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14 Polished Summer Travel Staples That Look Designer—but Are Hiding on Amazon for as Little as $20
The finds below are so polished and on-trend, they could easily pass for something you'd pick up in a boutique in Positano or a beach club shop in Mykonos. Think: maxi dresses that feel like they've been plucked from a magazine spread, woven crossbody bags that could be mistaken for Bottega ones, and retro-inspired sunglasses that look far more expensive than $9. Each piece is effortlessly packable and vacation-ready—no one will guess they're from Amazon (and all under $50).
This elegant black-and-white maxi looks like it belongs on a sunset yacht cruise off the Amalfi Coast—not in your Amazon cart for under $50. With its contrast bodice and poplin skirt, it mirrors the aesthetic of high-end designs like the Solid & Striped Soglio Dress and By Malene Birger's Marciella Dress. The minimalist silhouette and polished color blocking give it that quiet-luxury edge, making it an effortless choice for everything from garden parties to European getaways.
This asymmetrical maxi is an elegant twist on classic warm-weather styles. Its one-shoulder neckline and tonal floral texture feel sophisticated yet fun—ideal for summer weddings or rooftop cocktails. The vibrant rose shade is playful and bold, but the subtle embellishment maintains its overall refined look. It's the kind of dress people will assume you picked up at a boutique in the South of France—not for under $50 with same-day shipping.
Jelly shoes are having a high-fashion moment, and this pair channels that trend without the luxury markup. Sleek, whimsical, and waterproof, they're a fun addition to any summer wardrobe. Wear them with a breezy white sundress to add a pop of color to your outfit, or pair them with jeans and a tee for a cool off-duty look. While designer versions from The Row and Senso run hundreds of dollars, these offer the same It-girl energy for a fraction of the price.
Nothing says nautical-chic quite like a striped cardigan, and this one looks like it belongs in Monaco. The soft knit, relaxed fit, and statement gold buttons give it a polished yet playful feel. Drape it over your shoulders with a sundress, layer it with denim for a casual travel look, or wear it with wide-leg trousers for a modern take on coastal prep. One shopper shared that fashion insiders have even mistaken it for a designer piece—honestly, same.
Vibrant and breezy, wearing this printed blouse will be an instant mood booster. Its lightweight fabric is perfect for hot destinations, and the bold pattern has an artsy, elevated vibe. Style it with a white maxi skirt for a day of sightseeing or half-tucked into denim shorts for a gallery-hopping afternoon. One reviewers said it 'looks like a much higher-end blouse,' and we're inclined to believe them.
These satin trousers are the secret to looking polished while staying comfortable in the heat. Lightweight with a silky drape, they feel effortless and look luxe—ideal for dinner al fresco or strolling through a Mediterranean port. The bold red color has a fashion-forward edge, while the elastic waist makes them easy to wear on travel days. Similar styles from brands like Vince and Cami NYC cost over $300, but these are a wallet-friendly alternative with the same rich look.
If your summer wardrobe is missing a striped maxi, let this one fill the gap. The nautical-inspired print and breezy silhouette will feel right at home in places like Nantucket and Nice. Pair it with a crisp white tank and leather sandals for the daytime, or dress it up with a silk blouse and strappy heels. I was originally eyeing the Banana Republic Poplin Skirt and the Hillhouse Delphine Skirt, but this one from Amazon gives the same energy without the upscale price.
A good pair of sunglasses can instantly pull a look together. These retro frames have an angular shape and a slim silhouette, echoing designer shades from Miu Miu and Bottega—but they clock in under $20 for two pairs. Throw them on with anything from a swimsuit and sarong to linen sets. You'll look like you just stepped off a yacht in Santorini.
With a draped front and simple silhouette, this maxi dress gives quiet glamour in all the right ways. The twist detail brings architectural edge, balanced by the grace of its long skirt. Ideal for a summer wedding or honeymoon dinner, it also doubles as a chic swimsuit cover-up. Shoppers love its versatility. One even called it their 'go-to vacation piece' thanks to its ability to be dressed up or down with just an easy change of shoes.
These sleek white kitten heels are the kind of shoe you can wear on repeat all summer. Their minimal design makes them endlessly easy to style—just as stylish with a slip dress as with wide-leg trousers or jeans. The cushioned footbed and non-slip sole make them practical and pretty, whether you're walking city streets or heading to a rooftop soirée.
This satin tank may be one of the most versatile pieces you pack. Its silky sheen adds instant polish to everything from jeans to tailored pants, and it's light enough for hot days while still looking elevated. The relaxed cut and soft drape give it an effortlessly cool vibe. Think: Amalfi Coast evenings or gallery nights in Palm Springs. For under $25, it's an easy way to refine any look.
