My Summer Shopping Budget Is $250. Here’s Exactly What I’m Buying

When a large part of your job is essentially shopping online and hunting for the best, trendiest and cutest clothes, jewelry and accessories, it can prove extremely difficult to stick to a budget. As a fashion editor, I frequently find myself adding way more to my digital shopping carts than I could ever actually afford. But this summer I’m committed to setting a shopping budget at $250 and actually sticking to it.

This involves much more planning and thinking honestly about the things I need (versus the things I simply want), but that’s just a part of the fun. Some pieces on this list were easy to settle on—like a new pair of bike shorts—while others were harder to pick, like whittling down which of the 40 summer frocks I’ve been lusting after are worth investing in. I knew I’d also want to throw in some bright statement accessories, but that shoes weren’t high on my priority list (where would I be wearing them anyway?).

After all that hemming and hawing, I managed to come up with a nine-piece summer shopping list that checks all those boxes. And even includes a few fun surprises. Here’s everything that made the cut.

RELATED: These Are the 6 Prints You Should Be Wearing This Summer

Whether I’m headed out the door for a run or just can’t be bothered to put on “real” clothes for the day, I’ve found myself reaching for bike shorts more and more frequently. I love that these feature two side pockets where I can easily stow my phone, keys and ID and that they come in six colors to choose from. The only bad thing? Buying just one hue (I want them all!).

Buy it ($35; $20)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL}

I blame Harry Styles and his Watermelon Sugar music video for my newfound love of fruit print clothing. This silky but tropical dress is way too fun to pass on and will look great with Birkenstocks and a straw tote, or sparkly statement earrings and strappy kitten heels for a summer wedding (in 2021, of course).

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Buy it ($158; $79)

^{Available in sizes XXS to L}

I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of running sunglasses since outdoor exercise became my only workout of choice. Most cost well over $100 and look far too sporty for me to wear outside of my usual runs. So, imagine my delight upon finding Goodr? The sunglass company offers super-fun, super-lightweight sunnies, all under $35 and all in styles I would happily wear with just about anything in my wardrobe.

Buy it ($25)

Hopefully one day soon I’ll be able to use this cutie while on a socially-distanced picnic in Central Park. But for now, I’ll be using it to keep track of my blue light glasses while I work from home.

Buy it ($18)

Linen is fabulous for keeping you cool and dry even on the hottest summer days. But that’s really just a bonus on top of the flattering wrap design and trendy toile print. I’m excited to pair this blouse with denim shorts, or a light blue slip skirt, if I’m feeling fancy.

Buy it ($25)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

I love treating myself to a new swimsuit each summer, but this year my budget is a bit tighter than before. Enter Zaful, a super-affordable swimwear brand that makes some of Amazon’s best-selling bathing suits. I love that this one comes as a mixed set so I can wear both pieces with other solids and patterns from my swimwear drawer.

$27 at Amazon

^{Available in sizes S to L}

Nostalgic bead and lanyard bracelets have emerged as two of summer 2020’s biggest jewelry trends. I love how these simple chains add a pop of color to any outfit (including bike shorts and an old T-shirt) and help me feel more put together.

Buy it ($10 for set of four)

Once summer temperatures in New York hit their peak around late July and early August, I exclusively wear flowy tent dresses. I prefer a shorter hem to ensure my legs are getting ample airflow and bright colors or prints, which add some cheer to an otherwise shapeless style.

Buy it ($25)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

It might be TMI, but I am a very sweaty person. As the temperatures rise and I continue to live without A/C, cute sweat-wicking clothing is becomes a major wardrobe category for me. Even though it’s made to wick moisture away from the body and keep you cool all day long, this top doesn’t actually look like a workout tank so I won’t feel underdressed on work-related video calls or running into the neighbors as I take out the trash.

Buy it ($23; $20)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

TOTAL: $249

And with one dollar to spare now I can treat myself to a bonus cup of coffee. Or, more realistically, some new bobby pins. Either way I’m in under budget with nine gorgeous new things to start styling ASAP.

RELATED: 20 Stylish and Flattering Swimsuits Under $100

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