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Save or Splurge: Square-Toed Ballet Flat Outfit

Last week’s save vs splurge post was very popular, so I thought we would do it again. This week we’re comparing a casual, polished outfit that could take you out to lunch or dinner. I know I’m pushing the season a bit, but frankly, I am sick and tired of my summer wardrobe. Today’s save or splurge square-toed ballet flat outfit features a red nylon tote, long white button-down, stretch pants, and square sunglasses.

two outfits showing a save and a splurge option

Let’s start with why I love this look. The square sunglasses are a modern interpretation that will update anything you wear. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair to put my new RX in. I’m a big fan of ballet flats, and the new square toe updates it for fall. I always appreciate a classic white button-down that’s long enough to cover your backside when wearing slim knit pants. It’s comfy, stylish, and looks classier than a short one.

 

SQUARE SUNGLASSESĀ  /Ā  HAMMERED DOT AND PEARL EARRINGSĀ  / Ā LONG WHITE BUTTONDOWN SHIRTĀ  /Ā  RED NYLON TOTE /Ā  SQUARE TOE BALLET FLATSĀ  /Ā  SLIM KNIT ANKLE PANTSĀ  /Ā  WIRE CUFF BRACELET /Ā  RED LIPSTICK

I added a bright red nylon tote for a pop of color with these neutrals. And because it’s lightweight, you can fill it to the brim with all the things you pick up during your day. The hammered silver detail on the pearl earrings modernizes the look, and the wire cuff is sleek and minimal looking.

budget friendly outfit with red tote, white shirt, square sunglasses and square toed ballet flats
SQUARE SUNGLASSESĀ  /Ā  HAMMERED DISC PEARL DROP EARRINGSĀ  /Ā  LONG WHITE BUTTONDOWN SHIRTĀ  /Ā  RED NYLON TOTE BAGĀ  /Ā  SQUARE TOE BALLET FLATSĀ  /Ā  SLIM KNIT ANKLE PANTSĀ  /Ā  WIRE CUFF BRACELETĀ  /Ā  RED LIPSTICK

I chose simple brown stretch pants because black felt too predictable. Brown will be very popular this fall, so I thought it would be fun to start playing with some styling ideas now. Red lipstick finishes off this contemporary look with modern touches on classic style.

This week, some of the items could fit into the splurge or save outfit, so no one item skews the price significantly.

The splurge outfit totals $1,654, and the save outfit totals $411.

Are there items you would interchange in these outfits to make them fit your budget?

Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

 

 

53 Comments

  1. I like nylon bags and think Longchamp bags are classics so I’d splurge on that. Ballet flats are not my preferred shoe in at any price point so they’re out.

  2. I love these save vs splurge posts! I actually think your splurge choices were pretty middle-of-the-road this time! Iā€™m sure you could put together a similar look that rings in at about $10,000 just by going designer on the handbag and the jewelry! Keep doing theseā€¦.theyā€™re fun and instructive.

    1. I could but wanted to keep them closer this time.

  3. I love quality things. I can tell the difference between these shirts, shoes etc with one quick look. And if I could feel the fabric or try on for fit there would be no question
    to which ones Iā€™d like best. . . .they are all on the splurge side. So I have to buy less,
    Watch for sales, save up and then splurge.

  4. A definite ‘yes’ for the splurge shoes as appreciate comfort and since a ballet flat, feel I would definitely get a number of years out of them. Whereas I already have similar quality/style of sunglasses and a leather woven red handbag that I would pair with the ‘save’ items namely because a) my hair covers my earrings so in this regard high-end isn’t a necessity b) the 31″ inseam of the pants work better for me c) I am very skeptical about the claim that the tunic is a 100% cotton, no-iron garment particularly when it has a full button placket. (Dare I admit, that one of my favourite white shirts (both in fit & the easiest maintenance out of the ones that I own) was purchased at Walmart in the Young Men’s Dept. ….. šŸ˜®. ) Love this exercise, Jennifer and super examples!
    -Brenda-

  5. Lois Williams says:

    Just ordered the splurge white shirt! Read the reviews and one positive review was from a women ā€œalmost 6 feet tallā€ just like I am. I often hesitate to purchase clothes without being familiar with sizing because of my height, sleeve lengths especially are difficult & since rarely given.
    Thank you for your post, Jennifer.

    1. Yay, I hope it works for you

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