Anyone else have expensive taste, small budget syndrome? I’ll be the first to admit I’m partial to a luxury leather Bottega Veneta pouch bag, but my bank account repeatedly suggests I better just stick to Zara. Or as my husband likes to put it, "You have caviar taste on a canned tuna fish budget.” Well, tuna fish can taste good too. And in terms of fashion, you can find plenty of incredibly chic options for less this fall. Luckily, as market editor, I’ve become hugely savvy on how to satisfy my expensive taste without breaking the bank. I look for modern detailing, refined silhouettes, and opulent fabrics. While Mango, Zara, and Pixie Market are just some of my go-tos for affordable trends, designer discount site The RealReal is also a treasure trove of luxe designer pieces for a fraction of the price. From leather separates to mock-croc boots and the sophisticated bourgeois trend, below, I’m sharing how to nail this season’s most-expensive looking trends on a budget.
The Bourgeois Trend
Bourgeoisie style dominated the fall runways in Paris this year—think prim, proper, and refined silhouettes such as A-line midi skirts, tie-neck blouses, silk scarves, and tweed blazers. While the trend might seem affluent in nature, you definitely don’t need to spend lot to pull it off.
Leather
Just one scroll of your Instagram, and you'll likely see your favorite fashion muses wearing some form of buttery leather. From shirts to dresses and skirts, leather separates are a huge trend for fall. The fabric looks supremely luxurious and will elevate any outfit. While real leather can get very expensive, there are plenty of faux-leather and vegan-leather options that are not only trendy but look and feel opulent too.
Mock-Croc Accessories
The luxe textured fabric continues to reign supreme on bags, belts, and boots, adding an upscale touch to our outfits.
Slouchy Suit
Slouchy is the new fitted—especially when it comes to tailored suits this season. Nail the slouchy-suit trend with loose, wide-leg trousers and relaxed blazers in beige and ecru hues that exude an effortless elegance.
Tall Boots
The colder weather is coming, friends, and knee-high and over-the-knee boots are trending. While tall boots tend to be on the pricey side, I found some super-chic and affordable pairs that could pass as designer. Wear them over your skinny jeans and under midi dresses and skirts this season.
Up next, I'm a shopping specialist and found the best under-$100 items to add your cart this September.
