Limiting myself to wearing solely fast fashion retailers during New York Fashion Week [1] wasn't easy. Sure, tasking myself with the challenge proved light on the wallet, but as an editor who takes pride in investing in quality designer goods [2] from time to time, I usually like to mix high and low, styling my luxe It bag with a Zara skirt, Hanes tee [3], and Miu Miu slippers [4], for example.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy creating a full week's wardrobe with trendy — but also, wicked affordable — pieces from H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Storets, Mango, ASOS, Topshop, & Other Stories, and COS.
Not one of my outfits rang in over $380, I felt totally chic, and I meshed right in with the rest of
the show-going crowd [5]. Read on for a full breakdown of what I wore, scoop up all my separates, and remember the obvious lesson here: it's totally possible to appear stylish and put together on a budget.
Look 1: Topshop + H&M
This was my last chance to get in a Summer-y outfit before the weather changed, so I took full advantage of Topshop's mint floral separates. I loved how this coordinate set gave off the illusion of one piece, and I grounded the look with a pair of suede loafers. I called this my "pajama outfit." It was only Day One, but yes, I was already tired.
I was especially excited about this faux-fur bag from Topshop. The powder pink shade is totally girlie, and you can either hold it like a shopper or loop one strap through the other, creating a hobo shape (which is how I prefer it styled).
Outfit total: $380
Topshop Boutique Marble Bloom Top
Boutique Marble Bloom Wrap Top [6] ($125)
Topshop Boutique Marble Bloom Skirt
Boutique Marble Bloom Print Sash Skirt [7] ($135)
Topshop Dolly Faux Fur Bag
Dolly Faux Fur Small Grab Tote Bag [8] ($60)
H&M Leather Mules, Similar
H&M Leather Mules [9] ($60)
Look 2: Topshop + Urban Outfitters + Asos
While browsing through the racks at Topshop, I was immediately struck by how much this rainbow floral dress looked like the Attico number Emily Ratajkowski wore in Cannes [10]. Only here's the thing: this maxi is on sale for $77, and Emily's look would set you back at least $500. I jazzed up this piece with bejeweled sneakers from ASOS and kept the accessories to a minimum, holding onto this Baggu canvas bag I snagged from Urban Outfitters.
Outfit total: $194
Topshop Rainbow Floral Dress
Topshop Rainbow Floral Midi Shift Dress [11] ($77, originally $110)
Asos Desert Rose Sneakers
Asos DESERT ROSE Embellished Sneakers [12] ($72)
Urban Outfitters Baggu Bag
Urban Outfitters Baggu Small Canvas Circle Crossbody Bag [13] ($45)
Look 3: H&M + Storets + Zara + Forever 21
I had the honor of wearing a piece from H&M's Fall 2017 Studio collection early. I loved the ombré effect of this open-front flutter top, so I threw it over an oversize striped button-down from Storets and completed with my new Zara thigh-high boots and a bracelet bag from Forever 21. This was my sexy, menswear-inspired look. It was actually very comfortable.
Outfit total: $227
H&M Studio Top
H&M Studio Top [14] ($60, available in stores)
Storets Emma Striped Two-Piece Set
Storets Emma Striped Two-Piece Set [15] ($74)
Zara Over-the-Knee High Heel Boots
Zara Over-the-Knee High Heel Boots [16] ($70)
Forever 21 Webbed Strap Crossbody Bag
Forever 21 Webbed Strap Crossbody Bag [17] ($23)
Look 4: Forever 21 + Mango + Urban Outfitters + H&M
I was immediately attracted to this pleated Mango midi with a marigold sheen. I knew I wanted it to be the focal point of my look, so I added a touch of gingham with this super-comfortable tee from Forever 21. To make getting around easy, I slipped on my trusty H&M low-tops and toted a sleek, black circle bag from Urban Outfitters.
Outfit total: $152
Forever 21 Gingham Twofer Top
Forever 21 Gingham Twofer Top [18] ($18)
Mango Metallic Pleated Skirt
MANGO Metallic Pleated Skirt [19] ($60)
H&M Sneakers
H&M Sneakers [20] ($25)
Urban Outfitters Double Zip Circle Crossbody Bag
Urban Outfitters Double Zip Circle Crossbody Bag [21] ($49)
Look 5: Asos + Urban Outfitters + COS
My pink and red look [22] was a touch '80s-inspired [23]. I thought the color combination was perfect for the transitional season, and loved the shape of this adorable little shift dress from ASOS. I drew attention to the high-top Converse I picked up at Urban Outfitters with the addition of an envelope bag from COS. The cranberry shade worked to accent the detail on my sneakers. My retro Urban Outfitters sunglasses were a fun addition.
Outfit total: $352
Asos Washed Mini Dress
Asos Washed Mini Dress [24] ($56)
Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker [25] ($55)
COS Asymmetric Leather Bag
COS Asymmetric Leather Shoulder Bag [26] ($225)
Urban Outfitters Ava Mod Square Sunglasses
Urban Outfitters Ava Mod Square Sunglasses [27] ($16)
Look 6: Storets + Forever 21 + & Other Stories
I'll totally wear white after Labor Day [28] (all through the Winter, in fact), so I'm always looking for really standout pieces in the shade. The floaty, pleated panels on this Storets dress felt unique to me, so I played to that vibe with acid-wash Forever 21 booties and a chunky silver chainlink bracelet from & Other Stories.
Outfit total: $178
Storets Kade Pleated Classic Dress
Storets Kade Pleated Classic Dress [29] ($104)
Forever 21 Acid Wash Denim Ankle Boots
Forever 21 Acid Wash Denim Ankle Boots [30] ($35)
& Other Stories Chunky Chain Bracelet
& Other Stories Chunky Chain Bracelet [31] ($39)