My aunt is a busy mom on a budget, with expensive taste. When she was younger, she was known to splurge on designer items, but these days she's often sale shopping or looking for under-$100 items. Although what she's willing to spend may have changed, she's still just as picky as ever—paying close attention to the hardware on bags or the silhouettes of clothing.

Occasionally, she'll text me with what I like to think of as a shopping assignment, such as finding the most comfortable ballet flats. Most recently, she wanted to know the best affordable items I've come across this season so far—from $80 satin pants to $98 flats.

My mind went to various wardrobe staples, such as a pair of cotton poplin pants, a 100% cotton sweater, and a boatneck top. Keep scrolling to shop these and more under-$100 pieces I sent her from brands like Gap, J.Crew, Madewell, Nordstrom, and Zara.

Shop Under-$100 Items

Gap

Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt

Gap 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater

Gap Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans

J.Crew

J.Crew Luna Pant

J.Crew Perfect-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

J.Crew 2025 Rollneck

Madewell

Madewell The Greta Mary Jane Flat

Madewell The Easy Shirt

Madewell The Sophia Cardigan in 100% Softwool

Madewell The Boatneck Layering Tee in Utility Rib

Madewell Classic Button-Up Shirt in 100% Cotton Poplin

Madewell The Loafer Sock

Nordstrom

Cotton On 90s V Neck ¾ Sleeve

Nordstrom Maddox Ballet Flat

LESET The Margo Tee

Caslon® High Waist Ponte Ankle Kick Flare Pants

Reformation Santino Knit Top

Open Edit Satin Bias Low Rise Pants

Cotton On Women's Lotus Cinched Zip Knit

Monte Carlo Elastic Waist Side Tag Pull-On Skirt

Caslon® Bell Sleeve Mock Neck Merino Wool & Cotton Sweater

Levi's Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Open Edit Carmen Mule Pump

Zara

ZARA Fine-Knit Wool Jacket

ZARA Soft Belted Coat

ZARA Flowy Pleated Pants

ZARA 100% Wool Oversized Jumper

ZARA 100% Extra-Soft Wool Jumper - Navy Blue - S

ZARA Water-Repellent Windproof Padded Anorak With Belt - Black - Xs

ZARA Soft Bomber Jacket