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47 Things That Make You Look Really Good For Less Than $35

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by Scarlett James
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

In the game of style, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to look good. Some solid basics will always help you piece together an outfit, and a mix of everyday and statement accessories will give your looks that finishing touch for an element of je ne sais quoi. To that end, I’ve rounded up 47 things that make you look really good for less than $35.

I’ve found a mix of clothes, accessories, and beauty products that fit in with a wide range of personal styles without busting your budget. Some of the most widely-praised hits on this list are essentials like cotton layering tanks, comfortable bike shorts, and leggings with pockets. Keeping your basics fresh with budget-friendly pieces will elevate your style, seriously. You’ll also find tees with a twist and swing dresses that are easy to dress up or down. If your wardrobe needs a jolt of color, a few trend-driven pieces are all you need for the season — opt for pieces with patterns and texture that will stand out against your basics, like a flowy robe instead of a cardigan.

So keep reading for dozens of fan favorites that will have you looking fine AF from head to toe without spending much money.

1A Bralette That Disappears Under Your Clingiest Knits

The Calvin Klein Invisibles bralette has seamless edges for a totally smooth look, and it’s made from silky microfiber that delicate fabrics slip right over. Light shaping and support comes courtesy of adjustable straps, a wide band, and removable foam cups that add up to a comfortable pullover bra you can wear all day. “I’ve bought this bra in several colors now and thrown out all my others,” one fan confessed.

  • Available colors: 16
  • Available sizes: XS — XL

2An Innovative Conditioning Water That Restores Strands In Seconds Flat

Eight seconds is all it takes to repair damaged ends and lock in serious shine with this Wonder Water. It’s an InStyle Best Beauty Buy (2020) for its ability to hydrate and strengthen hair so it’s also silkier and shinier. The treatment is designed for use two to three times per week after shampooing, and it’s suitable for straight to curly hair.

3And Some Truly No-Show Underwear To Go With That Bra

Shoppers swear these bikini briefs will disappear even under yoga pants, and that the quality competes with a certain iconic lingerie brand. Their bonded waistbands and laser-cut edges create an invisible finish with a bikini cut and bonded lining for all-day comfort. It’s the disappearing act of a thong with none of the discomfort.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: S — XL

4A Comfortable Dress You Can Wear Virtually *Anywhere*

An Audrey Hepburn-worthy classic with the most effortless silhouette, this shift dress will take you far. The swingy cut is comfortably chic in a soft viscose knit that drapes nicely, and the short sleeves are easy to layer which makes it a worthy option year-round. Pair it with white Converse for a breezy weekend brunch or dress it up for the office with block heels and a waist belt. With close to 900 ratings from Amazon shoppers, it has a winning 4.4 stars.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: 1X — 6X

5A Gentle Teeth Whitening Pen That Brightens While You Sleep

Brush on Colgate’s gentle whitening solution before bed every night to reveal a visibly whiter smile. The click pen makes it a cinch to apply the hydrogen peroxide gel, which forms an invisible layer on your teeth — then, simply brush it off in the morning. It blasts up to 15 years of stains in as little as one week, and you’ll see full results in a month. It has over 24,000 five-star ratings, with shoppers raving about impressive results even on sensitive teeth.

6A Yoga Capri Pant That Feels Like Lululemon

These capri leggings merge leg day moisture-wicking performance with rest-day comfort. The athletic fabric has a cotton-soft finish with perfect compression, according to fans, who cited the stay-put yoga waistband and squat-proof finish. A single drop-in pocket on the back of the waistband provides storage with easy access to your phone or keys: handy whether you’re at the gym or running a quick errand.

  • Available colors: 11
  • Available sizes: XS — 3X

7A Brush-On Gel With A Mascara-Like Wand That Instantly Tames Flyaways

Just a few strokes of this brush-on hair gel smoothes baby hairs and flyaway strands into place. With beeswax, jojoba oil, and petrolatum, the formula delivers serious hold that will last through a night out and never feel sticky. Still, it rinses out easily without leaving behind residue. The tube is convenient to keep in even a tiny clutch for touch-ups.

8A Robe That Makes Any Outfit Hippie-Chic

Between the casual cardigan and the structured blazer lies this loose robe, which is casual yet adds flair to any outfit. This one comes with a weathered damask print and pompom trim for a bit of festive movement but with tacking on each side to keep it from slipping. You can throw it on over leggings, jeans, or a little black dress any time you want a little bit of laidback West Coast chic.

