Everyone in a friend group has to offer up something different. For instance, one of my friends is an expert in all things food, whether that means snagging an impossible-to-get dinner reservation or creating the perfect dinner-party spread. Another is a social butterfly who connects everyone with everyone else in the sort of effortless manner that I could only ever dream of. And then there’s the activities chair, who seems to have endless ideas for things we can do. Me? Well, as the only fashion editor in the group, my duties start and end with clothes. 

With this job, I often get texts, DMs, and FaceTime calls about sartorial dilemmas, from a lack of outfit inspiration to a tricky dress code. But of all the fashion-related inquiries I receive on a daily basis, the one I get most is, “I have X amount of money to spend. What should I buy?” Given that I scan the market every single day, I always have a slew of responses at the ready. I don’t, however, usually publish my responses on Who What Wear. So when my friend texted me asking for tips on how to spend her $150 Nordstrom gift card the other day, I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone and make a story out of my selects for her. Hopefully, they’ll be as enticing to all of you as they were to her. 

Without further ado, see (and shop) the 29 under-$150 items I practically forced my girlfriend to buy. 

For the beach and beyond. 

This color looks so gorgeous on everyone. Plus, the ribbed details make this tank 10 times more elevated than your average racerback. 

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m getting serious Khaite vibes from these on-sale Madewell jeans. 

Looking elegant is as simple as buying these sunglasses and tossing on a silk headscarf. 

Hailey Bieber wore this dress in brown, so naturally, I’m recommending it to everyone I know. 

Madewell’s Harlow jeans are a step above the rest. Trust me, I know. 

A white linen button-down will provide you with so many new ways to wear your existing wardrobe items. 

I know burgundy is usually considered an autumnal color, but I love pairing it with white pieces in the summertime. 

High-neck tanks are allover my Instagram feed right now. 

Yes, this chic, tailored midi is only $72. 

My friend has been waiting for the 550s to restock for months. 

Everyone needs a red dress. Nothing will give you more confidence. 

I swear by Longchamp’s Le Pliage bags whenever I travel. 

Perfection looks a lot like these COS pants. 

Everyone’s getting these in black, but I can’t help but think that the move is to go with white and be the odd (aka cool) one out. 

The dreamiest dress to pack on vacation. 

Because she’s always asking me where I get my earrings. 

An easy pick. 

Say hello to the most flattering jeans ever. 

Swoon.

I recommend Skims to everyone who’ll listen to me. 

A wardrobe essential if I’ve ever seen one. 

One of my favorite styling tips is to add a cool, unexpected belt. A black belt is great too, but don’t be afraid to stray.

I’ll be living vicariously through her since I’m currently on a shopping hiatus. 

Just because it’s scandalous doesn’t mean she shouldn’t buy it. 

Duh. 

The styling possibilities are endless. 

A good pair of cat-eye sunglasses will make every outfit look chic. 

You bet I’m ordering a pair for myself too. 

Coming up next: I’ve Never Been a J.Crew or Madewell Girl—These 33 Summer Finds Changed My Mind