"The change of the seasons always comes with the desire to freshen up the way we dress. Of course, it’s impractical to expect to completely overhaul your current closet with the changing of the temperatures, but luckily, adding a couple of new and exciting pieces to your wardrobe usually does the trick. And while some pieces are better off being looked at as investments, others are actually ones that you shouldn’t shell out too much cash for.
As you’re planning out your fall outfits—and subsequently figuring out which gaps you have in your closet that you’d like to fill—these are the pieces you can save your coin on (perhaps to buy a beautiful suede jacket?). Keep scrolling for the best fall fashion staples under $100.
1. Long-Sleeve Layers
In my opinion, a long-sleeved T-shirt is completely underrated. Layer it with a jacket, style it with a skirt—the opportunities are endless, and it’s a much-needed, versatile option that you can depend on throughout the rest of the cooler season.
2. Denim Shirts
A denim shirt is a seasonal staple for a reason. The looser-fitting layer looks so chic tucked into jeans for a denim-on-denim moment, which can be personalized with a belt and accessories. It’s also another lightweight throw-on-and-go layer that will can useful on days with mercurial weather.
3. Satin Pants
The pajama-pant craze isn’t going anywhere for fall. Boxer shorts, meet your sophisticated older sister: satin pants. The luxe material makes for an unexpected texture that’s just as nice to look at as it feels to wear.
4. Fall Dresses
Your throw-on-and-go option for fall should be a dress. It feels like an oxymoron, but a dress is incredibly versatile and can be worn a million-and-one ways for practically all occasions. A casual dress can make you feel put together even when you’re running late—just add a jacket to make it comfortable for crisp mornings.
5. Lightweight Jackets
Denim jackets, cropped trenches, and their lightweight counterparts are essential for keeping you warm on days that are chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon, and they add endless value to your outfits. Luckily, this is a category you can save a little bit of money on—especially if you’re opting for a denim or bomber option.
6. Transitional Tees
If you haven’t solidified a rotation of T-shirts, let this be your sign to do so before fall weather hits. A solid tee is the perfect canvas for whatever’s next, whether that be a jacket, cardigan, or crewneck sweater.
Kaitlin Clapinski, Contributing Fashion Writer
Kaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, current trends, and everything else fashion-related. You can find more of her work in Marie Claire, Editorialist, The Zoe Report, and i-D Magazine, among others.