Stylists Swear By These 40 Polished Basics Under $35 On Amazon

Stylist Elisabeth Kassab of STYLISTCHECK is a fan of this knit maxi dress any time of year, but she especially loves the V-neckline and graceful long bell sleeves for the holidays, suggesting you “pair with tall boots and layer with any jacket and you have the perfect FW look." The ribbed, cotton-blend knit with a bodycon fit makes a low-key yet impactful statement.

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 27

Inspired by Kassab’s previous pick, this knit dress features a similar bodycon fit in a ribbed knit, with a midi-length hem that’s spiced up by a side slit and a square neckline. A subtle batwing sleeve lends a bit of ease without sacrificing the clingy silhouette.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 6

For an equally versatile twist on classic black, try this brown bodysuit. Kassab writes, "I love chocolate brown this season. It's a step up from black but still neutral enough to style a million different ways.” She suggests styling the scoop neck and long sleeves with a cream-colored long skirt and a matching brown belt, for a look that’s both chic and amazingly affordable.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors: 15

Made of brown faux leather accentuated by minimal gold-toned twin circles, this fan-favorite belt is precisely the sort of accessory that Kassab recommends for accenting chocolatey ensembles, but it’ll come in handy in so many other outfit pairings, too. For less than $20, this is a simple and affordable way to instantly expand your wardrobe.

• Available sizes: Small — XXX-Large
• Available colors: 16

Sticking with Kassab’s love of chocolate for an elevated color choice this season, you’ll want to consider this magnetic-closure tote that has over 62,000 ratings. The versatile brown faux leather looks luxe, and the main pocket is large enough to stash everything you need for an evening away. Plus, it has an interior side pocket to keep items like your phone and keys accessible.

• Available colors: 140

There are other ways to bring some chocolate brown into your wardrobe, like these chic and on-trend ballet flats. Offered for a ridiculously budget-friendly price, they’re made of supple faux leather in a warm brown hue and accented by a gold-tipped bow. A nonslip rubber sole and high-density insole ensure these will feel as good as they look.

• Available sizes: 5 — 10
• Available colors: 6

If you’re building out your capsule wardrobe, Kassab recommends this Amazon Essentials turtleneck sweater, which she says “is a staple this season.” It features long sleeves and a breathable cotton knit in an easy fit that Kassab likes paired with a mini skirt, tights, and boots, or jeans and UGGS, for “the ultimate clean-girl, polished aesthetic."

• Available sizes: X-Small — 6X
• Available colors: 21

The fashion blogger behind L'espoir De Ma Vie, Jo Threlfall loves styling this New Balance baseball cap as a part of casual outfits, or for running errands during the fall and winter. The unisex design features an adjustable band at the back, and a 3D embroidered logo at the front that will make any outfit look instantly relaxed and cool.

• Available sizes: One size
• Available colors: 10

Threlfall swears by this T-shirt, calling it a “year round essential” that’s “perfect for fall styling.” If you think this top looks surprisingly luxe given the $20 price, you’re in good company: Threlfall says this is a great alternative to SKIMS. It features a Kardashian-approved clinging silhouette, high neckline, cropped hem, and short sleeves.

• Available sizes: Small — 4X-Large
• Available colors: 38

This faux shearling jacket makes a strong argument for — as Threlfall calls it — “the teddy coat comeback,” declaring a teddy jacket like this “a season must-have.” Featuring a zip front with a high neckline, this fuzzy jacket is roomy enough to layer on top of tees and tanks. You’ll wear it all through the chilly months.

• Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors: 8

Inspired by Threlfall’s teddy recommendation above, the fuzzy sherpa and quilted puffer material of this vest are ideal for adding texture to casual looks — especially in transitional weather when you may not want to wear a full jacket or coat. The zip-front silhouette features two side pockets. For a little cozy edge, pair it with a slinky slip dress and some leather biker boots.

• Available sizes: Small — 5X-Large
• Available colors: 5

There are subtle ways to take stylist Threlfall’s call to add sherpa into your wardrobe to heart, like this adorably fuzzy baseball cap. Made of thick and fluffy faux lamb’s wool, it has an adjustable hook-and-loop band to ensure a perfect fit. Try it with a hoodie, leggings, and a slouchy wool maxi coat for a look that’s perfectly cozy and chic.

• Available sizes: One size
• Available colors: 4

Looking for a cozy, oversized sweater that still feels polished? Try this turtleneck, which comes recommended by stylist Gianna Nucci, founder of eponymous Gianna Nucci Style. Nucci loves how the longer length offers “the perfect coverage to wear with leggings or jeans,” while the structured ribbing and high neck “elevate it from a basic knit to one that feels more stylized." Batwing sleeves and a split hem only add to the appeal.