  • Available colors: 15
  • Available sizes: One size

9A Matching Workout Set That Looks Like Luxe Athleisure

Matching sets are such a vibe, especially when they can be worn for workouts or lounging around. The longline sports bra on this set scoops deep through the front and back with a wide band and foam cups (they’re optional) for a stretchy yet supportive fit. The matching high-waisted leggings move with you in four-way stretch. The sporty fabric is breathable and wicks away sweat, but the real standout is its ribbed knit finish that adds on-trend texture.

  • Available colors: 25
  • Available sizes: S — XL

10This $5 Mascara With Over 112,000 5-Star Ratings

This drugstore mascara coats lashes with pitch-black tint and enough volume and length to rival fluttery falsies. The cruelty-free formula goes on clump-free to wear all day without flaking or fading, and a tapered brush lets you work into every corner for a full fringe.

  • Available colors: Black

11A Soap Brow Kit For The Arches Of Your Dreams

Whether your brow goal is a feathered finish or perfectly groomed, this soap brow kit is the most convenient way to apply the technique. Clear glycerin soap doesn’t leave a tint, and the small metal tin is so much easier to handle (not to mention cleaner) than a traditional bar of soap. Just wet the spoolie and comb it through the soap, then brush through brows to lock their shape in place all day.

12A Gathered Tank Dress That Looks *So* Good On

This simple yet extremely pretty tank dress is poised to join your regular rotation for everything from brunches to bachelorettes. It has a racerback neckline with a gathered skirt that knots at your hip for an adjustable fit and style that shoppers raved about. Woven from a thick poly-rayon knit, it’s fully lined with well-finished seams that signal impressive quality for the price point. Scoop it up while it’s a bargain.

  • Available colors: 22
  • Available sizes: S — XL

13A Sleeveless Tank Dress That’s Travel-Friendly

This sleeveless shift dress is another classic you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. It’s A-line silhouette flares at the hem with a bra-friendly crewneck tank neckline (rather than racerback styles that often accompany the swing tank dress). Reviewers raved about the wrinkle-free fabric: a soft rayon jersey that was so easy to care for. Pack it for vacation, then dress it up or down by swapping out your top layer. It looks equally chic under denim jackets and boyfriend blazers.

  • Available colors: 20
  • Available sizes: XS — XXL

14These Salon-Quality Nail Polish Drops That Dry Your Mani In 60 Seconds Flat

No more waiting for polish to dry or smudged tips: dozens of shoppers described OPI Drip Dry as “a game-changer” for at-home polish changes. A few drops to each nail will dry lacquer to the touch in about a minute with a fully-dry nail in five. Ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil nourish the surrounding skin. “Totally worth the cost, I will never go back,” one shopper swore.

  • Available sizes: Two sizes

15These Soft & Stretchy Bike Shorts For Under $10

Another bestselling version of an athleisure staple, Hanes jersey bike shorts are the kind of high-quality basics you’d expect from the brand. The heavyweight cotton jersey has a touch of stretch on a thick weave that was chosen for its smooth fit over (or under) clothes.

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: S — XXL

16Cotton Bike Shorts That Are Practically Perfect In Every Way

With over 9,000 five-star ratings, shoppers rave about these bike shorts being “super comfy” for lounging around the house or as part of an athleisure outfit. They’re made from a breathable 90% cotton blend that’s opaque yet thin enough to layer under skirts. The short’s flatlock seams eliminate chafing and you’ll appreciate the tag-free design.

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: 1X — 5X

17A K-Beauty Hair Mask Shoppers Swear Is “Better Than Olaplex”

Collagen, protein, and ceramides combine in this cult favorite hair mask to deeply condition strands and coat them with moisture and shine. The result? Soft, silky hair that feels like it just had a salon treatment. Fans praised its ability to repair bleached ends, deeply moisturize curls, and leave locks significantly smoother without weighing down finer strands.

18A Face Serum With Vitamin C, Retinol & Other Skin-Renewing Ingredients

There’s an impressive lineup of star-studded ingredients in this antioxidant serum. Dermatologist favorites like vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide combine with skin-quenching hyaluronic acid and natural plant oils in potent percentages proven to support clear, glowing skin. Apply after cleansing and before you moisturize to lock in the nourishing benefits. Get ready to be impressed alongside 20,000 shoppers who left a five-star review.

