Damn right I’d like a Max Mara coat, some Paris Texas knee-high boots, a printed dress from Prada and that new Bottega Veneta clutch this season, but in reality, my autumn shopping budget doesn’t look like it’ll stretch that much. I’ll always advocate saving up for a dream investment piece (and any of the above suggestions last year after year, no matter the trends), but the same kind of thinking can also be applied to high street or more affordable fashions when you want to upgrade and breathe new life into your existing wardrobe.
So if you’re looking for a little autumn/winter 2021 vibe, rest assured you don’t have to spend a fortune, but you should still spend wisely. Try to seek out pieces that feel like they’ll work with what you already have nestled away in the depths of your closet. (If in doubt, go home and try items on with at least three other outfits to see if your purchase is versatile enough.) Don’t buy something so niche and specific that it requires a full outfit build around it. Why? Because you’ll end up putting down more cash than you’d intended to, and you could’ve just bought something special and luxe instead.
One of the best ways to make sensible purchases that go the distance is to keep things relatively pared-back. Or you could just follow my guidance on the kind of items that can look expensive even on a lean budget… I’ve pulled together some example ensembles you can craft without denting your credit card this autumn. Keep scrolling to see and shop them.
An oldie but a goodie, this season’s take on the blazer-and-jeans formula involves a skintight top, gold jewellery and strappy heels.
A slightly weighty—not too thin and not too clingy—knitted dress always looks effortless (so effortless that it goes nicely with trainers). Easy peasy.
In general, if you pick a family of colours and wear them head to toe, you’re going to look slick. This is especially true for shades of white, beige and cream. Oh, and a jolt of matte red lipstick will never do you wrong in this instance.
A trouser suit never fails and will always look premium in a more neutral hue like grey, khaki or tan. This could look just as good styled with flats, sneaks or boots.
When looking for an LBD you can wear all winter long, try to pick something that has a talking point, like the volume in the skirt and sleeves of this Zara one. You can then accessorise as wildly or as calmly as you want.
It’s the pairing of the season. Midi skirts and blazers will proliferate on the streets of fashion week, but it’s highly likely you own enough pieces to pull this together already.
Leather trousers are hot property this season, so why not team them with another 2021 trending buy: the long-sleeve mesh top, just like Noor? Only instead of her sandals, perhaps wear yours with chunky boots to make it more seasonably palatable.
One of the easiest ways to make your outfits look more expensive is to blend and match the colours of the clothing that make up your ensemble. Abi’s ombré green look is nothing short of beautiful.
There’s just something so appealing about the combination of a miniskirt, a chunky knit, and loafers, as demonstrated here by Aimee. Sure, it might be preppy, but this is a look that has stood the test of time since the ’50s, so who are we to argue?
