Welcome to On the Hunt,a series where we reveal our latest affordable finds at Walmart. From wardrobe staples and trendy accessories to the best in home décor and beauty, expect to find exceptional items at even more impressive prices.
Ah, spring! The season that holds so much promise and possibility. As in, the promise that summer (arguably the superior season) is right around the corner, and the possibility of saying “iced, please!” when a barista asks how you want your latte. Really, we just can’t help but be in a good mood from March 20, the first official day of spring, on.
With warmer weather dangled in front of us for the first time in months, we’re stocking up on all the best fashion and beauty items to go along with our new cheery attitudes. We’ve done a lot of internet scrolling with the help of some of our most stylish friends Sheryl Luke and Kristina Zias and landed on a list of 14 essentials. These must-haves happen to start at just $9 thanks to Walmart, so no budgets will be broken in the shopping of this story.
Like many of us, Luke is most looking forward to “longer days and hanging outside with drinks.” (An Aperol spritz or cold brew for us.) Even in always-sunny Los Angeles, where she and Zias both live, spring promises much more time to be spent outdoors, no coat required.
However, a lightweight jacket is, in fact, often required, so Luke opts for this oversize utility option. “It’s a great lightweight shirt-jacket that I think everyone will want to have in their closets because it can be styled in so many ways—like with jeans or even a dress,” she explains. That luxe army green meets sage hue doesn’t hurt either, but the jacket does come in two other colors for all those curious minds out there.
Luke’s other spring fashion essentials include straight-leg denim (perfectly cropped for her petite frame), a statement bag (the chain on this one is very on-trend), and an everyday T-shirt (preferably with the sleeves cuffed).
It’s no surprise that Luke’s beauty picks align well with her low-key fashion vibe. To achieve her glowy, peachy look she wears an almost nude lipstick, uses a gel to sharpen her brows, and adds some color to her cheeks: “The Physician Formula palette is the MVP here,” she says. “I love that there’s a highlighter, blush, and bronzer on the same palette.”
Zias is on the same page as Luke, adding stylish-yet-practical essentials to her spring wardrobe. “The pandemic made me value comfort more than ever,” she explains. “But it also made me realize how much better I feel when I get dressed. I made the effort to get dressed and do my makeup almost every day over the past year, and it made such a difference in my mood and productivity.” BRB, taking notes!
Her spring wardrobe consists of plenty of lightweight, breezy dresses, comfortable-but-cute sneakers, and, like Luke, statement bags. This LBD should be at the top of everyone’s list right now because the T-shirt material makes it so comfortable and easy to style. Zias is wearing hers either to the grocery store or a weekend in Palm Springs, so if that doesn’t prove its versatility we don’t know what will.
Keep the accessories simple like Zias with a net bag and some chunky platform sneakers—perhaps this perfect pair from Italian brand Superga?
As for Zias’s spring beauty vibe, it’s all about boosting her natural look. “Dry shampoo is a must because I have a newborn and only wash my hair once or twice a week,” she says. Talk about relatable. As for makeup, she’s loving glossy lips and warm neutral tones right now. Her pro tips are so good: “Browns, peaches, and light purple shadows always make my hazel eyes look greener. I used the darkest shade in the palette around my top and bottom lashes to make my eyes pop.”