Minimalist accessories are trending, and this slim belt nails the look without the luxe price. With its gold-toned buckle, it adds just the right polish to elevate denim or cinch the waist of a flowy dress. Whether you're styling it with tailored shorts and loafers or layering it over a linen jumpsuit, it brings a designer-looking finish to any outfit. One reviewer said it 'looks far more expensive than it is' and we couldn't agree more.
Crochet is trending, and this bold cover-up is a standout. Available in nine colorways, the rainbow-patterned options add a playful splash of color to any beach ensemble, while the open-knit design keeps the style airy and light. Wear it over a solid swimsuit for contrast, then pair it with gold sandals for a day exploring a seaside town. Similar items from Revolve, like the PQ Bree Boho Pants and its matching crop top cost over $200 together, but this one delivers the same energy for way less.
This woven crossbody blends fashion and function with ease. The luxe, Bottega-inspired design adds rich texture to any outfit, while the durable vegan leather construction and zip-top closure are ideal for travel—offering easy access to your essentials and some security against pickpockets. It's compact enough to go sightseeing hands-free, yet still roomy. One shopper said it 'feels like a $300 bag,' and we agree—especially at just $40.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
White House lands on Trump-Putin summit location as officials race to prepare for historic Alaska meeting
American officials scrambling this weekend to identify and lock down a venue for Friday's summit between President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart quickly discovered a major snag: summertime is peak tourist season in Alaska, and options both available and equipped to host the two world leaders were severely limited. When word reached certain prominent Alaskans that Trump and Putin were coming, a few began reaching out to the president's allies with a proposition: could their home be an option? It's unclear if those offers ever reached White House officials, who were calling sites in Juneau, the state capital, along with Anchorage and Fairbanks. Organizers of the summit soon came to believe the only city in the massive state with viable options for the summit would be Anchorage. And only Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, on the northern edge of the city, would meet the security requirements for the historic meeting, though the White House had hoped to avoid the optics of hosting the Russian leader and his entourage on a US military installation. That is where the two men will meet Friday, two White House officials said. The struggle underscored the rush now underway to nail down the details of Friday's meeting, the first time the top US and Russian leaders have met in more than four years. The summit is still largely a work in progress as US and Russian officials make haste to prepare for the high-profile encounter. The two countries' top diplomats — Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov — spoke Tuesday to discuss 'certain aspects of preparation,' according to Russia's foreign ministry. Usually, a high-stakes summit with a US adversary would be preceded by extensive negotiations over the agenda and outcomes. But Trump himself has said he is approaching the meeting as a 'feel-out' session, with few advance expectations for how it will proceed. The White House on Tuesday termed it a 'listening session.' 'The president feels like, 'look, I've got to look at this guy across the table. I need to see him face to face. I need to hear him one-on-one. I need to make an assessment by looking at him,'' Rubio said in a morning radio interview Tuesday with Sid Rosenberg, offering one explanation for why Trump's five known phone calls with Putin this year wouldn't suffice in determining the Russian leader's intentions. Landing on Alaska Trump's administration and the Kremlin landed on Alaska as the site for the summit after a lengthy behind-the-scenes back-and-forth, according to people familiar with the matter. There were few places that would work for the sit-down, the people said, particularly given a war crimes warrant issued for Putin's arrest by the International Criminal Court in 2023. With that fact looming, Russia balked at a European destination — even in a city like Vienna or Geneva, where US and Russian leaders have met dating back to the Cold War. While Putin himself raised the United Arab Emirates as an 'entirely suitable' location, many inside the White House hoped to avoid another lengthy trek to the Middle East after Trump's visit in May. In the end, sources said, it came down to Hungary — whose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is close to both Trump and Putin — and the United States as possible hosts, according to two US officials. American officials were pleased and somewhat surprised when the Russian president agreed to a meeting on US soil — on land that once was part of the Russian empire, no less. 'I thought it was very respectful that the president of Russia is coming to our country as opposed to us going to his country or even a third-party place,' Trump said this week, as his team was rushing to finalize details of the summit. Others were not so taken. 'The only better place for Putin than Alaska would be if the summit were being held in Moscow,' said Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton, who fell out with Trump during his first term. 