When buying new items, you often get what you pay for. Not always, but often enough that an online, bargain item that you can’t see and feel in person gets the side eye from me. I usually thrift, buy vintage, or shop online from the sites and brands I already know, love, and trust — but every now and then, I take a chance on a bargain piece and am pleasantly surprised.

I try not to make it a habit, since I want everything I bring into my closet to be something I’ll wear over and over — but these pieces have proven that they stand the test of time and frequent wear. Below, I highlighted six affordable clothing and accessory items that exceeded my expectations!

6 Affordable Clothing and Accessory Purchases That Exceeded My Expectations

Floral romper with bell sleeves: $36.99 with free prime shipping

I took a chance on this romper after seeing several positive reviews with accompanying pictures. I wanted something that could be a quick bathing suit coverup so I could look presentable while grabbing food at the resort we stayed at in Tulum in early 2020 (pre-pandemic), and it definitely did the trick! But then, much to my surprise, I found myself wearing it at least a few times a month. I ended up buying it in another color (cream). It comes in several color and pattern variations. I’m a US 6 and I bought a size medium.

I’ve gotten a few questions about what I wear underneath it, since it has an open back. I either wear a lacy bra with a pretty back, a pretty bralette or bandeau, or these adhesive Nippies by Bristols 6 (the BEST). Honeydew Intimates, Hanky Panky, and Skarlett Blue have some really pretty options.

Elastic stretch bow belt: $12 with free prime shipping

I had to scroll a few years back in my purchase history to find this belt, which should tell you everything. I wear it quite a bit, with fit and flare dresses or full skirts. Also, I love that it’s stretchy with a snap closure, gives some waist definition, and quite literally wraps a bow around whatever ensemble I’m wearing! I have it in red, but it also comes in black and white. I’m wearing a size small — and at $12, it’s enough of a bargain that I decided to order another color.

Outfit details: My dress is from Hello Tallulah vintage, thee hat is vintage from an estate sale, white ballet flats are Villa Rouge, ShellieMay bag is from Tokyo Disney. Roxy’s dress is vintage (I bought it from Sam back when she had Whurl).

High waisted swimsuit bottoms: $19.99 with free prime shipping

It used to be a rare sight to see me in a bikini, but with an option of high waisted swimsuit bottoms, I’ve been dipping my toes into the bikini bottom sea. My only problem? Some of the high waisted options aren’t high enough for me — I like just a sliver of skin showing, sometimes! So, I ordered a pair of super high waisted swimsuit bottoms in a goes-with-most-tops color: black. They’re also available in navy, red, and leopard.

Outfit details: Havaianas Cruella flip flops (gift), vintage shirt and hat, Adore Me swim top (gift), high waisted swim bottoms, Cruella inspired wig.

Polka Dot Babydoll Smock dress: $21.99 with free prime shipping

Easily one of my most worn items in my wardrobe. I bought this polka dot dress over two years ago and wear it constantly. It comes in lots of colors and patterns. However, the polka dot can read as both mod and Minnie Mouse, so naturally I went with that. I might have to buy the reverse color way, too! Honestly, I wear this once a week, no exaggeration. I bought a large and originally regretted it because it was a little longer than I wanted. Nonetheless, once I put it in the dryer (my brand of rebellion), it shrank to the exact right size. So I’d probably size up again, due to shrinkage!

Outfit details: old beret, vaccinated pins (gift from the maker), wig from Annabelle’s Wigs. Peter Pan Otterbox case (gift)

White Go Go boots: $52 with free prime shipping

I’ve been looking for a pair of white go go boots for awhile, but the ones I liked were always out of my price range and I was afraid the less expensive ones would be too costume-y. Remembering that returns are a thing (I rarely return anything, so sometimes I forget!), I decided to give these a shot after seeing promising reviews. They’re not my dream boots but they look great and are very comfy, and I’m thrilled that they give me some room around my calves. I also love the block heel. Needless to say, I kept them and will wear them often.

Outfit details: vintage dress, old beret, DIY daisy laces (watch the tutorial here).

Heart sunglasses: $6.99 with free prime shipping

I have these sunglasses in so many colors, because I love them that much. They’re a cat-eye and heart hybrid, and come in many colors! I’ve lost or broken expensive sunglasses on trips before, and since these heart sunglasses are such a bargain accessory, they’re my go-to travel sunglasses. At $6.99, I wouldn’t be heartbroken (ba-dum-tss!) if I had to shell out the money to replace them. But the best part? Even though they’re plastic, I’ve never had to. They’ve been thrown in countless bags and suitcases with no problems, and I wear them all the time.

Outfit Details: Adore Me bikini, vintage top and scarf (see my head scarf tutorial, here!), heart sunglasses.