Splurge vs. Save: 16 Fall Picks I'm Buying on the Cheap and 12 I'm Investing In
While I can't deny the jealousy I feel when seeing someone wear head-to-toe The Row (oh, to live one day with Kendall Jenner's closet), my admiration still mostly goes to those who effortlessly master the art of high and low. I don't agree with most of Carrie Bradshaw's decisions, but I wholeheartedly agreed when she said, "The next day, I was looking for a $7 dress to go with my $300 shoes." After all, life's all about balance. My seasonal wish lists will always consist of one or two higher-priced items I'm willing to invest in along with some affordable picks that I know I'll get maximum wear out of.
I won't be buying everything on this wish list, but I certainly have my eyes on the picks below. If you're looking for a well-curated fall shopping list at a variety of price points, you've come to the right place. I've narrowed down the luxury items that have our team buzzing and the under-$100 buys that will have the "Where did you get that?" questions piling on. Keep scrolling to see the key buys for each budget.
Splurge:
When our editor Anna LaPlaca wore this cardigan to the office, everyone wanted to know where it was from. While $289 may be more than the average person would pay for a cardigan, it's certainly cheaper than other options while offering the same luxurious feel and silhouette.
Raffia bags may have been a summer staple, but with the additional touch of leather, this Khaite tote will easily pair with any outfit year-round. Another plus? While there are specific Khaite bags seen all over on the arms of celebs and fashion folk, this style is a little more "IYKYK."
Now that I'm back in the office more regularly, I've been investing in pieces I can wear to work on rotation. If you're looking to switch things up from your black trousers, try a pencil maxi skirt like this one. You can channel your inner Rachel Zane from Suits, who is always my corporate-fashion inspiration.
When you own the perfect trench coat, it'll be a piece of outerwear you'll rely on for years to come. The army green feels a little bit fresher than the classic beige, but it still is extremely versatile and easy to wear. Whether it's fall or spring, this is the kind of coat you can reach for regularly.
I wish I could buy everything on this list, but here's one item that I actually have purchased this season. I love to have a stack of jewelry I wear regularly, and I've been reaching for this necklace way more than any of the cheaper costume jewelry pieces I've bought. It has a heavier weight, making it durable; is adjustable; and offers a key element of interest to any outfit.
For years, I was reluctant to purchase an ACNE Studios scarf out of fear it would be deemed too "trendy" as time went on. But after two years of owning my scarf, I still love it as much as I did the day I bought it. It not only provides optimal warmth but also makes any outfit feel a little bit more lively, which is needed in the dreary winter months.
Save:
At least four editors on our team own these jeans (including me) and were left thoroughly impressed by Free People's denim selection. These offer the barrel-leg fit that's trending right now, but since it's not overly dramatic like other pairs, it still feels wearable enough for everyday attire.
Not all gray hoodies are the same, and I've been on the hunt for the perfect Miu Miu esque one ever since they were the center of attention at the brand's F/W 23 show. When I saw this neoprene-effect style sitting in Zara's new arrivals at under $100, well, you could guess my level of excitement.
It's easier to add an edgy touch to your outfits in fall, and I personally haven't given into the distressed moto look because of how high the prices of the pieces can be. I've also tried looking at thrift stores and haven't ended up with anything in my size. Lucky for me, Vince Camuto released this pair, and it checks all the boxes.
After interning atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2019, Yusra Siddiqui found her way to the team after graduating with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, Nylon, and Allure. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing Wholesale Replica Bag social media trends, and diving deep into all things Gen Z-related.