
Cuffed Sweater Pant
Your everyday wardrobe deserves polished pants that are as comfy as sweats.
Linea Paolo
Cassidy Pointed Toe Slingback Flat
If you don’t yet own an elegant pair of slingback flats, I couldn’t possibly recommend them more.
Cos
Fringed Brushed-Mohair Scarf
The brushed texture makes this Lenny Kravitz–worthy scarf feel particularly chic.
H&M
Oversized Alpaca-Blend Sweater
H&M
Angular Stud Earrings
Sculptural studs that aren’t doing too much.
Falke
Invisible Deluxe 8 Tights
Sheer tights with everything.
Mango
100% Cashmere Sweater
Upgrade your everyday knits to cashmere for some low-key luxury.
Mango
Heeled Leather Loafers With Pleat Detail
Also, don’t sleep on heeled loafers.
Zara
Wool Blend Scarf Coat
Zara’s scarf-coat offering is worth a peep.
Madewell
The Essential Bucket Tote in Leather
Making your commute a little more elegant.
Cos
Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
It’s hard not to feel polished when you’ve layered in a black turtleneck.
Tory Burch
Eddie Ballet Flats 2.0
Immaculate ballet flats, care of Tory Burch.
Zara
Wool Blend Brooch Cape
Capes might be this winter’s most elegant trend.
Cos
Cavatelli Leather Clutch
This oversize leather clutch is so easy and cool, and it’s big enough to actually fit your things.
& Other Stories
Embellished Leather Mules
Low heels that still feel special.
Jennifer Behr
Maxine Gold-Tone Hair Clip
We all just need a nice top to pair with jeans.
H&M
Strap-Detail Tote Bag
The buckle detail makes this under-$50 bag feel expensive.
J.Crew
Ribbed Featherweight Cashmere Tee
Excuse me with this cashmere tee.
Topshop
Tinsel Midi Skirt
When the dress code says “festive.”
& Other Stories
Waisted Knitted Wrap Cardigan
This wrap cardigan is really doing it for me.
Nordstrom
Strapless A-Line Dress
For the world’s easiest, most low-key elegant look, simply style with knee-high boots—like so.
Mango
Shopper Bag With Padlock
One last structured shopper that’s punching above its price tag.
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