As you check out these quintessential hot-weather looks, we bet you can't guess which one's the steal and which one's the splurge. The lesson to be learned: Great style has no price tag.

THE CLASSICS

Some items ever fall out of fashion. When it comes to summer dressing, white jeans, striped tops and strappy sandals have a never-ending shelf life.

Tip: Silk handkerchiefs and bandanas have made a comeback. Whether artfully knotted around your neck or tied onto your bag, they add a certain je ne sais quoi to just about any ensemble.

LEFT: Paige jean jacket, $315, rainbowjeans.com. Top, $90, marshalls.ca. Michael Micheal Kors white jeans, $165, earrings, $85 and watch, $235, michaelkors.ca. Silk scarf, $300, hermes.com. Bag, $450, mackage.ca. Shoes, $180, eccocanada.com. RIGHT: Jean jacket, $37, oldnavy.ca. Top, $40, express.com. White jeans, $34, joefresh.com. Earrings, $50, bananarepublic.ca. Silk scarf, $3, valuevillage.com. Bag, $70, winners.ca. Watch, $95, timex.ca. Shoes, $35, hm.com/ca.

Left: $1,820. Right $364.

VEST IN SHOW

An oversize vest will easily become the MVP of your summer wardrobe with its power to add instant polish.

LEFT: Vest, $65, and earrings, $7, hm.com/ca. Babaton top, $55, aritzia.com. Silk pants, $124, bananarepublic.ca. Shoes, $39, joefresh.com. RIGHT: Vest, $490, mackage.ca. Judith & Charles top, $295, holtrenfrew.com. Silk pants, $295, pinktartan.com. Earrings, $74, bananarepublic.ca. Michael Michael Kors shoes, $178, michaelkors.ca.

Left: $290. Right: $1,332.

WHITEOUT

Step out in this season's freshest style: the white frock. Although the pristine shade can be chic year-round, nothing says summer like a little white dress.

Tip: If you find wearing white from head to toe daunting, mix in some light hues such as camel, blush or beige.

LEFT: Leather moto jacket, $850, mackage.ca. Michael Michael Kors dress, $250, bag, $228 and shoes, $395, michaelkors.ca. Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses, $375, marchon.com. Earrings, $344, thomassabo.com. RIGHT: Polyester/spandex moto jacket, $108, express.com. Babaton dress, $135, aritzia.com. Sunglasses, $15, and bag, $20, hm.com/ca. Earrings, $62, bananarepublic.ca. Shoes, $39 joefresh.com.

Left $2,442. Right: $379

HOT SHOULDERS

Nothing says breezy dressing like a shoulder-baring blouse in bright white. When paired with a '70s-inspired button-down denim skirt, a fringed bag and strappy heels, the look epitomizes laid-back summer style.

Tip: Statement-making jewellery doesn't need tobe hefty. Pendant necklaces can bring minimalist glamour to your silhouette.

LEFT: Sea top, $365, holtrenfrew.com. Skirt, $178, fildelitydenim.com. Necklace, $55, and shoes, $148, bananarepublic.ca. Bag, $170, braveleather.com. Bracelet, $175, michaelkors.ca. Ring, $319, thomassabo.com. RIGHT: Top, $50, and necklace, $15, hm.com/ca. Skirt, $34, joefresh.com. Cuff, $62, and ring, $55, bananarepublic.ca. Bag, $40, express.com. Shoes, $100, marshalls.ca.

Left: $1,410. Right: $356.

FASHION ORIGAMI

Pleats have made a dent in the fashion landscape this season, but micropleats add another layer to the story. Uniform vertical creases and abstract folds create a sculpted silhouette that shines for work or play.

Tip: Anchor the look with a pair of gingham pumps.

LEFT: Michael Michael Kors dress, $195, michaelkors.ca. Earrings, $62 and cuff, $50, bananarepublic.ca. Shoes, $378, jcrew.com. RIGHT: Dress, $50, and cuff, $10, hm.com/ca. Earrings, $8, walmart.ca. Shoes, $80, express.com. 

Left: $685. Right: $148.