Cheap Chic: Summer Clothes Under $50

Everybody considers Memorial Day to be the unofficial start of summer. It feels like it, too, with the hot, humid weather we’ve been getting in New York. I’ve resisted turning on the AC so far, but that probably won’t last long!

Of course, the weather has me thinking about summer clothes (one-track mind here!). With that in mind, I created a roundup of summer clothes under $50. Let’s just call it cheap chic!

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Tops: For summer, choose tees and tanks that drape and don’t stick to your body when it gets really hot. Look for fun details like a striped tee with a split back, tank with chiffon insets, classic blouse with a split neck, printed tank with shoulder cutouts, or a twisted hem tee.

Jewelry: Have fun with your jewelry! Dress up a simple outfit with bright drops, colorful acrylic and crystals, or vibrant studs, go with a bold tassel or delicate drop necklace, or choose a pretty beaded ombre necklace (on sale for $20!).

Skirts/Shorts/Rompers: Skirts are so comfortable in summer, look for long and short options, like an eyelet mini or striped maxi. This printed romper couldn’t be cuter, and the price is right for a trendy piece. Drapey shorts are another fun trend (love this printed pair), as is distressed denim, and these cutoffs are the perfect, not-too-short length. A pair of classic, flat-front shorts – like this striped pair – works for everyone. Even better, they come in multiple prints and solids. And if a 3-inch inseam isn’t your thing, they also come in 5-inch or 9-inch inseams, and plus-size, too. Shorts for everyone!

Bags: I feel like you need at least three bags to get through summer: something fun, like a printed clutch, and oversized tote for the beach (you can never go wrong with stripes), and a lighter colored, more tailored bag for work. Hey, you can afford all three when the most expensive one is under $25!

Sunglasses: You can never have enough options when it comes to sunglasses. Go big and bold, choose a pretty blush-hued pair, look chic in classic aviators, or get all three. At under $6 each you can go a little crazy!

Sandals: When it comes to shoes, a few well-chosen pairs will carry you through the summer. Give your flip flops an upgrade and choose a pair made from leather (TKEES has tons of colors if pink ombre is not your thing). Denim espadrilles are classic and comfy. Strappy Wedges can be dressed up or down. And, believe it or not, Birkenstocks are having a moment. This white patent pair lets you get in on the trend without paying a big price.

Do you have an holes in your summer wardrobe?

I’m linking up with Your Whims Wednesday, Random Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday, Be.You.Tiful, Friday’s Fab Favorites, Say G’Day Saturday, Monday Morning Gossip, How I Summer, More Pieces of Me, On the Daily Express, Funday Monday, and I Feel Pretty.