Whether it’s saving for a holiday, a haircut or just general living these days, I feel as though I’m always on a budget. And as much as my shopping aim over the last five years has been to save up and buy the absolute best quality of something that I can afford, there are (lots of) times when saving up isn’t an option.
When I only have £50 to spare but I need something new – be it for a birthday night out, to spruce up my workwear wardrobe or to get me excited about getting dressed each day – there are a handful of stores that I head to first where scrimping on cash doesn’t mean scrimping on quality.
Typically, they’re the places where I head to for the fashion-forward pieces that’ll jazz up my older outfits and make me look new season-ready, but others, are where I get my basics that look way more expensive than my budget suggests. Get ready to *add to basket* without having to wait till payday…
Stradivarius
Stradivarius is the fresher, cooler little sister to Zara, so expect trend-led pieces that’ll bring your wardrobe bang up to date. I bought a pair of cream cargo trousers and a grey ribbed racerback vest from the brand at the beginning of summer, and honestly, I didn’t need to buy much more to feel like I had some newness to pepper through my looks (both of which left me with change from £50), so it’s a great brand to have on the radar.
I’d wear this combat skirt with white trainers and a black blazer to add some polish.
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Na-Kd
Do I already have this top in two colours? Potentially. But do I wear it with everything from straight leg blue jeans and Converse, to tailored trousers and heels? Yes. Worth every penny. It’s a copy of Khaite’s infamous (and stunning) ribbed, sweetheart neck knit, and it feels luxe and pulls you in nicely. Na-Kd is my first stop for minimal tailored pieces when I haven’t got the budget for Arket and Massimo Dutti, and it never disappoints.
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Reserved
When Reserved hit the UK back in 2017, I was obsessed. It was giving Zara, but without spotting every other gal on the street in the same dress as you. I loved it for its smart separates and luxe-looking accessories, and that hasn’t changed over the years.
If I need a great evening co-ord, it’s my first port-of-call, even before Zara or & Other Stories since Reserved still flies relatively under-the-radar. Every autumn it does a stylish faux leather trench coat that sells out at the speed of light, so keep your eyes peeled…
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Uniqlo
Ask any fashion editor where their neutral linen shirt or white T-shirt is from, and I’ll bet you a pumpkin spiced latte they’ll say Uniqlo. The brand is renowned for its smart basics that wash well, so if you’re looking to get your capsule wardrobe ready for autumn, I recommend heading here first.
I swear by Uniqlo U’s plain T-shirts, and I have a drawer of its excellent HeatTech range that I pull out every winter.
You also get £10 off your first order if you do an email sign-up, so technically you can raise your budget to £60…
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Omnes
The Eliza team and Omnes go hand-in-hand, such is our love for the sustainable high street label. If I have a night out in the calendar, jeans and a nice top is my go-to, so I’ll check the site’s new in top selection for a great one that won’t break the bank.
I have this 90s-esque Riviera mini in two colours (both bought last minute for a summer holiday and a birthday dinner), and it looks great with an oversized neutral blazer and strappy low-heeled mules.
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