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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love these save vs splurge posts! I actually think your splurge choices were pretty middle-of-the-road this time! I’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 these….they’re fun and instructive.
I could but wanted to keep them closer this time.
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 I’d like best. . . .they are all on the splurge side. So I have to buy less,
Watch for sales, save up and then splurge.
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. ….. 😮. ) Love this exercise, Jennifer and super examples!
-Brenda-
Just ordered the splurge white shirt! Read the reviews and one positive review was from a women “almost 6 feet tall” 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.
Yay, I hope it works for you
I love your splurge/save posts! I would probably go for the splurge shirt, simply because it isn’t too far out there in price, and I like the tapering at the waist. Great look.
This is an outfit I can easily create!
I already own that exact splurge blouse, washes very nicely, touch up with an iron (if you iron) and its good to go! I have a very similar pant, from Chico’s fall of 2020.
I would consider buying the splurge earring, I have other John Hardy pieces that I would use instead of either suggested cuff. I would go with a “save” shoe, only because these square toes seem to come into fashion and back out, very quickly! I like a point toe a bit better, but have scuffed more toes, on uneven sidewalks than I want to recall. Oy!
The splurge bag seems to bring things together a bit better, since there is some brown leather, pulling the brown slacks in a bit more. (I have seen the splurge bag at various price points.)
All in all I really like the look! Would be great for an early fall day getaway, and I may just buy those earrings, since we have plans for a long weekend away, in late August!
I have several Longchamp totes and love their versatility. I like the handle tie-in with the brown pants also. Have a fun weekend away!
That red tote really brings this outfit together — especially with the brown pants. I forgot how much I like the mix of brown and red. Really terrific! And honestly, aside from the prices, these outfits are quite similar!
I love this series! Brown pants with a red bag and white shirt seems very current. At first, I was wondering about wearing black (very elegant) flats with browns and reds but then I realized the black sunglasses tie it together. I generally don’t wear tunic length tops so I would pick a shorter length white shirt. One last thought is that you can often buy Longchamp nylon bags on clearance at Nordstrom rack!
It’s interesting how similar both options look. I would splurge on the white tunic shirt as it has pockets and a slender fit but would save on the pants. I never spend much on handbags since I tend to throw them around, put them on the floor, etc. I would call this look updated classic, not at all passé!
I think the splurge option on this post! Without a doubt!
Gosh this outfit is terrific in both splurge and save variations. I would probably splurge on the shirt because it is narrower, but a lot would depend on the fit when I was wearing it.
Splurge or save is my favorite feature! I learn a lot from the way you put together outfits. Thanks!
Jennifer, I’m enjoying your high/low postings….they give me some great ideas! Today’s posting really hit home as I’m a “fall” when it comes to colour combos….love the idea of wearing red with the camel or brown! I have a really nice camel knit 2 piece pant/turtle neck outfit & now have ideas for mixing & matching, especially adding red as an accent! Great suggestion! Thanks for making my day Jennifer!
Nancy
That’s awesome, Nancy!
I have square eyeglasses with a shape similar to the “save” option here. It makes all the difference to have the square angle in slightly at the bottom for a more wearability and femininity on smaller faces.
I also own a couple of pairs of square-toed, lightweight leather loafers. They work very well for my slim feet.
I prefer the lower-cost options here because they’re closer to items I’ve already endorsed by buying them.
For the trendy items (square sun glasses and square toe flats) I would go for the “save” option and, in fact, did just that and purchased the flats! So cute and will be perfect to update my Fall wardrobe. I would splurge on the white top because I like the more tailored look of that one, and its a piece that can worn for years to come. Thanks Jennifer, the save or splurge are fun!
I agree!!