To put that theory to the test, we gave ourselves a strict £100 budget and headed to some of our favourite high street and online brands. Here are the baskets we'd build at everyone from COS and H&M to Anthropologie, Uniqlo and M&S.
M&S
Everyone's most dependable retailer continues to excel at affordable wardrobe heroes. For our £100 basket, we're building a versatile summer capsule that will work hard right through to early autumn.
What's In The Basket?
Ribbed Sweetheart Peplum Knitted Vest, £28
A knitted tank top – but make it Marilyn worthy. This ultra flattering top, with its pretty peplum hem, will be great with everything from jeans to shorts to floaty skirts.
Pure Cotton Poplin Striped Pleated Midi Skirt, £30
Fresh and sweet, this is such a great skirt for wearing with everything – pair it with a simple white tee and trainers by day, then swap in a fitted vest and espadrilles for dinner. Great for dinner or the beach.
Cupsole Trainers, £26
There is no shoe we rely on more heavily between now and September than a simple white trainer. Comfortable, timeless and endlessly useful, this classic pair will work with everything else in the basket and beyond.
Oval Cat Eye Sunglasses, £16
A good pair of sunglasses is, of course, a summer essential. We love the soft olive tone of these cat-eye frames. Just add a straw hat and you're Riviera ready.
BASKET TOTAL: £100
Cos
Cool, architectural lines and clean cuts are Cos's signature hallmarks. The budget may not stretch quite as far here, but what it does buy is quality – we've kept things ruthlessly simple for a chic summer look.
What's In The Basket?
Ribbed Cotton Tank Top, £15
The simplest pieces are often the hardest working. In this sunshine yellow, Cos's classic ribbed tank feels fresh for summer and will slot seamlessly into an existing wardrobe. Wear with everything from denim and linen trousers to slip skirts and tailoring.
Elasticated Grosgrain-Detail Cotton Shorts, £45
Tailored enough for the city but comfortable enough for holiday wear, these cotton shorts strike that elusive balance between polished and relaxed. The longer length and clean silhouette give them a slightly more grown-up feel than the average summer short.
Sculpted Bangle, £39
A great piece of jewellery can transform even the most minimal outfit, and this sculptural bangle does exactly that. And what looks better against sun-kissed skin than instant chic-giving gold?
BASKET TOTAL: £99
H&M
If we were packing for a spontaneous summer escape, this is exactly what we'd take. Riviera style; high-street bargain prices: these four pieces create an entire warm-weather wardrobe for under £100.
What's In The Basket?
Tie-Belt Shirt Dress, £27.99
This is precisely the kind of throw-on-and-go dress that we'll wear all summer long. The shirt-dress silhouette is endlessly flattering, while the tie belt creates loose but all-important shape. Add sandals for sightseeing, trainers for errands or a basket bag for holiday dinners.
Knot Detail Tote Bag, £32.99
Every summer wardrobe needs a dependable oversized tote, and this one strikes the right note between practical and polished. Ideal for beach days, shopping trips and weekend escapes, the knot detailing gives it a little je ne sais quoi – which is just what summer dressing is all about, no?
Tie-Detail Flatform Flip-Flops, £22.99
Flip-flops continue to enjoy their fashion renaissance, and this chunky flatform pair offers a little extra height while remaining blissfully comfortable. The tie detailing nails the balance between fun and functional.
Sloping Straw Brim Hat, £12.99
Nothing says summer like a straw hat. With its relaxed, slightly oversized brim, this one delivers instant holiday energy while offering welcome protection from the midday sun. The fact it costs less than £13 is a bonus.
BASKET TOTAL: £96.96
La Redoute
Leaning into La Redoute's effortless Gallic sensibility, this basket is built around one versatile hero piece and the accessories to take it from city days to holiday evenings.
What's In The Basket?
Belted Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, £40.79
Elegant yet easy-going, this is a piece to wear with sandals by day, then dress up with jewellery and a great bag for dinner. If you love Me + Em's classic cheesecloth dresses, this is a very worthy dupe at a fraction of the price.
Sidsel Belt, £16.99
This simple belt helps define the waist and transforms the silhouette of dresses, skirts and oversized shirts, making it an endlessly useful addition to pretty much any outfit.
