When it comes to my daily style, I'm religious about the high-low mix.

I'm all for investing in your wardrobe and building up a stable of reliable pieces, and I support homegrown labels where I can (you can find a comprehensive list of faves here.)

But I'm also a realist, AKA just trying to get through a cost of living crisis while looking moderately stylish.

On that note, here's how recessions shape trends and the way we shop. Post continues after video.

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How recessions shape fashion trends | Nothing to Wear

When it comes to topping up my closet with seasonal pieces or trend injections, my focus is on shopping smarter.

Just because something is affordable, doesn't mean it won't last. I've found items at high-street chains and department stores that have given me years of repeat wear — like my trusty brown cord shacket from Kmart, and my favourite Glassons high-waisted jeans (literally acquired five years ago!).

As far as this fashion editor is concerned, the maths works like this: if you wear it regularly, it's a worthwhile purchase — no matter what end of the spending spectrum it falls on.

Last weekend I headed to my local shops in search of some new-season outerwear and knitwear that would also suit my budget.

This is not a shopping centre with bougie luxury brands — it's where you go for retailers like Target, Kmart and Best & Less (and a Boost Juice on your way out.)

The goal was cool, versatile winter styles under $100 — and the shopping gods must have been smiling that day, because I really came up with the goods.

Best winter fashion under $80: here's everything I tried on.

I'd been looking for a few outerwear updates, like an oversized bomber or faux leather jacket and a sportier anorak I can throw on with activewear.

I'd heard word of an elite brown faux suede bomber at Best & Less, but I had my doubts. The style had gone completely viral, and I didn't think I'd get my hands on one… but eureka, there was one left in a size large.

You'd better believe I tried it on. Pictured here with pants also from Best & Less. Images: Supplied.

While I usually wear a small, I was willing to upsize as I often do, because a roomy fit feels right with this silhouette. Perfect for layering over chunky knits.

For $49, how could I not take her home?

At Target, I practically pounced on this $60 red funnel-neck jacket — one of the last ones on the rack. For reasons that were made entirely clear when I put it on:

The cutest red funnel-neck. Images: Supplied.

This is one of those Holy Grail finds: the cut looks like it could be designer. It's the colour of the moment, but still timeless enough to be wearing for years to come.

It's an immediate outfit upgrade, and really gives that popular Uniqlo windbreaker a run for its money. Plus, it's thicker and warmer than your typical shell jacket. And it's still very much in-stock online at the time of writing this!

While I loved the look of this $80 faux leather coat on the rack and the pleather was super supple, it didn't translate as well on my body. I think it was the ruched waist — I appreciate what it's trying to do, but I'm looking for something straighter.

That said, I can really see this working with the right outfit. A near miss!

Target's faux leather coat was a miss. Images: Supplied.

Next up: tops. I was in the market for some effortless long-sleeve tops and flannel shirts I can throw on this winter without much thought. Think slouchy, comfy layers.

The style on the left below is Target, and it's a burgundy and cream micro-check which I find looks slightly more fashion-forward than your typical flanny — for $40. I'm wearing a size 14 for a roomier fit (I always recommend sizing up in shirts like this so you can play with half-tucking them and wearing them as overshirts).

The style on the right from Best & Less combines two trending colours into a classic check, and it's a steal at $25.

Please ignore the lime green pant, this shirt would look amazing with white jeans or leather pants.

Affordable flannel shirts at Target and Best & Less. Images: Supplied.

I loved both these collared tops at Target; again they hit the right trend notes while still feeling easy to wear all season. The brown one is a soft cotton rugby jersey for $30, while the black is more of a sweat with a funnel neck button closure that I'd wear open like this - it's $45.

And by the way — the black satin pants I'm wearing on the right are from Target, too, while the side-stripe pants are a Best & Less pair I've had for months (this is not sponsored, I'm a happy paying customer!)

Collared tops are trending now. Images: Supplied.

So there you have it. Some styles I took home, others I'm still thinking about, and some I'm happy to leave on the shelf for the next savvy shopper.

All in all, a successful expedition!

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Feature image: Supplied.