'So, the initial setup, I think, is a great victory for Putin.' Previous Putin meetings The last time an American president met with Putin — President Joe Biden's 2021 summit in Geneva — the date and venue were announced three weeks ahead of time. But the planning between Russian and American officials started months before that. Biden, on a week-long swing through Europe, spent the days leading up to the sit-down in intensive preparation with top advisers, blocking out time in the mornings to parse potential directions the conversation could take and anticipate some of Putin's moves. He consulted other leaders, including the German chancellor, for pointers on how to approach the notoriously wily Russian leader. 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Instead, Trump will spend at least part of the summit meeting with Putin one-on-one, the White House said Tuesday, allowing time for the two men to carry out a discussion unheard by anyone else aside from their translators. 'That's part of the plan,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked whether the two presidents would meet as a pair. 'As for the other mechanics and logistics, I will let our team speak to that when they're ironed out.' It's not atypical for leaders to meet alone with their counterparts, but Trump and Putin's relationship has been the subject of intense scrutiny. And during Trump's first term, even senior officials said they sometimes were left in the dark about what was discussed when aides were left out. In Trump's previous two meetings with Putin, both encounters included translators, but not high-ranking aides. After the Germany meeting, Trump reportedly asked his translator for his notes. For his part, Putin has spent the days ahead of Friday's meeting placing phone calls to his remaining global allies — including some who have staged their own high-profile summits with Trump. That included North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, the Kremlin said Tuesday, who met three times with Trump during his first term, but still hasn't abandoned his nuclear weapons. This article has been updated with additional information
Elle
8 hours ago
- Elle
Pleated Trousers Never Go Out of Style—These Are the Ones Worth Buying Now
We talk about wardrobe basics as if they're just white T-shirts, straight-leg jeans, and a button-down shirt. But one look at fashion's hall of fame—beyond the red carpet—and you'll see which styles made it through the ebbs and flows, trends and trenches. Take pleated trousers, for example, which have never gone out of style. From Cindy Crawford's off-duty looks in the '90s through today's office staples, pleated pants have always given women an effortlessly put-together edge. A style straight from the menswear playbook, this was not just another chic pair of trousers but a political statement—women forgoing flirty skirts in favor of power pants in the workforce was about as rebellious as a fashion statement could get. Of course, the best pleated trousers don't just belong in the office. Now, we wear them as comfortable everyday pants, fit for a stylish evening event, a quick brunch date, or even a wedding reception. As the temperatures begin to drop, you may be inspired to consider a wardrobe refresh. Pleated pants offer a kind of sophistication and warmth that isn't quite present in jeans or a maxi skirt, so it's essential to keep a couple of these in your closet. With the help of the stylish team at ELLE, we found the best pleated trousers to shop ahead of fall. The barrel-leg silhouette may be a popular denim trend, but who says it won't look just as cool in other fabrics? These pleated pants by COS feature a unique side-button detail, which allows you to adjust the size for a snug fit. Sizes: 2-14 Inseam: 29.8 inches Colors: Dark Brown, Navy Material: 100% pima cotton Summer may be coming to a close, but linen remains one of the best fabrics to slip into. It's not just its breathability that makes the material a popular choice—it's also the chic appearance and elevated feel. 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Sizes: 2-10 Inseam: N/A Colors: Black Material: 87% viscose, 12% polyamide, 1% other fibers There's a reason Aritzia's The Effortless Pant has garnered such widespread affection, including from ELLE's digital director, Claire Stern Milch. 'I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm a die-hard Effortless Pant girl,' she says. Tailored to perfection, they have just the right amount of drape without looking too baggy, making them an ideal office staple. The Japanese crepe fabric has a unique texture, too—and it (magically) rarely wrinkles. Sizes: 00-16 Inseam: 31.5 inches Colors: 12 options Material: 100% polyester Customer review: 'The effortless pant is my favorite and go to option. I love the curve fit, as it fits perfectly my shape, especially with my thighs. The material is light and airy, yet very professional so it's perfect for office setting and going out.' If you plan on keeping your pleated pants forever—and trust, they will be in style for that long—then a pair from Ralph Lauren is the way to go. These expertly crafted pants ooze sophistication, from the long inseam to the mid-rise waistband and quality fabrics. And FYI: The pleats are present at both the front and back. Sizes: 00-18 Inseam: 32 inches Colors: Polo Black, Clubhouse Cream, Navy Rexroat isn't to lean into the changing seasons. Instead, while everyone is prepping for the browning leaves, she's looking toward these 100 percent linen pants as a way to 'pretend I'm still on vacation when I'm really just going to the office.' As for the inevitable wrinkles that appear with this type of fabric, she says, 'Embrace them—or get them in black and don't even worry about it.' Sizes: XXS-XL Inseam: 33 inches Colors: Black Material: 100% linen These ultra-high-rise trousers from Helmut Lang come with a detachable belt that helps to define the waist. A mix of linen and viscose gives these pants an extra flowy, smart appearance. There's even a matching halter vest (as pictured), if you're going for a coordinated look. Sizes: 0-10 Colors: Espresso Material: 52% linen, 46% viscose, 2% elastane For senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong, these pleated trousers are filed under her 'essentials' list. 