'I shop for a living, and found these 10 essential styling pieces under $40.'

In a climate where dishwasher tablets are considered a splurge, we're all looking for ways to shop smarter. That extends to our wardrobes, too.

I follow a very democratic approach to shopping, which means it really doesn't matter where it's from — if it adds value to my style, addresses a gap, and I can reasonably afford it, it's most likely coming home with me.

Watch as Jessica Leahy tries the Style Maths method. Post continues below.

And I've found time and time again that some of the most budget-friendly pieces in my wardrobe are the styles I turn to the most. Like these $30 barrel jeans, or my $25 chocolate brown shacket.

Just because something is affordable doesn't necessarily mean it's "cheap." That's all a matter of perspective.

As tax time approaches, I've been on a particularly budget-conscious beat. Here are 10 stylish essentials you can snag for under $40.

The leather thongs.

The style set has spoken, and minimal thongs are 100 per cent the new It-shoe. Before you scroll down to the 'fabric' details, yes, these are real leather. Run, don't walk.

Glassons Square Leather Thong, $39.99.

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The Oxford shirt.

On a recent episode of our fashion podcast, Nothing To Wear?, Mamamia's Head of Content and in-house style guru Eliza shared her obsession with the viral $25 oxford shirt from Kmart.

I grabbed it in white months ago, and I'm loving the new colours they've released, including lemon and powder pink. As I write in this piece, the styling possibilities are endless — you can wear it with trackpants, a sheer skirt or even layer it over your activewear.

Kmart Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt, $25.

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The scoop tank.

If there's one thing the Swedes have mastered, it's elevated basics. Ikea has them covered for your home, and Scandi high street brand NA-KD is all over your wardrobe. Their ribbed tank is utter perfection on its own and great for layering. Plus, shipping to Australia is free — happy browsing.

NA-KD Scoop Neck Ribbed Tank, $25.95.

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The sculptural hoops.

Specialising in on-trend, gold-plated pieces that won't break the bank, Harli & Harpa is well worth a scroll (or an IRL browse in your lunchbreak). These twisted huggie earrings make every outfit look chicer.

Harli & Harpa Gold Twist Triangle Huggie Hoop Earrings, $27.99.

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The knit cardi.

A cardigan is a low-key styling hero: it's a top, it's a layering piece, it's a jacket... the versatility! We all need at least one basic cardi in our wardrobe, and H&M's knit option comes in multiple neutral and pastel shades.

H&M Knit Cardigan, $34.99.

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The dad cap.

I saw this hat in my local Big W and couldn't quite believe where I'd found it. To me, it has that worn-in, picked-up-on-a-road-trip vibe I'm looking for in my dad caps. An easy style win!

Big W &me Women's Embroidered Milano Cap, $7.

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The sheer pants.

If you're keen to try the sheer bottoms trend but don't want to overcommit, these are an accessible way in (with an inclusive size range). Team them with an oversized tee or shirt for an effortless combo.

NEXT Black Sheer Beach Wide Leg Trousers, $38.

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The statement socks.

No one's saying you have to part ways with your ankle socks, but if you're doing the "layered long socks over your tights" thing, you may as well make them cute. Cue this '70s sport-inspired pair.

P.E Nation Green Homage Socks, $35.

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The buckle belt.

No accessory has had a glow-up this year quite like the belt. Which begs the question: why have we been sleeping on the outfit-elevating powers of this humble accessory for so long?

While there are lots of investment options on the market that'll last a lifetime, you can get a decent faux leather belt with a gold buckle for practically peanuts. I picked up this $5 skinny style at Kmart, and it's already become a staple in my winter wardrobe.

Kmart Skinny Double Metal Belt, $5.

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The Aviator sunnies.

When it comes to those pieces that do a lot for your look with minimal effort, statement sunnies are right up there. Aviators will always look cool, especially in an oversized retro shape.

Cotton On Peyton Aviator Sunglasses, $19.99.

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