9 Fall Wardrobe Updates You Can Make Without Spending a Fortune
Whenever a new season comes along, there's that inevitable feeling of desperately needing a wardrobe update. But with all the fresh merchandise hitting stores, it can be tough to prioritize exactly which Fall trends you really need to have in order to feel like your closet is up to date. Plus, most people aren't working with an unlimited budget, so the more you can get for your money, the better. So as you transition from thinking about what to wear when it's too hot outside to the closet switch-ups that will get you the most bang for your buck in the season ahead, here are some key trends to keep in mind.
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Red Hot
The color red was all over the runways for Fall, so investing in a dress you love in the bold color is a smart move. Wear it now with your best white sneakers and shades and later in the season with a khaki trench and boots.
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The easy-breezy Zara Ruffled Long-Sleeve Tunic ($50) is as lounge-worthy as it is cute.
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The Mango Puffed-Sleeves Dress ($60) pairs equally well with menswear flats now and tights and ankle boots when the weather turns cold.
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The perfect mix of body-conscious and comfortable, the Pixie Market Beatrice Red Smocked Dress ($126) is sure to become your seasonal go-to.
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Checked Out
Suiting pieces and menswear patterns are trending for Fall, so you can make the most of both at the same time by picking up a checked blazer that will work with everything from jeans to trousers and tees to romantic ruffled blouses.
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The black-and-white palette of the ASOS Tailored Clean Mansy Check Blazer ($87) makes it easy to wear with virtually any outfit.
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For something with a real hit of menswear style, try the Zara Double-Breasted Jacket With Lined Buttons ($100).
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Clearly, off-the-shoulder isn't going anywhere . . . even for Fall. Case in point: the Loéil Lauri Blazer ($168).
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Big Belts
While you weren't paying attention, statement belts sneakily made a comeback. Fall's version is wide and classic in black or brown with a silver or gold buckle, meaning it will go with most of the pieces you already have in your closet. Wear it at your waist to add definition to your shape or slung low on your hips with a flowy dress for a more bohemian vibe.
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This & Other Stories Leather Belt ($60) is plain enough to wear with any look but has enough sleek style to add a little something extra to whatever you're wearing.
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This Massimo Dutti Wide Leather Belt ($90) will serve as the ideal complement to all your khaki, jewel-toned, and navy ensembles.
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If you really want to go for it, the polished yet slightly Western-looking B-Low The Belt Rouge Belt ($162) makes even the most basic black dress feel incredibly chic.
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Statement Sweaters
With stripes, argyle, varsity, Fair Isle, and more, you'll want to get in on this season's novelty knit trend. Wear one with jeans, a skirt, or over a dress for an instant outfit refresh.
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This Forever 21 Contemporary Multi-Stripe Knit Top ($16) mixes well with basics for a quick and easy update.
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This season's varsity jacket is the varsity sweater. Snag one like the & Other Stories Jacquard Varsity Striped Sweater ($95) ASAP.
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If you're not afraid to try out something a little louder, the Aqua Cashmere Intarsia-Emojis Sweater ($198) might just be your next closet all-star.
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Buttoned Up
It's all about the details this Fall, which makes a skirt with standout buttons a must have. In on-trend neutrals like khaki and navy, these simple yet outfit-making skirts will bring any ensemble to the next level.
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For those who aren't into the look of bigger buttons, the J.O.A. Asymmetric Hem Fitted Skirt ($73) provides a more subtle alternative.
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Sometimes the simplest pieces have the most transformational power in your wardrobe. That's because they're effortless to wear, like the Loéil Nosara Skirt ($76).
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The contrasting buttons and architectural style of the Baxter Denim Asymmetric Button Skirt ($102) make it ideal for fans of the modern minimal aesthetic.
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Very Velvet
What could be more cool-weather-worthy than velvet? The material was everywhere on the runway this season, so if you haven't already invested in this Fall classic, now is the time to go for it. Luckily, it's become so popular that you don't have to spend a fortune to get in on the trend.
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Clocking in at just $25, the H&M Crushed Velvet Dress is near impossible not to add to your cart.
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A kimono or duster like the Urban Outfitters Crushed Velvet Kimono ($79) is a stress-free way to add a little bit of Fall to any look.
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Layered outfits are more popular than ever, and the Intimately Meow Meow Velvet Maxi Slip ($98) looks just as great over your favorite tee or turtleneck as it does on its own.
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Folksy Florals
The best thing about this season's folk-inspired florals is that they're available in every silhouette and color palette you can imagine. Silky pantsuits, off-the-shoulder tops, billowing blouses, and date-night dresses are all represented in the trend, making it one of the most painless to add to your closet.
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For a low-commitment take on the trend, try this H&M Off-the-Shoulder Blouse ($25).
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The Mango Bow Floral Dress ($70) is the perfect pair to your favorite leather jacket.
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With a seriously flattering silhouette, the Floral Garden Ruffle Wrap Dress ($90) may just become your night-out MVP.
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Silver Surfer
Metallic pieces have been floating around for a few seasons, but silvery statement items are the most current version of the trend. From wear-with-anything jackets to separates that are easy to mix-and-match with your existing staples, adding something shiny to your assortment for Fall is a no-brainer.
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If an anorak or jacket seems like it might be too loud for you, give the Topshop Metallic Jersey Pleated Skirt ($65) a try.
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This Silence + Noise Iridescent Packable Windbreaker Jacket ($79) mixes sporty with slick for a look that's fully of the moment.
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If you're looking for a style that you can wear over any outfit, whether it's fancy or casual, the Monki Metallic Anorak Jacket ($95) may be your perfect fit.
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Puffer Pieces
Sure, puffer jackets are a cold-weather mainstay, but these days, you can find them in all kinds of fun colors and thoroughly updated shapes. Wear these as your outerwear in the early days of Fall and later on as layering pieces.
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The Massimo Dutti Feather Scarf ($65) is totally genius. A scarf-vest hybrid, you can wear it with anything for a little extra warmth and style.
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The Free People Cold Rush Puffer Coat ($98) is the LBD of outerwear. Cropped to perfection, add it to any outfit for a dose of casual cool.
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A mix between a puffer and an anorak, the 1 Madison Mixed Shell Down Coat ($158) will add the best of both worlds to your wardrobe.