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 9

A slouchy sweater inspired by the oversized silhouette Nucci favors above, this long-sleeved ribbed knit features a V-neckline in a relaxed fit ideal for pairing with leggings and denim. Not only is this sweater under $30, it also happens to be incredibly soft and effortless to slip on. Perhaps that’s why it’s also uber-popular — over 6,000 shoppers have given it a perfect rating.

• Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors: 31

To simplify accessorizing, Nucci favors delicate multi-strand necklaces, which she says “take the guesswork out of layering.” Crafted from 14-karat gold and hypoallergenic stainless steel, with an extender chain to ensure the perfect fit, Nucci loves the way these necklaces add polish to even simple looks, saying they’re “perfect for everyday wear”.

• Available styles: 24

An essential for any shoe collection, Nucci likes these loafers to enhance casual outfits in lieu of a sneaker. Made of faux leather with a double-padded memory foam footbed and slip-resistant outsole, Nucci says you can “literally pair them with anything in your wardrobe,” adding that “the almond toe shape and tassel style here create a modern, polished look that’s more interesting than the average flat."

• Available sizes: 6 — 11
• Available colors: 12

Nucci finds a maxi tank dress like this to be one of the best ways to create versatility your wardrobe. They can “really help maximize other pieces you own,” she notes, “especially if you live somewhere with all four seasons,” adding that “you can wear them alone or use them as base layering pieces under jackets and sweaters as well as dress them up or down with the right accessories." This pick features wide bra-friendly tank straps and a square neckline, in a stretchy knit fabric—and a surprisingly affordable price tag, given how much use you’ll get out of it.

• Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 11

Like the Nucci-recommended tank dress on this list, this graceful maxi dress offers incomparable wardrobe maximization with a breezy fit, surplice neckline, short sleeves, and floor-skimming length that will carry you through warm weather, and can be layered over a fitted turtleneck and tights when things turn chilly.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 6X
• Available colors: 19

Recommended by over 10,000 five-star ratings, this dress makes it easy to apply Nucci’s layering logic — the long sleeves, scoop neck, and swingy, above-the-knee fit can be topped with jackets and sweaters, dressed up with heels and boots, and dressed down with sneakers. And at only $33, it’s no wonder shoppers can’t stop buying this versatile dress.

• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
• Available colors: 25

For a twist on a scoop or V-neck bodysuit, stylist Naina Singla loves this square-neck bodysuit, which features long sleeves and a body-clinging silhouette, and a snap closure makes it easy to tuck into pants. “This going out top is feminine and can be styled with jeans and ankle boots for a ‘90s minimalist date night look, or you can layer on a blazer for added warmth and style and if you need a little more coverage," shares Singla.

She also recommends scooping it up in two colors for even more wardrobe versatility (she likes the functionality offered by black and white) a suggestion made easy by the very wallet-friendly price.

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors: 24

Inspired by the previous bodysuit recommended by Singla, this bodysuit features a similar square neckline and curve-hugging fit, in a short-sleeved design you can wear all year long. The snap closure ensures it wills stay in place under pants and skirts, and can serve as a base layer under cardigans and jackets in chillier weather.

• Available sizes: Large Plus — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 10

This trio of square-neck bodysuits includes one white and one black version (the two neutrals Singla loves for their versatility) along with one in the on-trend chocolate brown Kassab recommended to instantly increase your wardrobe options. The bodycon fit and snap closure makes them just as ideal worn as standalone tops, as layered underneath cardigans and jackets. You’ll keep these bodysuits in steady rotation.

• Available sizes: Small — large
• Available colors: 26

“Red and cardigans are both trending for the season,” notes Singla, and she recommends this Amazon Essentials sweater as a way of covering both trends simultaneously.

“The best thing about the cardigan is that it doubles up as a layering piece and can be styled on its own as top,” recommends Singla. “Pair it up with pleated camel colored trousers and a black long coat for a look that is cozy and comfortable and so chic!”

• Available sizes: X-Small — 6X
• Available colors: 27

Singla considers a black skirt in a midi or maxi length to be an essential for any fall or winter capsule collection. “You can style this in so many ways and when you need to dress up in a pinch, this skirt will be your ‘go to’ piece.” She recommends pairing the pull-on, A-line silhouette with a black oversized sweater and tall black boots “for an easy, beautiful, and sophisticated monochromatic look."

• Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 9

For a slightly more casual but equally versatile twist on the black satin midi skirt suggested by Singla above, consider this Amazon Essentials skirt. The pull-on design is made from a stretchy knit punctuated by a subtle side slit, and offers just as many capsule wardrobe possibilities.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 6X
• Available colors: 14

Combining comfort and polish in one easy piece, this bodycon maxi dress comes recommended by stylist Nina Vargas, who says it looks good on everyone and can work for a variety of occasions, from dinners and baby showers to vacations. It features a low square neckline, and adjustable spaghetti straps to ensure an ideal fit.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors:

According to Vargas, this is the bodysuit everyone needs in their closet. It features a bodycon fit and racerback silhouette that Vargas considers “a wardrobe staple perfect to rock with your favorite jeans” and says “you can dress it down with flats or dress it up with heels,” adding, “it's the best basic to layer on your favorite jewelry too!"

