You're on an entry-level salary. Congrats! You qualify as an adult who has a real job that pays real money. The only problem? Clothes aren't quite adequately factored into that budget you made for yourself. We hear you — but we also know you've probably held onto that one white T-shirt so long that it can't be worn one more time without falling apart. So, to put a spring in your spring wardrobe and still keep you on track to hit that savings goal, we've gathered the essentials you need this season, all on an entry-level budget. You can even cherry-pick a few favorite pieces that'll tally up to to a double-digit, not triple-digit, figure. Not bad for an entire wardrobe revamp.
Yes, keeping up with the changing seasons can stress your closet as well as your wallet. But with the must-haves ahead, you'll be able to feel good about what you and your bank account look like. Click on to shop away, without any buyer's remorse afterwards.
Show A Little Skin
You've been cooped up in heavy sweaters and have covered every bit of skin for long enough — try a lighter sweater with a cropped length and short sleeves.
Pixie Market Rita Sporty Knit Top, $54 $20, available at Pixie Market.
Now that things are warming up, you can get away with wearing a deeper-plunging knit.
Free People Deep Thoughts Long Sleeve Top, $68, available at Free People.
Slip Into Swim
Yes, swimsuit season is upon us, so start strong with a bright-red two-piece for less than $50.
Zara Triangle Bikini Top With Crossover Detail, $22.90, available at Zara. Zara High-Waist Bikini Briefs, $22.90, available at Zara.
A blush-colored one-piece works just as well for the water as it does with some palazzo pants for a beachside dinner.
Nasty Gal Bohemian Rhapsody Halter Swimsuit, $78, available at Nasty Gal.
Refresh Your Outerwear
Swap your parka for something a bit more transitional, like a vintage-inspired silk bomber that's ideal for in-between weather.
StyleNanda Rose Accent Striped Baseball Jacket, $109, available at StyleNanda.
Now is when your outerwear can be even more fashionable than functional — experiment with cropped lengths, different silhouettes, and lighter fabrics.
Forever 21 Buttoned Wool-blend Jackets, $54.90 $43.92, available at Forever 21.
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Upgrade Your Trousers
Who said stylish work pants can't be comfortable? Seek out a breezy wide-legged fit, like these check trousers, so you won't dread dressing for your 9-to-5.
Wear your pajamas in public with these chic PJ-inspired pants.
StyleNanda Contrast Seam Wide Leg Pants, $51, available at StyleNanda.
Dress Up (Or Down)
Look for a dress that you can throw on for just about any spring activity, like weekend brunching or an outdoor concert.
Storets Forever Jane Dress, $52, available at Storets.
A shirt dress with a literal twist.
Topshop Twist Front Shirtdress, $68, available at Nordstrom.
Try A Mule
Mules are going to be the shoe of the season (we're calling it). So test-drive the trend in a happy yellow hue that'll feel so fresh compared to the black boots you've been living in.
Mango Deconstructed Leather Sandals, $69.99, available at Mango.
You'll live in a classic black pair.
Front Row Shop Black Mules, $92, available at Front Row Shop.
Bling It Out
Ditch your studs for a minimalist statement earring that'll add something special to even the most classic look.
Forever21 Ball Drop Earring, $2.90, available at Forever21.
Switch up your everyday earrings from studs to subtle hoops.
H&M Earrings, $7.99, available at H&M.
Break Out The Shorts
Instead of going straight for the denim cut-offs, ease into wearing shorts again with a longline leather-look pair that's both trendy and transitional.
Farrow Cohen Shorts, $78 $33.99, available at Need Supply.
Keep it modern and minimal with a clean, white pair.
Everlane The Pleated Short, $48, available at Everlane.
Shimmer & Sparkle
A fun sock is an easy and affordable way to make any shoe or outfit feel way more interesting. You'll be surprised just how much wear you can get out of this sparkly pair.
& Other Stories Shimmery Socks, $12, available at & Other Stories.
Wear 'em with your open-toe heels for nighttime.
Topshop Roll Top Glitter Ankle Socks, $6, available at Topshop.
Get All Tied Up
It's time to stock up on comfy and casual tank tops to carry you through to summer, and we love this go-with-everything one that boasts a sweet tie detail at the shoulders.
Reformation Almandine Top, $38, available at Reformation.
Boxier the better with this '90s-esque spaghetti strap tank.
PRAE Kore Peel Mesh-silk Slip Top, $75, available at PRAE.
Swap Your Sunnies
Spring is your chance to have fun with your eyewear, so give that black cat-eye a rest.
Amooolia Orange Sunglasses, $28 $19.60, available at ShopJeen.
The closest you'll get to the Miu miu vibe for $35.
Crap Eyewear The Saloma Tropic, $35, available at Crap Eyewear.
Step Up Your Tote
Admit it: Your everyday tote has seen better days. Swap the one that's falling apart at the seams for a brown woven one that'll double as a beach bag on vacation.
New Look Woven Soft Side Tote, $51, available at ASOS.
#FreeTheNipple, right?
Camilla Engstrom Studio Tote Bag , $10, available at Camilla Engstrom.
Get Your Tassel On
Just because the weather's getting warmer doesn't mean pants are irrelevant — but you can spice things up with a tasseled pair.
Loéil Tassel Pants, $89, available at Loéil.
Try a fringed pair of jeans if tassels aren't quite your thing.
Style Mafia Fikri Jeans, $70, available at Style Mafia.
Skirt The Issue
A flattering wrap skirt might just be what it takes for you to ditch jeans for good.
Wilfred Free Celia Skirt, $50, available at Aritzia.
Get in on the skirt that every celebrity is wearing.
Yoins Pleated Skirt, $25.95, available at Yoins.
Put A Choker On It
For music festivals and outdoor hangs, a choker is a fun addition to your casual, shorts-and-a-tee outfits.
Boohoo Lexi Hoop Pendant Choker, $5, available at Boohoo.
Finish every outfit with a bow.
BaubleBar Whitely Choker Necklace, $28, available at BaubleBar.
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