  • Available sizes: Two sizes

19A Set Of Bra Strap Adjusters For Hiding Straps Under Any Shirt

These bra strap clips tackle two common fit problems: bras that don’t work for your body and bras that don’t work for your shirt. The elastic bands pull straps closer between the shoulders so they can’t slide off narrow or sloping frames, while those butterfly plastic clips convert any bra into a racerback style to eliminate exposed straps.

  • Available colors: 3

20A T-Shirt Bra That *Hundreds* Of Shoppers Say “Fits Perfectly”

Warner’s Easy Does It bra has a little more structure than most bralettes but it’s just as comfortable to wear. It’s like a low-profile T-shirt bra with soft cups and extra coverage along the sides of the band for a smooth fit under shirts. And it’s wireless without compromising support. “I HATE bras,” one shopper prefaced, confessing, “I can honestly say this is the most comfortable and supportive bra I have ever had.”

  • Available colors: 14
  • Available sizes: XS — XXXL

21A Bold Pair Of Sunglasses With Polarized Lenses

These round sunglasses can look retro or hyper-modern, depending on your style, but what they won’t be is boring or flimsy. Those sleek metal frames hold shatter-resistant lenses that slash glare and protect against 100% of damaging UV rays. Nonslip nose pads and comfort temples keep them firmly in place on your face, and each pair comes with a protective case plus cleaning cloth.

  • Available colors: 6
  • Available sizes: One size

22A Lash-Boosting Serum That’s Way Cheaper Than Extensions & Also Transforms Brows

Sixty days is all it takes to see naturally longer lashes and fuller brows with this serum. A cocktail of peptides and biotin combined with gentle plant extracts gives the tube its clout. Reviewers credited the serum with giving them extension-like results on lashes and helping to regrow decades of over-plucked brows. Just brush on the hypoallergenic, cruelty-free formula once a day to get results.

23A K-Beauty Vitamin C Serum That Rivals Luxury Formulations

Vitamin C serums can get expensive, but you’ll be glad to know this K-Beauty serum is billed as an affordable alternative to the famous SkinCeuticals one. With ingredients like ferulic acid and vitamins C and E, this serum can minimize the appearance of pores, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. Other ingredients like hyaluronic acid help your skin retain moisture and in doing so may reduce the appearance of fine lines. “People keep telling me how amazing my skin looks and several people have described my face as glowy. Nobody has EVER said that I had ‘glowy’ skin before,” a reviewer gushed, and professional estheticians counted themselves among the bottle’s 8,000 five-star fans.

24A Foot Peel Shoppers Call “Freaky, Yet Effective”

Get baby-soft feet without the scrubbing and let this foot peel mask do the exfoliating for you. The potent formula relies on a blend of skin-sloughing acids with aloe and glycerin to gently yet effectively break down dead skin. Wear the booties for at least an hour, then brace yourself for a week or two of shedding — eventually you’ll be rewarded with smooth and soft skin. Over 13,000 shoppers swear it’s worth it.

25A Curling Iron That Creates Beautifully Undone Waves

Beach waves don’t get any easier than with the Bedhead Wave Artist. Its metal plates are shaped to create the perfect S curve and infused with tourmaline and ceramic to lock in your style with serious shine and smoothness. Choose the temperature setting that’s right for your hair type, then just clamp and release down the length of your strands for better-than-mermaid waves. If you’re running late and get distracted, there’s an automatic shutoff for safety.

  • Available colors: 2

26An Ultra-Convenient Cleaning Wipe That Cleans & Restores Leather Goods

Toss one of these leather cleaning wipes in your bag so you’re always prepared if your boots get dirty. The individually-wrapped wipes bust salt stains and tough grime while being gentle on leather and suede to keep your shoes (and bags) looking brand new. They’ll even work on old marks, as one reviewer attested. “There's nothing worse than wearing something and stressing about it getting ruined...these wipes removed a year's worth of damage.”

27A Matte Moisture Balm That Restores Your Chapped Pout Overnight

Although billed as a night treatment, fans reach for this surprising cult favorite lip balm throughout the day to heal dry lips in record time. Ingredients like shea butter and almond oil sink into parched skin to deeply nourish, and petrolatum and beeswax help create a protective barrier on skin. And if you hate glossy balms, you’ll love the matte finish on this hypoallergenic formula.

