Fall is almost here, and it’s time to go shopping! While you don’t have to break the bank doing so, some pieces are definitely worth the splurge. But with all those lust-worthy trends to usher in the sartorial season, how’s a girl to choose what is worth the extra few dollars and what are save-worthy items? From timeless classics to of-the-moment trends, here is your ultimate guide on when to splurge and when to save for fall. So, wallets on the ready—on your mark, get set, shop.
Save Or Splurge?
Splurge: Neutral Tone Cashmere Sweater
A forever classic is worth the extra dollars. While your chunky cotton knits are great to pair with jeans on off-duty days, more luxe knits will take you from a casual denim-clad brunch to a cocktail party, tucked into a gorgeous midi skirt and heels.
Save: Sock Booties
Every season, there is that one shoe trend that you have to have but know isn’t going to stick around for very long. Sock booties are one of those such trends. Make sure to grab a pair to wear with skirts and ankle-cropped pants alike all season long. Accepting that you may not be quite as interested come next year, it's a good excuse to search for more affordable options.
Splurge: Gorgeous Tan Bag
Sometimes one of the biggest trends on the runway is a timeless piece you forgot you loved so much. And for those, we say: Invest! The Fall 2017 runways were rife with gorgeous tan bags in every shape, size and texture. When looking for your next splurge-worthy purchase, consider a bag that you’ll carry for years to come.
Save: Denim Skirt
While we firmly believe this reincarnation of our favorite staple from the early-aughts is here to stay, at the end of the day, it’s still just denim. So, while you may be in constant search of that perfect denim skirt, it's certainly not necessary to spend your entire paycheck while doing so.
Splurge: Flat Mules
A few years ago, we might have categorized these as a save, but now it's become clear that they’re sticking around for the duration—and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Think of these as elegant backless loafers for the modern girl-on-the-go. What's more, designers are crafting gorgeous options in velvet, brocade, calf hair and faux fur.
Save: Sculptural Earrings
Another one of the season's biggest trends, sculptural earrings deserve the extra search time but perhaps not the extra money. This piece of jewelry will surely draw in everyone's attention, so choose your style wisely—luckily, some of our favorite affordable fashion retailers have a killer assortment of these jaw-dropping adornments.
Splurge: Statement Top
Statement tops come in all forms, and the specific styles that we tend to categorize as splurge-worthy are the classics—with a twist. In other words, they are interesting enough to turn heads but nothing too crazy. In a tailored shirting stripe or flirty gingham print, seek out a style with interesting sculptural details—and don't stress about spending a few extra dollars on something so transformative for your everyday look.
Save: Slouchy Boots
Like the sleeker sock booties, slouchy boots are a major runway trend of the season that we aren't totally sure will stick around very long, but we know we have to have in rotation come fall. In suede, leather and even embellished textures, they're dramatic, to be sure, but even more exciting with a slightly lower price tag.
Splurge: Tailored Coat
Whether you're heading to the office, out to dinner or off to run weekend errands and want to appear a little more tailored than your slouchy jeans might suggest, a tailored coat is the way to go. Great tailoring comes at a price, though, so this piece of outerwear definitely lands itself in the splurge category, as far as we're concerned. When shopping for this gorgeous wardrobe addition, go classic to ensure that you and your new topper are set up for a long, happy life together.
Save: Something Metallic
Have a little fun with metallics this season. Whether it's a bag, pair of shoes or full-on embellished dress, it's time to try out the glitz and glam of this eye-catching trend. Since this look can be an acquired taste and/or season-specific, shop for more affordable options when it comes to your pop of metal this fall.
Splurge: Shearling Jacket
Even shearling on a budget isn't all that cheap, so it's worth the investment when it comes to this piece of luxe outerwear. As there's little worse than spending a fair amount on something that begins to part at the seams before the season is even over, a truly great shearling jacket is one you’ll keep forever—even if you have to save a little extra in your piggy bank before bringing yours home.
Save: Folklore And Patchwork
When it comes to folklore, you can have too much of a good thing. Instead of investing in the exquisite craftsmanship that perhaps more accurately represents the trend, we fully support shopping on a budget for this one. Consider patchwork skirts, crochet tops and whimsically patterned jackets to add a bit of flair to your looks this fall.
Splurge: Modern Suiting
With looks as transitional as suiting, it's time to pull out those extra dollars and invest. After all, a blazer and matching bottoms (be it a skirt or pair of trousers) are really two looks in one. Wear them together or style each with more casual counterparts. No matter how you put your look together, it's definitely worth the price.
Save: Statement Coat
Some of the greatest trends on the runway translate brilliantly into the statement coat realm. And, as we well know, a fun one will instantly transform any look instantly, so it's a great fall piece to keep on hand. That said, with such a head-turning piece, there's no guarantee you won’t get bored fairly quickly, so it’s an ideal time to seek out your favorite affordable fashion retailer for your next go-to coat.
Splurge: Go-Anywhere Pumps
If there's one thing you splurge on in adulthood, make it a pair of elegant pumps. Think: sleek, classic pointed-toe stilettos in black that will—quite literally—take you anywhere. They're perfect with pencil skirts, party dresses and even denim for weekend dinners with a slightly casual dress code.