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors: 27

Wardrobe stylist Rachel Varney, of Styled by Rachel, considers this structured bag a wardrobe must. Crafted from faux patent leather, it features a zip closure and detachable shoulder strap, and enough room to stash essentials like a phone, wallet and keys. “I love the unique design”, Rachel says, adding that “having a bag that adds a pop of color to your look is effortlessly stylish."

• Available colors: 34

With a subtle front slit and a mini length that will look chic paired with flats, boots, or a casual sneaker, Varney thinks this embossed faux leather skirt is “the perfect example of an elevated basic for your wardrobe,” praising the faux croc material as “so sleek and cool.” This versatile skirt will add a hint of edge to all your tops.

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors: 9

Shoppers looking for a leather skirt with more coverage would do well to consider this midi skirt. It’s crafted from faux leather with a side zip closure and a front slit for an edgy and versatile look similar to the skirt recommended by Varney, at a price point that’s just as affordable. The fitted silhouette can serve up casual or dressy looks with the simple swap of a shoe or top.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors: 5

Stripes, according to Varney, “are a great way to add a point of interest to your look with minimal effort.” This sweater is further elevated by a structured lapel collar and V-neckline, wide ribbed cuffs and hem, for a silhouette which Varney dubs “perfect for a chic and casual look.”

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 3

Like the sweater recommended by Varney, this striped T-shirt features interest-adding print — and the most adorable red heart patch. With a crew neckline and short sleeves in a relaxed fit and hip length that can easily tuck into denim, skirts, and trousers, this stylish yet affordable tee is sure to become a favorite.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 16

Combining stylist-approved stripes with a trending red shade, this cardigan also features gold-toned buttons for even more subtle polish. The long sleeve, crew neckline, hip length, and button front can be worn as a standalone top or layered over tees and tanks.

• Available sizes: Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 10

Founder and CEO of The Mom Edit Shana Draugelis loves gold hoops like this high-shine pair. “Gold hoops are the easiest way to add polish to any outfit, even if the outfit is just a t-shirt & jeans!” shares Draugelis. “While I love hoops of all sizes, the ones that hit that sweet spot of impact and sophistication tend to be a hollow, medium size hoop. Think: bigger than a huggie, but not shoulder-grazing, and decently thick (30mm is my fav). The hollowness keeps them light enough to wear comfortably.” That said, different sizes are available within the listing, if you prefer a smaller or larger hoop.

• Available colors: 3
• Available sizes: 5

Draugelis thinks this clutch could be an easy win for dressing up almost any outfit. “The timeless shape is really versatile, but the ruching and understated detail makes it really special,” says Draugelis. A zip closure keeps essentials like phones, wallets, and keys secure, and Draugelis also appreciates the low price, remarking on how “this sleek, vegan leather clutch only looks expensive.”

• Available colors: 20

Whether you’re dressing for work or an evening out, your wardrobe can benefit from a pretty camisole like this one; Draugelis explains, “Lightweight camis with pretty details like a lace trim work for pretty much all occasions, especially under a blazer or jacket. The thoughtful detail adds a touch of polish during the day and a touch of sophistication to night-out looks, too. Bonus points for being anti-wrinkle, like this one.”

• Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
• Available colors: 16

The key to elevating an outfit, according to Draugelis, is a classic black sweater, and this Amazon Essentials crewneck has a fitted rather than oversized silhouette that she thinks gives the most polished look. “I especially love the subtle shoulder ruching on this one,” she says, “and the pretty shape of the sleeves."

• Available sizes: X- Small —XX-Large
• Available colors: 8

You can’t go wrong with this knit tie-waist dress, as far as Draugelis is concerned. "Knit dresses that tie at the waist are a tried-and-true favorite” she says. “They’ve got a timeless silhouette, are easy to layer and, because they’re knit, are comfy enough for all-day wear.” This dress features a high scoop neckline and balloon sleeves with elasticized cuffs, for a silhouette that Draugelis says “reads as polished even when worn with sneakers, but can easily be dressed up with tall boots and trench coats.”

• Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
• Available colors: 9

Just as polished and comfy as the previous dress recommended by Draugelis, this dress also features a tie at the waist in a short sleeved, knee-length silhouette that’s airy enough for warm weather. Layer a sweater or cardigan on top and add some tall boots when the temperatures drop.

• Available sizes: Large Plus — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 15

"A warm scarf in a neutral color does wonders to bring an outfit together,” says Draugelis, and this scarf can do just that with it’s classic solid hues and soft wrinkle-free knit. For special occasions, Draugelis suggests draping it over your shoulders like a shawl.

• Available colors: 17