3 Fall Items I Never Splurge On (and 3 That I Do)
In poker, it's crucial to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Similarly, in fashion, it's important to discern when to invest in quality items and when to be more frugal. With fall fashion, not all your clothing needs to have a significant price tag. In fact, many items we frequently wear tend to wear out sooner, making them ideal candidates for affordable shopping. The trick is understanding where to cut costs so you can rejuvenate your wardrobe every season without feeling regret over purchases. On the other hand, there are certain fall essentials that are worth investing in as they truly enhance your outfits and endure over time. A tailored blazer that completes a look, knee-high boots that improve with age, and a luxurious suede jacket that feels like a timeless piece all firmly belong to the "investment" category. Below, I outline which pieces I choose to splurge on and which I save on each season, explaining how this balance keeps my closet looking both stylish and practical.
Don't Spend Much On: Suede Bags
Brands such as Gap and Zara offer great options for suede bags at reasonable prices. I'm especially fond of Gap's Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag ($62), which is a fantastic substitute for the $1190 version by The Row that Dakota Johnson has.
Gap
Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag
ZARA
Mini Split Leather Bowling Bag
Invest In: Knee-High Boots
I believe knee-high boots are worth the investment. High-quality leather ages wonderfully and conforms to your feet, while cheaper alternatives may crack, lose their shape, and become uncomfortable over time. Additionally, knee-high boots can elevate even the most basic outfits.
Sézane
Bridget Knee Boots
Don't Spend Much On: Sweaters
In general, expensive sweaters can be costly to maintain. Not only do you pay more upfront, but you also face high costs for dry cleaning and repairs. Personally, I prefer machine-washable sweaters, so I usually don’t spend more than $75 on one.
MANGO
Boat Neck Ribbed Sweater
Invest In: Suede Jackets
I can easily identify a low-quality suede jacket from afar. They often appear stiff, flimsy, and flat. On the contrary, high-quality suede has a softness and depth of color that budget versions seldom match. A good suede jacket can instantly elevate an outfit and will last for many years.
Banana Republic
Heritage Suede Jacket
Michael Kors
Fringed Suede Jacket
Don't Spend Much On: Loungewear
When it comes to loungewear, my only priority is comfort. So, there's no need to splurge on this category. After much trial and error, I've found that items under $50 can be just as comfortable as those that cost three times as much.
BP
Baggy Wide Leg Sweatpants
Invest In: Blazers
A well-constructed blazer is the type of garment that can last for a lifetime, not just a season, a year, or even a decade. Some of my favorite designers include Veronica Beard, Nili Lotan, Frame, Liberowe, Anine Bing, Ralph Lauren, and Theory.
FRAME
Houndstooth Tweed Blazer
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3 Fall Items I Never Splurge On (and 3 That I Do)
Make thoughtful purchases.
