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.
