I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: looking chic has far less to do with the price tag on your clothing and far more to do with how you care for it—and how long you keep it in rotation. Style doesn’t automatically come from expensive labels. It comes from the way you pull pieces together, how you maintain them, and the confidence you bring when you wear them.
That being said, I know fast fashion often carries a reputation. If you’re a millennial like me, you’ve probably heard the critiques loud and clear—cheap quality, disposable trends, environmental concerns. But here’s the thing: if shopped with intention, fast fashion can be more than just a quick fix. It can actually be a smart, affordable way to test-drive trends, stock up on basics, or simply refresh your wardrobe without guilt.
Personally, I like to think of fast fashion as my stylistic playground. It’s where I experiment with new silhouettes or moods, without committing to an investment piece I may regret later. And right now? I’m deep in one of those phases.
A Mood Shift
Maybe it’s my haircut, maybe it’s the Florida sun, but lately I’ve been living in a 1960s state of mind. Clean lines, bold yet simple shapes, body-skimming dresses that feel modern while still nodding to the past—it’s all I want to wear. Every couple of years I go through a transformation like this. I’ll add a handful of trendy pieces to my foundation wardrobe just to breathe some new energy into it.
A few years ago, I couldn’t get enough ruffles and bursts of color. Before that, my closet leaned retro and playful. This time, mod style is having its moment. Think Twiggy-inspired dresses, minimal accessorizing, and silhouettes that feel as fresh today as they did decades ago. With shows like Euphoria bringing retro aesthetics back to the forefront, it feels perfectly relevant—and let’s be honest, there’s something about the 60s vibe that just works in Palm Beach. It’s polished yet unfussy, striking but not overcomplicated.
Fast Fashion, Done Smart
Here’s the rule I follow: if I’m indulging in a style phase, I don’t splurge. I let fast fashion do the heavy lifting. That way, I can try on trends without draining my budget or cluttering my wardrobe with pricey pieces I may not wear long-term. Basics like T-shirts or layering tanks? Perfect fast-fashion finds. A bold little dress that I may only wear for a season? Fast fashion to the rescue.
But there’s a catch—you have to be intentional. Look for pieces that are well-made for the price point. Choose fabrics that feel good against your skin. Stick to silhouettes that flatter you and can be styled in multiple ways. And above all, take care of what you buy. Launder it properly, store it carefully, and don’t treat it as disposable just because it was affordable. Longevity is the secret to looking put-together, no matter what you spent.
Four Dresses, Countless Possibilities
For my current 60s kick, I turned to River Island—a brand that consistently offers chic options without blowing up your budget. I found four dresses that checked every box: stylish, wearable, and all under $200 (many under $100). Each one feels effortless to slip on and style, which is exactly what I want in everyday wear.
I kept the accessories simple because for me, the clothing is the star. I’ve never been someone who piles on layers of jewelry or over-the-top bags just to “make an outfit.” I’d rather let a dress speak for itself and add just enough finishing touches to polish the look.
These pieces aren’t complicated, and that’s the point. Chic doesn’t need to be. A well-cut dress, a great pair of sandals, maybe a pair of sunglasses—that’s all you really need to feel pulled together.
Why It Works
The beauty of mod-inspired style is that it’s timeless while still feeling current. A shift dress from 1965 can look just as fresh walking down Worth Avenue today. The minimalism also means it’s easier to wear—no fussy closures, no complicated styling required. Just slip it on, step out the door, and you’re instantly put together.
And because these dresses came from a brand that doesn’t demand a big financial commitment, I get to indulge my 60s mood without hesitation. Maybe this phase lasts a year, maybe just a season. Either way, I’ll enjoy it while it’s here—and if it fades, I’ll store the pieces carefully until I’m ready to revisit them. Because if fashion has taught me anything, it’s that everything cycles back eventually.
Final Thoughts
Fast fashion isn’t perfect, and it’s not meant to replace investment pieces that anchor your wardrobe. But when approached thoughtfully, it can be an asset—a way to express yourself, explore new moods, or simply stretch your budget while still feeling stylish.
For me, my four River Island dresses are exactly that: a playful nod to a decade I can’t get enough of, without demanding more than they should. They fit beautifully into my current mood, and they’ll be there in my closet—cared for and ready—whenever I need them again.
Because at the end of the day, chic has never been about the price tag. It’s about the care, the confidence, and the joy you bring to the clothes you choose. And that? That never goes out of style.