Havaianas Over Puffed Up Flip Flops, £39.99
Flip-flops have graduated from beachwear to everyday summer staple, and this chunky pair are our current favourites. Comfortable if you're out sightseeing but equally good for loafing around the beach, they'll swiftly become your most lived-in shoes of the season.
BASKET TOTAL: £97.77
Anthropologie
Anthropologie excels at the pieces that make everyday dressing feel more fun. Rather than investing in basics, we've spent our £100 on cheerful summer additions guaranteed to raise a smile.
What's In The Basket?
By Anthropologie Prawn Embroidered Baby T-Shirt, £38
The humble summer T-shirt, but with a classic Anthropologie twist, naturally. What could be more joyful than a seaside-fresh prawn-emblazoned tee to add just the right amount of summer fun? We love.
The Wren Boxer Shorts by Anthropologie, £32
Boxer shorts continue their reign as the most comfortable trend of the season. Could anything be lovelier than this pair, complete with hot air balloon motif for a little summer whimsy?
Icon Flip Flop Charms, Set of 4, £16
These playful charms clip onto your sandals and lean into the season's love affair with all things nostalgic and kitsch.
Tonal Hair Ties, Set of 10, £14
In a palette of soft, wearable shades, these hair ties are perfect for sweeping hair up on hot days and thus cooling grateful necks down.
BASKET TOTAL: £100
Uniqlo
Few brands do hardworking wardrobe staples better than Uniqlo. Built around quality fabrics and pieces that will never date, this basket is all about building the foundations of a great summer wardrobe.
What's In The Basket?
Oxford Boxy Shirt, £19.90
An oversized cotton shirt is one of the most useful pieces you can own. Wear it buttoned up with shorts, thrown over swimwear on holiday or layered over a vest on cooler days. At under £20, this is a smart buy.
Linen Stripe Shorts, £24.90
Easy, breathable and endlessly versatile, these striped linen shorts are made for warm-weather dressing. Pair them with the Oxford shirt for a relaxed co-ord feel or mix them with simple tees and tanks throughout the summer.
Round Mini Shoulder Bag, £12.90
Uniqlo's cult shoulder bag has become something of a modern classic, thanks to its deceptively roomy interior and simple, unfussy shape. Wallet, keys, phone, SPF – and you're good to go.
Combination Dress, £34.90
Easy, airy, comfy. The sort of dress you can wear pretty much anywhere without overthinking anything.
BASKET TOTAL: £92.60
FAQs: Shopping Baskets Under £100
Can you still build a stylish wardrobe on a £100 budget?
Absolutely. Focusing on versatile basics, good accessories and pieces that work across multiple outfits allows you to create a surprisingly hardworking wardrobe without overspending.
Which high-street brands offer the best value for money?
Marks & Spencer, Uniqlo, H&M and La Redoute consistently offer excellent quality-to-price ratios, particularly for wardrobe staples and summer essentials.
What should I prioritise when shopping on a budget?
Look for pieces you'll wear repeatedly: a great shirt, comfortable shorts, a versatile dress, white trainers or a reliable bag. Cost per wear is often a better measure than the price tag alone.
Is it better to buy lots of cheaper pieces or one investment item?
That depends on your wardrobe. If you already have strong foundations, one standout piece may be worthwhile. If you're filling gaps, several affordable staples often offer greater value.
What are the most useful summer wardrobe staples?
An oversized cotton shirt, linen shorts, a simple summer dress, comfortable sandals, a straw hat and a practical tote bag will carry you through most warm-weather occasions.
Which accessories make the biggest impact for the least money?
Sunglasses, jewellery, belts and bags can completely transform an outfit without requiring a large spend, making them some of the smartest budget purchases.
How can I make budget fashion look more expensive?
Stick to simple silhouettes, natural fabrics where possible, a cohesive colour palette and good fit. Even affordable pieces can look polished when styled thoughtfully.
What is the best way to shop a £100 fashion budget?
Plan before you buy. Identify gaps in your wardrobe, set a firm budget and focus on pieces that work together rather than making impulse purchases.
