5 Summer Items I Rarely Splurge On
When I shop, I don’t believe that everything needs to be expensive to be good. I prefer to think about how often I will wear something, how it fits into my lifestyle, and whether the quality is worth the price.
There are pieces I am happy to invest in because I know I will wear them for years. But there are also Summer items that I rarely spend much money on.
1. Raffia and Straw Bags
Raffia and straw bags are great for making an outfit feel more summery. They add texture and work beautifully with dresses, linen, denim, and simple neutral outfits.
But there are plenty of attractive options available at different price points, so it’s not usually an item I splurge on.
Bags: (Note that some bags are made of paper, not raffia or straw. The texture and the look are very similar):
2. Shorts
I like shorts when they fit me well, but I only wear them for casual occasions. I don’t wear shorts to work, and they are not a large part of my wardrobe.
Because I don’t wear them very often, I usually prefer to find a reasonably priced pair that fits well instead of making a big investment.
3. Basic T-Shirts
Unless a T-shirt has a special design, an excellent fabric, or a detail that makes it feel different, there are many good options available without spending too much.
For a simple summer T-shirt, fit and fabric matter more to me than the label.
4. Flip-Flops
Growing up in Brazil, flip-flops are part of life. I love them, but I can’t convince myself to pay designer prices.
I am still Team Havaianas.
Flip-flops that are made of leather, comfortable, in different colors, and not expensive:
5. Trendy Costume Jewelry
I love jewelry and wear it often, but I am more careful about spending money on very trendy costume jewelry. I mean the jewelry that everyone is wearing on social media.
When a shape, material, or style feels connected to one particular season, I usually look for an affordable version. I prefer to invest more in jewelry that feels personal and that I can wear for many years.
Of course, these are my personal shopping priorities, not rules everyone needs to follow. The important question is not whether an item is expensive or inexpensive. It is whether the purchase makes sense for your lifestyle, personal style, and wardrobe.
What is one Summer item you rarely splurge on?
Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.
Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.