'For something a bit more polished, you can't go wrong with one of Tibi's most iconic silhouettes: the Stella,' she says. 'With a high waist and pleated details, these wide-leg trousers are the office essential everyone needs in their closet. Personally, I'd style them with a classic T-shirt and loafers with a half-slip layered over it, but really, these will go with just about anything,' she adds. Sizes: 00-14 Inseam: 32.25 inches Colors: Navy Material: 53% polyester, 43% wool, 4% elastane For something a little more casual, these khaki trousers from Gap are perfect for brunch meetings and errands around town. They feature an extra-wide silhouette, giving a cool baggy vibe. You can even choose between a regular or long inseam. Sizes: 00-20 Colors: Mojave Tan Material: 100% cotton Customer review: 'Stylish and super comfortable! I'm able to wear them with slides or platform shoes. Love them! Wish they had more colors.' With Copenhagen Fashion Week coming to a close, we wanted to highlight one Danish brand, Mfpen, which was one of the semi-finalists for the 2025 LVMH prize. Chong praises the label for its 'tailoring, more specifically, its relaxed trousers, which give that 'borrowed-from-the-boys' look—something that gives any ensemble an edge of cool.' Aside from the fit, she assures that the 'creative director Sigurd Bank has a knack for picking out top-notch deadstock fabrics, so you know your pants will have longevity in your wardrobe.' Sizes: XS-XL Material: 100% virgin wool When it comes to basics—and trust, pleated pants are a wardrobe necessity—there's no place like Uniqlo. The brand seamlessly blends quality with affordability, and these pleated wide-leg pants are a testament to that fact. You can even get the inseam length altered—it'll only set you back $5. Grab a couple pairs for all the days you're in the office. Sizes: XXS-2XL Inseam: 16-27.5 inches Colors: 6 options Material: 66% polyester, 28% rayon, 6% spandex Customer review: 'Exceeded my expectations. The quality feels premium, and it's way more versatile than I thought it would be. Super comfortable, easy to style, and works for pretty much any day. Definitely picking up another soon' Commerce writer Laura Tarafa looks for 'tailored trousers that effortlessly transition from work to dinner,' just as these do. 'These slightly oversized, fully lined pants fit like a dream and are crafted with 8 percent spandex, offering just the right amount of stretch for all-day comfort. Whether you're at your desk, in meetings, or heading out for happy hour plans, you can't go wrong with this polished choice,' she shares. Sizes: XS-2XL Colors: Black, White Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex A slouchy pair of slacks is exactly what you need to look poised. The waistband has no stretch, so if you're between sizes, consider sizing up. That said, the belt loops let you wear your favorite cincher and adjust for fit. Material: 57% viscose, 43% polyester Another great pinstripe option is this pair from Favorite Daughter. This time in navy, the pleated pants are slouchy but not sloppy—as the brand describes them. Style them with your favorite white tee or pull out that vest you've been wanting to wear—these pants will complete the office-chic look. Sizes: 6-18 Colors: Navy Pinstripe Inseam: 33.5 inches Material: 65% polyester, 33% rayon, 2% spandex Customer review: 'LOVE these pants. I have several pairs of the favorite pants in different colors but these pinstripe ones might be my faves. So cute, stylish and comfortable. I wear them all the time.' Model Elsa Hosk's clothing label has rapidly grown in popularity thanks to pieces that consistently resonate with fashion lovers. Take these pleated trousers, for example—they have the perfect drape, pleats, length, and volume. Keep in mind: The 100 percent wool will require trips to the dry cleaner if you want to maintain its quality, but we believe they'll make the perfect fall or winter pants. Colors: Cream Inseam: 34 inches Material: 100% wool Not looking for a high-waisted option? These mid-rise pleated trousers should pique your interest. They still have that signature slouch and have endless styling potential. Sizes: 0-12 Material: 63% polyester, 33% rayon, 4% spandex Pleated trousers have one, two, or three folds woven into the waistband, which cause the pants to drape outward and give more room to the hips and legs. The unique part about pleated pants is that they make even a casual T-shirt look chic. If you want to go for an everyday look, opt for some comfortable sneakers (I recommend Adidas Sambas), a plain white T-shirt, and a cardigan draped over the shoulders. Another option is to slip into your favorite flip-flops and tank top, if the temperatures are warm enough. Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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Meghan Markle's Minimalist Royal Style Has a New Fan — And It's Not Kate Middleton
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