28A Pair Of Sunglasses That Looks Good On *Every* Face Shape

Classic, modern, and a little bit high fashion: these oversized sunglasses have style to spare in a sturdy build that has cemented their reputation as a crowd-pleaser. The plastic frame holds high-definition polarized lenses that are impact-resistant and reduce glare while offering 100% UVA/UVB protection. Metal tips add a touch of luxe to the oversized square cat-eye frame, and shoppers swear they’re as good as designer brands.

  • Available colors: 10
  • Available sizes: One size

29A Sweet Ruffled Top That Looks Like It Came From A Boutique

This stylish sleeveless top evokes Bridgerton-inspired romance and hits the prairie chic trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Its smocked bodice provides a snug yet stretchy fit that hugs from a square neckline to the waist in a dainty floral muslin. The ruffle straps mirror the peplum hem. Swap it in for a tank top and your look will be instantly elevated.

  • Available colors: 16
  • Available sizes: S — XXL

30A Faux Silk Scarf For Instant French-Girl Vibes

Large enough to wear as a top yet slim enough to tie back your hair: a patterned silk scarf is the French girl’s secret style weapon. This one is generously sized at 27.5 inches for ultimate style versatility in a faux silk satin that’s smooth to the touch with an almost unreal flow. Get it in dozens of colors, from crisp stripes and Americana bandana prints to abstract florals and patterns that look like you inherited Hermès.

  • Available colors: 44

31A Really Good Basic Cotton Cami You’ll Wear *A Lot*

The Hanes cotton camisole is a workhorse, and thousands of shoppers gave the household name rave reviews for nailing comfort and quality on this essential basic. It’s made from 95% cotton for a soft, durable, washer-friendly fabric with a built-in shelf bra that provides its own support. And its sturdy satin elastic straps are conveniently adjustable. It’s thick enough to wear on its own, flexible enough to be layered, and comfortable enough to sleep in.

  • Available colors: 8
  • Available sizes: S — XXL

32A Pretty Dress That Works For So Many Occasions

This ruffled party dress has amassed rave reviews from Amazon shoppers who loved its date-night style at a “Netflix and chill” price. Long gathered sleeves, a full-tiered skirt, and ruffled trim are sweet counterpoints to the plunging V-neck and peekaboo back that bring a little drama to the dress. It fits right in whether you’re going out to dinners, a baby or bridal shower, or even a wedding.

  • Available colors: 14
  • Available sizes: S— XL

33These Minimalist-Luxe Layering Necklaces In 14-Karat Gold

If you love the look of layered necklaces but aren’t sure which ones to choose, get this set. The combination of seed pearls, a hammered disc, and sleek gold bar complement each other and any outfit. You also have the option to wear each one on its own. They’re all nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and 14-karat gold plated for everyday sparkle.

  • Available colors: 34

34A One-Piece Swimsuit That’s Sharp AF

This stylish one-piece swimsuit is ultra-sophisticated with a high neckline and sheer strappy panels. Those details are actually fused to invisible webbing, so they feel surprisingly sturdy — as does the rest of the suit, in a double-lined fabric with full-coverage bottoms and removable bra cups. If you’re looking for a chic suit that’s suitable for lounging poolside or being more active, this is a good one.

  • Available colors: 43
  • Available sizes: 4 — 16

35Some Studded Huggies That Are Comfortable Enough To Sleep In

Here’s a pair of studded huggies that are simple and cute enough to wear every day. They’ve developed a bit of a cult following with over 20,000 five-star ratings from shoppers who deemed them perfect for long-term everyday wear. The small infinity hoop packs megawatt sparkle in a secure design that you can shower and sleep in whether you opt for gold plate or thicker gold vermeil, all with hypoallergenic nickel-free stainless steel posts that even hypersensitive shoppers found wearable.

  • Available colors: 6

36Some Comfy Capri Leggings For Lounging Or Low-Impact Exercise

At this price, these capri leggings are a serious bargain. They’re made from 90% cotton with a high dose of spandex for a thick, opaque knit that can stretch. They’re ideal for lounging and errands but could handle a low-impact workout, too. “I purchased these about 7 months ago now and they are still in great shape. I wear them almost everyday walking and they have kept their shape and color,” a reviewer reported.

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: 1X — 5X

37A Comfortable Bralette That Caters To Large Cup Sizes

The Pure Comfort bra provides light-as-air support in a soft wireless build designed with larger cup sizes in mind. The longline band and wide straps hug for comfortable support in a silky sweat-wicking knit. It’s unlined for maximum “weekend mode” ease with targeted knit panels to provide a bit of stretchy shape and lift. More than 6,000 shoppers give it five stars.

