We love a good shopping spree as much as anyone…but everyone can benefit from a pro tip when it comes to filling your closet without breaking the bank. To create a well-stocked wardrobe full of possibilities, start with a few key fashion staples — at an affordable price—which serve as the building blocks for your fave ‘fits. These are the trusty items that come together to make cute IG-worthy looks from your own collection, even on the days it feels like you have nothing to wear (been there!).
Everyday Jeans
Get yourself a few pairs of go-to jeans in your favorite fits and washes. With so many styles to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect pair that makes you look good, feel good. Our closets are stocked with straight-leg jeans and mom jeans (classic!), ultimate stretch jeggings, and our new dad jeans. Having a drawer filled with cute jeans in fresh new styles means you’ll never run out of things to wear.
Versatile Dresses
Dresses are a must-have for any fashion girl on a budget. Our favorite trend this season is pairing your go-to summer skirtall or pinafore with a long sleeve tee or layering with a jacket, oversized hoodie or cardigan for fall. A few key dresses will dress you for any occasion this season—plus, they make you look effortlessly cute (bonus!).
Cozy Joggers
Everyone. needs. comfort. period. Cozy joggers are an absolute must in your closet (at least one pair, but LBH…more). We’re all wearing cozy boyfriend joggers and skinny joggers for the foreseeable future. So whether you’re taking online classes, working from home or just cozying up with a good book or re-binging The Office, let’s be real, a nice pair of joggers will keep you comfortable and looking on-trend no matter what you’re up to.
Jean Jackets
It’s impossible to forget about this layering staple because jean jackets are always trending. A good denim jacket is the perfect outfit-finisher and goes with all kinds of aesthetics. Layer it over a flowy feminine dress to add some edge or pop it over a throwback rock or hip-hop graphic tee for a IG-worthy look. Best advice: get a cute jean jacket in at least two different washes, so you always have a match to the base layer you’re wearing.
Your Fave Graphic Tees
Wait, you love graphic tees too? Kidding, everyone loves graphic tees. They’re the coolest way to rock your favorite band, show your sass or flaunt some sweet embroidery (which is a huge trend that’s not leaving). And these bad boys go with everything. Jeans and joggers, obviously, but you can also layer them over maxi skirts and dresses, tuck them into skorts, or even wear them as a dress…so literally EVERYTHING. With a few graphics in your closet, you can be set for every mood.
These are the fashion staples we know you need — and we have them for the affordable prices you love (humble brag)! Stocking up on these items won’t break the bank and form the perfect base to build your everyday look. That way, when you’re ready to go full shopping spree, you can splurge on a few more-expensive items (like faux fur coats and thigh-high boots this fall and winter). Try opening your closet and seeing what you’ve got now, what you’re lacking, and what you love. Then, let us know in the comments below what one item in your closet you couldn’t live without!
We wanna see how you rock rue21 style! Share your looks on Instagram using #YOUinrue and tag @rue21!
