High Fashion, Low Budget: The Under $100 Edit

Our accessible luxury edit will help you make responsible January purchases that won’t break the bank.

By Daniël Geldenhuys

Jan 3, 2022

After a lavish holiday season of justified spending, a lower fashion allowance is nothing out of the ordinary this month. If you’re reading this, it probably means that you’ve resolved to limit your monthly spend but still crave a luxury purchase to inject your wardrobe with some well-deserved new-year optimism. A justifiable January buy has styling agility, slotting into your closet with potential for various pairings now and throughout the sartorial seasons to come. Our inexpensive edit is the destination for fashion with true value.

In fact, price-conscious picks don’t have to be lackluster. Some of the best pieces from celebrated designers ring in under $100—from a stylish slogan tee by Ghanaian label Studio 189 to ornamental arm candy crafted by female Maasai artisans from Sidai Designs.

Here, browse our selection of treats under $100 that are sure to impress and help kick off the year ahead on a high note.

MODERN CLASSICS

Designs that come to life with unusual detailing without losing their classic appeal can be hard to find. It all comes down to simple tweaks on tried and tested closet heroes. Orange Culture’s Duro shirt has all the makings of a simple pair-with-anything round neck tee, dialing up the detailing with a tricep cutout and elasticated elbow on the left sleeve. The Nigerian brand employs the same flavor of quirk with the arched cutout in their Sisi Eko skirt. With the Lami Flare Pants, a saturated shade of orange does all the work, amping up the design’s minimalist construction in a way that’s guaranteed to make an impression. The Bobo Sweatshirt, cut from upcycled raw silk, embodies casual luxury with unusual details like an asymmetric ‘patched’ pocket and a hidden shoulder zip. Design elements like these make a piece feel genuinely unique, providing that coveted personal touch that makes it a worthy purchase.

EASY STATEMENTS

A throw-on-and-go piece that’s visually striking is hard to resist. Simplifying the dressing process gives your look a clear focal point and makes building a winning outfit that much easier. Diarrablu’s Arte Blanc Scarf makes its presence known with a multicolor brushwork print in soothing tones. This piece from the multidimensional Senegalese designer boasts multiple placement possibilities: wear it as a chic headscarf, a dainty neckpiece, or tied to your bag for an instant pop of color. Studio 189’s “GHANA ACCRA'' printed tee is infused with the same graphic pride as a sports jersey but with a lot more style flexibility. A written declaration of support for its African roots and a prime example of simple design excellence, this tee certainly makes a statement. From Nigeria, Emmy Kasbit’s Adejare Pants with ankle tie detail offset tailored design with playful detailing. Pairing them with the brand’s matching Adejare jacket creates a fully tailored look while dressing them down with IAMISIGO’s Patched Front white tee is a viable casual option. Finally, Orange Culture’s Lami dress is an elegant statement piece with its deep V-neck and pleat-trim shoulders. An elongated silhouette with an oversized cut ensures comfort and gives you the option to layer. The uplifting orange and blue hues, rendered in breezy chiffon and crepe, build an undeniable sense of presence.

Gilded Glory

Wearing a piece of jewelry that speaks to your personal taste is an easy way to fuse your personality with contemporary fashion. Kenyan designer Ami Doshi Shah’s Small Vessel Pendant stays close to your heart, the brass with oxidized verdigris adding a touch of rawness. Also from Kenya, Adele Dejak’s Mbadon Earpin, handcrafted in Nairobi with multicolor Maasai beads, adds a playful appeal to your look. Sidai Designs’ Triple Zebra Endito Wrap Bracelet is dainty and carefully considered. The unique piece is crafted locally to preserve traditional techniques belonging to the Maasai people of East Africa who live in northern Tanzania and northern, central, and southern Kenya. 24 karat gold-plated glass beads glimmer alongside the overall monochrome white-and-navy design, made to wear coiled around the wrist or once around the neck, solo or stacked for a look that swings between minimalism and maximalism effortlessly. Pichulik’s black rope and brass Noor earrings are conceived for the more austere wearer. Handmade in South Africa, they embody a polished, sophisticated take on the artful aesthetic. The black and gold color scheme is designed to complement block colors and print, meaning you can pair it with almost anything in your wardrobe. That level of versatility for under $100 is a no-brainer.