My Aunt Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 30 Chic, Expensive-Looking Pieces

All under $100.

By

Audry Hiaoui

Published

20 October 2026

In

Buying Guides

(Image credit: Sandra Semberg)

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My aunt is a busy mom on a budget , with expensive taste . When she was younger, she was known to splurge on designer items, but these days she's often sale shopping or looking for under-$100 items. Although what she's willing to spend may have changed, she's still just as picky as ever—paying close attention to the hardware on bags or the silhouettes of clothing.

Occasionally, she'll text me with what I like to think of as a shopping assignment, such as finding the most comfortable ballet flats . Most recently, she wanted to know the best affordable items I've come across this season so far—from $80 satin pants to $98 flats.

My mind went to various wardrobe staples, such as a pair of cotton poplin pants , a 100% cotton sweater , and a boatneck top. Keep scrolling to shop these and more under-$100 pieces I sent her from brands like Gap, J.Crew , Madewell , Nordstrom , and Zara .

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Shop Under-$100 Items

Gap

Gap

Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt

Gap

100% Cotton Oversized Sweater

Gap

Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans

J.Crew

J.Crew

Luna Pant

J.Crew

Perfect-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

J.Crew

2025 Rollneck

Madewell

Madewell

The Greta Mary Jane Flat

Madewell

The Easy Shirt

Madewell

The Sophia Cardigan in 100% Softwool

Madewell

The Boatneck Layering Tee in Utility Rib

Madewell

Classic Button-Up Shirt in 100% Cotton Poplin

Madewell

The Loafer Sock

Nordstrom

Cotton On

90s V Neck ¾ Sleeve

Nordstrom

Maddox Ballet Flat

LESET

The Margo Tee

Caslon®

High Waist Ponte Ankle Kick Flare Pants

Reformation

Santino Knit Top

Open Edit

Satin Bias Low Rise Pants

Cotton On

Women's Lotus Cinched Zip Knit

Monte Carlo

Elastic Waist Side Tag Pull-On Skirt

Caslon®

Bell Sleeve Mock Neck Merino Wool & Cotton Sweater

Levi's

Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Open Edit

Carmen Mule Pump

Zara

ZARA

Fine-Knit Wool Jacket

ZARA

Soft Belted Coat

ZARA

Flowy Pleated Pants

ZARA

100% Wool Oversized Jumper

ZARA

100% Extra-Soft Wool Jumper - Navy Blue - S

ZARA

Water-Repellent Windproof Padded Anorak With Belt - Black - Xs

ZARA

Soft Bomber Jacket

Audry Hiaoui

Associate Shopping Editor