It’s often assumed that money is the ticket to great style. However, you only need to look at Jeremy Clarkson, Donald Trump, John Travolta, Quentin Tarantino, Dennis Rodman and every member of NSYNC circa 2000 (so. much. hair gel.) to see that really, really, isn’t the case. In fact, with the right know-how, the opposite can actually be true. So, to prove that you don’t need to dine in a gold-plated banquet hall or summer in a picturesque shanty on Lake Winnibigoshish to look good, the FashionBeans team set themselves the task of doing style on a shoestring. The result? Five summer outfits for less than £100 that’ll have you covered for every occasion from now until winter. Credit cards loose change at the ready.
5 Easy Summer Outfits On A Budget
Summer Shorts 2.0
Bershka
One hundred pounds (roughly $125, for those across the pond) seems like a decent amount of money, but when it comes to constructing an entire outfit, it’s surprisingly difficult. The trick is in knowing what bits you should spend money on, and where you can save. Given that they’ll be riding solo down south, when wearing shorts it’s your shoes that require the most attention. Generally, canvas plimsoles cost far less than leather sneakers, which means you can afford to buy a pair from a quality brand that’ll look premium. As for everything else, ‘tailored’ chino shorts have been the go-to choice for too long. Instead, look for pleated options, or a pair with a drawstring waist. Complete the look with a simple cotton T-shirt in a size for a boxier fit that won’t cling to your body when the heat picks up. Total Price: £98.79 – Charlie Thomas, senior editor
Modern Riviera
Zara
Stranger Things, Furbies, err, Brexit – it’s no secret that nostalgia sells. And you only need to look at this season’s biggest trends (rugby tops, bum bags, light-wash denim et al.) to see that it’s also big business in fashion. Retro sportswear doesn’t have to break the bank, mind. But it can put a dent in your style if done wrong, especially when working on a budget. The revival heavily references the 1980s and ’90s, two decades not exactly famed for their subtlety, and some of the more garish designs can look cheap when bought on the, well, cheap. To stay on the right side of history, look for pieces with simple retro accents, like track tops with multi-coloured trims or old-school logos. Keep your fabrics dark or matte to avoid any unwanted shiny shell suit vibes. And whatever you do, leave the cassette boombox at home. Total Price: £100.46 – Richard Jones, staff writer
