When it comes to shopping for clothes, I’ll admit that my sartorial preferences don’t always reflect my available bank balance. I seem to be drawn to luxurious designer pieces, sumptuous fabrics, sophisticated silhouettes, elevated styles—that all tend to carry a hefty price tag. In other words, I have expensive taste but a small budget. Luckily, however, that doesn’t make shopping any less fun. In fact, I love that satisfying (and smug) feeling when I find a chic, new season trend or style that looks pricey but doesn't cost a fortune. So today, I want to share the trends I’m most excited about buying this autumn which feed my penchant for luxurious-looking styles but don’t won’t break the bank. Keep scrolling to add these affordable yet elevated autumn trends to your wardrobe this season. Best of all, everything is under £100.
Maxi Hemlines
One of my favourite trends of the autumn season has to be the long and luxe maxi hemlines we saw all over the AW22 runways. Whether it's a sleek column dress or a minimalist '90s-style skirt the trend feels fresh, chic, and elevated.
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Silky Slip Dresses
Nothing makes an outfit look expensive quite like a sumptuous silky slip dress. Opt for black, white, and neutral hues in midi and maxi lengths as spotted all over the runways. Just add a sweater, blazer, or bomber jacket once the temps start to cool.
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The "Pretty" Trend
From sheer sequinned styles to delicate embellishments, pastel pinks and charming floral adornments—designers embraced all things feminine, dainty, and pretty on the AW 22 runways (a stark contrast to the dark gothic styles which were also omnipresent). Opt for a sheer top to pair with your trousers this autumn, or go for a delicately embellished dress.
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Relaxed Tailored Trousers
Smart and polished, relaxed tailored trousers continue their dominance into autumn—and I couldn't be happier. They were ubiquitous on the runways, spotted in a variety of hues and fabrics from classic black and traditional tweed to colourful pink velvet. They make every outfit look more expensive and pair perfectly with everything from cosy knits to tank tops, and every kind of jacket. Style them with pointed toe heels for a sleek look.
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Brushed Knits
It's not fall without cosy knitwear, and while we saw a variety of styles on the runways, the fluffy brushed-out knits really stood out to me—spotted in a wide range of hues and styles—from dresses to cardigans. They'll no doubt give your outfit a sumptuous and plush look.
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Elevated Bomber Jackets
There are plenty of outerwear trends I'm getting excited about this autumn—from plush robe coats to edgy leather biker jackets, but I’m particularly excited about the unabashedly cool bomber jackets that are back on the scene. Whether you opt for an oversize fit like the ones seen at Isabel Marant, a cropped suede style like at Miu Miu, or a shearling bombers spotted at Prada, this season’s styles feel elevated and luxe.
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Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are back in business this autumn and we've already spotted the trend all over Instagram. They're easy to wear with jeans or dresses and if you want to go full on balletcore pair them with scrunched socks as seen at Miu Miu.
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