  • Available colors: 14
  • Available sizes: XL — 6XL

38A Hippie-Chic Peasant Top You Can Dress Up Or Down

With statement sleeves, a fun neckline, and layers of texture, this going-out top makes cute outfits easy. The slouchy cut and tiered bell sleeves give it a casual edge, while the oversized Swiss dot texture and shoulder-baring design dress it up a notch. Wear it with cutoffs, jeans, or tucked into a fitted skirt for daytime events that last late into the night.

  • Available colors: 20
  • Available sizes: S — XXL

39A Classic Panama Hat That Will Never Go Out Of Style

You can always count on a wide-brimmed hat to add polish, and this straw hat has become a favorite for its laidback elegance while providing serious shade. The specialty straw blend can fold flat without creasing for travel. Inside the crown is an adjustable drawstring so you can size the hat to fit, and there are clips for the included lanyard in case of windy days.

  • Available colors: 25
  • Available sizes: One size

40A Set Of 14-Karat Gold Necklaces You Can Wear Every Day

Dainty jewelry is a hassle-free finishing touch for days you don’t want to think too much about your accessories, and this monogrammed set is a classic. A wide chain link necklace is paired with an initial pendant necklace, for a one-and-done accessory. The set is sized just right for layering but you can also wear each necklace by itself. Each one is made from nickel-free brass plated in 14-karat gold for a luxe lasting finish.

  • Available colors: 26

41A Comfy Pair Of Jeggings With Pockets

Leggings that look like jeans are an essential secret weapon for those inevitable days when you need to look put-together but want to feel comfy. This pair blends soft cotton with polyester and spandex for a thick knit that looks like denim but wears like your favorite leggings. They’re sewn with a wide, flat waistband and faux front pockets plus a functional pair in the back. Wear them to the office under a blazer or with your coziest sweater on a long-haul flight.

  • Available colors: 7
  • Available sizes: S — 3X

42Some Thick Hoop Earrings For A Minimalist Statement

Equal parts classic and bold, these chunky hoop earrings go with any outfit. Despite their size, these 14-karat gold plated earrings have hollow cores, so they’re light enough to wear all day. And they feature hypoallergenic nickel-free stainless steel posts, so even sensitive ears can go the distance.

  • Available colors: 3
  • Available sizes: 20 — 50 millimeters

43A Budget-Friendly Set Of Cropped Tanks In The Season’s Trending Shape

This racer-front cropped tank scoops sharply over shoulders for a modern basic with 90s nostalgia. A longline hem just skims the waist, making them ideal for high-rise bottoms whether they happen to be gym leggings or a leather skirt. Fans praised them for being thick and well-made with easy versatility in a comfy, stylish staple. For just $26, you get a coordinated set of four.

  • Available colors: 7
  • Available sizes: S — L

44A Pretty Peplum Top With Floral Details

A sheer mesh top you can throw on over everything from strappy lace bralettes to chic sleeveless shells, this embroidered tee is a surprisingly versatile player. The gathered peplum on this top gives it plenty of movement with vivid floral stitching that lets you style it more formally. Wear it to brunch, work, or a dinner party. “The shirt is very cute, and I love the embroidery on it. The colors are beautiful and the shirt is very delicate looking,” one shopper praised. “It looks good with high waisted pants. Overall, I'm very happy.”

  • Available colors: 11
  • Available sizes: Large Plus — 4X-Large Plus

45This High-Waisted Bikini With A Pretty Wrap Top

Nearly 7,000 Amazon shoppers loved this two-piece swimsuit for being pretty yet practical and gave it five stars. The top fits and feels like a comfortable spaghetti-strap sports bra with a nice wide band, built-in cups, and adjustable straps, but the real star of the show are its two crossover ties that wrap around your ribcage to knot in the back. The matching high-waisted bottoms got their own high marks for a fuller coverage that wasn’t too cheeky, and the ruching was considered a nice touch.

  • Available colors: 26
  • Available sizes: S — XL

46A Gorgeous Swing Tank That Dresses Up Anything

This tank is a comfy way to rock expensive-looking design, and its lines are so simple that it’s unlikely to look dated any time soon. A structured embellished neckline and wide straps give it enough formality for business casual, but the long, flowy shape means you’re just as likely to live in it on weekends. “Love the design and comfort,” one shopper remarked. “Can wear to work or casually with jeans. Very versatile and have received many compliments!”

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

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