With any new season, there is always a dilemma what to save and what to splurge on. If you are also wondering what fall pieces you should really shop affordable or try not to waste money on? And what pieces you should invest on, then this post is just for you.
I am diving into what items are investment worthy and why. But lets first clear this because a lot of you might start thinking that investment means buying designer pieces. And the answer is absolutely not.
Investment means picking items that are good quality and durable over really cheap items that only last for a season. This is key to building a sustainable and timeless wardrobe.
Fall Items To Save On
Basic Sweaters
These are crewneck sweaters and you might already own a lot of these. But even if you are upgrading or adding new colors no need to spend $100 on a fancy Cashmere sweater that you can’t wear more than twice in a week. It’s not worth it and now you get why.
Now I am not saying to buy cheap quality amazon sweaters that you can only wear once or twice. No, you should always focus on spending your money on quality clothes that will last you as long as they can.
But there are plenty of brands and stores that sell good quality sweaters in affordable price point.
Quince is an excellent place to shop for Cashmere and Wool sweaters in fraction of the cost when you compare it to brands like Club Monaco that will cost and arm and a leg. So, look for some stores where you can find these pieces in better price point.
Jeans
I have lived in Everlane and Levis jeans all my 30s. And gotten compliments from older rich ladies who could not believe that my Jeans cost $100. And they have lasted for years. So, why spend money on $300 jeans from Paige that look the same.
The key is focus on fit, style and shade of the jeans that will look elevated and classy instead of brand name, that means nothing if it does not look good on you. Of Course if you have a lot of spare money, totally go for that.
It does not matter if you are wearing Loft jeans, if they fit you well and look polished, you should rock them in confidence.
For fall, I love a good dark wash blue jeans that looks sophisticated. A good pair of white jeans that makes your outfit expensive. And your good old black jeans.
Tights
If you are buying tights for special occasion, maybe buy designer tights. But let me share my experience here. I bought Gucci tights for $250 5 years ago and I will share a photo of me rocking it. I wore it probably 4 times and i tore the threading. Something you will experience in a basic $20 tights as well.
I felt like I was scammed. So, learn from my mistakes and buy budget friendly tights. Amazon is the best place to buy good quality tights. Pay attention to the review and you will find some good one in any style.
Whether you want sheer, opaque or colored, you will find good ones.
Cardigans
Cardigans might be debatable, but I still feel you don’t need to buy designer or really high end cardigans. You can still find budget friendly pieces from good brands like Banana Republic Factory, Goelia, Mango, & Other Stories. These pieces will last you for ages and you can wear them with different bottoms or also wear them as outerwear in transitional weather.
As long as you are not buying trendy cardigans, that will only look good for that season or year, you can wear these cardigans for ages.
Base Layers
Base layers like Tshirts, bodysuits are something you will be wearing underneath as a layer, so why spend a ton of money. Now, this does not mean that you are going to wear Temu clothes. Just pick pieces that are good quality and soft so you are comfortable in them under knitwear.
For these pieces you should not be spending more than $40. I literally wear & other stories tshirts that costs $25. They are great quality pieces.
Tailored Pants
Tailored pants have made a come back this year. And if you love fashion just like me, you probably already own a couple of these. Just keep on wearing them. As the season gets cooler you might want to buy some wool blend tailored pants. But you will also find them in Banana republic Factory, Loft and Ann Taylor.
There is no need to buy fancy $400 pieces that look exactly the same.
Flats
Flat shoes like ballet flats or loafers do not need to be designer pieces to be high quality. Naturalizer is my favorite for ballet flats and they are made for comfort. I love coach loafers and they literally look like Gucci ones. I have both of them, sharing my review of the Gucci loafers.
Brands like Sam Edelman and Steve Madden are great options too. They are my favorite affordable footwear brands and my feet thanks them.
Fall Items to Splurge On
Jackets
As a grown woman, I have understood the power of good quality outerwear and the first style I want to emphasize are jackets. Again, you don’t need to buy designer jackets. They are simply not worth the money. Unless you have the money for it.
But going for high quality pieces that fit you right is the key to looking elevated this fall. Pick real leather or suede jacket over faux leather.
Also go for wool jackets or tweed jackets vs cheaper quality pieces.
I will also add blazers in this category because they become jackets for fall and winter. Picking high quality wool blend blazers would instantly elevate your look vs cheap polyester ones.
Coats
The same goes for coats. Again, its not about money, its about style, fabric and fit. Coats that are long and fit you well will look so much better than coats that are not long enough.
This is where spending a little bit more money will go a long way.
Most of my coats have lasted me for years. You can dry clean them and rewear every year. I love Mango coats, they are pricey but really high quality and long enough.
I literally have like 5 – 7 of them in different colors.
I also love & Other Stories pieces.
Boots
This is where if you want you can buy a designer pair, but don’t buy it because its a brand. You need to always pay attention to style and comfort. If they are not comfortable, you will never wear them again. So, what’s the point?
But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, go for brands like Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman that have good quality boots. They might be a bit expensive, but they are worth the investment.
You can never look stylish if your feet are hurting.
Scarves
This is where you should invest in some designer piece. These scarves will instantly make your outfit look luxe and stylish. And they will also last you a long time. The key is to pick styles that are not too outrageous. Go for classic styles.
I love Burberry plaid scarves, Gucci classy cashmere scarf. These are timeless styles that you can wear year after year. And they are not that expensive too.
