It’s always fun to visit the websites of your favorite high-end stores and add everything to your cart… and then never check out. (I think this is my number one pastime if I’m being honest.)
While investing in nice pieces is great, when you’re in college, you can’t usually afford to build your wardrobe around high-end — or even mid-priced — brands. Luckily, we can still get inspiration from these brands while we save up for the real deal.
This week’s style challenge is to create outfits inspired by your favorite upscale brands using more affordable pieces! Check out the outfit sets featuring some of my favorite brands to get started:
Monday: Wildfox
Products: Top – Target, Skirt – American Eagle, Sunglasses – Target, Shoes – Red Dress Boutique
Wildfox is known for fun, fresh, casual looks in fabulous original designs.
To recreate their vibe, I found this adorable star tee and paired it with a classic denim skirt. For accessories, I kept it simple with fun shades and slip-on sneakers.
Check out more Wildfox inspiration here!
Tuesday: Vineyard Vines
Products: Dress – Target, Shoes – Target, Bag – LL Bean, Bracelet – Etsy
Vineyard Vines was founded on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and is often associated with New England prep style. Their clothes often feature classic styles in nautical prints.
This navy and white striped dress is cute and practical, perfect for channeling a New England feel. I paired it with white sneakers, a canvas tote, and a knot bracelet.
Wednesday: Lilly Pulitzer
Products: Top – Old Navy, Shorts – J.Crew Factory, Sandals – Target, Earrings – Red Dress Boutique
Lilly Pulitzer is a Florida-inspired preppy brand known for their bright tropical prints and classic styles.
To help you get the Lilly Pulitzer look for less, I found this great tunic in a fun print that reminded me of their style! I paired it with some bright scalloped shorts. To finish the look, I added metallic sandals and gold earrings.
Check out more Lilly Pulitzer inspiration here!
Thursday: Free People
Products: Dress – Red Dress Boutique, Earrings – Etsy, Bag – Target, Sandals – Target
Free People is the epitome of boho and festival looks. They are constantly coming out with gorgeous collections! Sadly, most of their pieces are outside of my price range (unless I catch them on sale).
This sage dress reminded me of Free People’s romantic, free-spirited look. I paired it with gladiator sandals, a fringe purse, and some boho earrings.
Check out more Free People inspiration here!
Friday: Show Me Your Mumu
Products: Top – Target, Shorts – Forever 21, Booties – Target, Necklace – Red Dress Boutique, Bag – Red Dress Boutique
Show Me Your Mumu is a California-based brand and it perfectly captures the fun, west-coast style vibe!
These black shorts are very similar to Show Me Your Mumu shorts, and I paired them with a fun tie-front top. For accessories, I added black booties, a trendy necklace, and a cute tassel bag.
Saturday: Kate Spade
Products: Dress – Red Dress Boutique, Purse – Charming Charlie, Earrings – Target, Flats – Target
Kate Spade is a whimsical and sweet handbag-turned-lifestyle-brand based out of New York.
This midi dress in a gorgeous floral pattern captures Kate Spade’s classic yet youthful style! I added an adorable novelty purse and accessories with delicate bows to bring in more Kate Spade-esque details.
Check out more Kate Spade inspiration here!
Sunday: Lauren James
Products: Dress – Target, Shoes – Red Dress Boutique, Earrings – Charming Charlie, Clutch – Red Dress Boutique
Lauren James is a newer brand that carries gorgeous seersucker dresses in classic, girly styles!
This seersucker shirt dress is reminiscent of their style. Their dresses are often styled with nude heels and pearl earrings, so I did the same here, and I added a clutch in a cute lemon pattern.
What do you think?
What’s your favorite high end or mid-range brand? Which outfit is your favorite? Do you have your own idea for a style challenge? Let us know in the comments below!
