While I typically purchase a key investment piece each season that I know I’ll be wearing for years ahead, I’m always on the hunt for affordable items that tap into the latest trends as soon as the new season hits. For me, that means items like chunky Chelsea boots, dresses with shoulder pad details, and loose-fitting jeans—all items I’ve already ordered to wear on repeat for the months ahead.
Curious to find out which affordable fall fashion items we’ll be seeing insiders wear soon, I asked some stylish people to share the under-$150 pieces on their radar. They all have an amazing eye for elevated basics and the coolest trends of the moment, so you’ll find plenty of those here. From ribbed knits and cutout tops to faux leather and skirt suits, here you’ll find the best under-$150 fall pieces to add to your shopping cart now. Ahead, see all 30 picks, starting with my personal edit.
Chunky Chelsea boots are one of my favorite trends for fall. Mango has the perfect modern take on the shoe that is finished with a platform and a tall silhouette.
I actually ordered this Franke Shop dress a few months back but think it’s the perfect transitional piece. The shoulder pad details really elevate the typical T-shirt dress. I’ve been wearing it with sandals this summer but will be swapping in chunky Chelsea boots and an oversize blazer as we head into fall.
I’m replacing all of my jeans with loose-fitting styles, and Levi’s happens to design the best cuts out there. It’s an added bonus that the price point is so great.
“Given most of my meetings are now via Zoom, a statement earring is the perfect fall accessory to pair with a classic fine-knit turtleneck. Part of the Net Sustain collective, Laura Lombardi works with repurposed metals, ensuring her beautiful collection of jewelry is not only accessible but sustainable also.”
“This COS merino knitted top is the perfect fall wardrobe staple—modern but classic, refined and simple in design. Merino wool as a material offers numerous advantages. It’s warm but breathable and doesn’t itch or crease. It’s the perfect warm, lightweight material that is also natural and sustainable. Tucked into a pair of jeans and layered under a blazer, this knit is the perfect effortless fall piece.”
“A classic loafer is the perfect fall shoe. For those slightly warmer fall days where boots may be a little excessive, a pair of chunky leather loafers are the perfect shoe to complement a dressed up or dressed down fall look. Paired with jeans and a blazer or a knitted midi dress, the loafer is both a polished and versatile wardrobe staple.”
“I recently discovered this brand and love how they include unusual details in their process so that they stand out from the crowd.”
“I fell in love with the length of these leather-look pants as soon as I saw them. They are leg lengthening, cool looking, and will go well with both heeled and chunky boots.”
“I missed out on these boots last fall and am so glad they are back in stock in new colorways. Definitely snagging them this time!”
“I think that when going from summer to fall dressing, the key is to add some texture and structure. As someone who usually defaults to blue jeans and a black sweater for fall, adding a brown croc belt changes everything! I also like adding a little hardware to give my look a little something extra and add some depth.”
“I have realized that for me, adding some sort of silk blouse makes me feel really put-together (even for WFH). I will wear this blouse from Sézane with some relaxed denim this fall for all my FaceTime sessions, so look out!”
“I’m so into leather outerwear right now whether it be a trench coat or a blazer. This one has some structure to it, which is great for when I want to make the rest of the outfit cozy and unstructured.”
“I never thought I would be an ‘investing in minimal pieces’ person, but lately, I’ve been leaning into interesting necklines and letting those do the talking.”
“Miniskirts and a chunky sweater is my favorite fall outfit. I love to snazz it up with a skirt that is versatile but has a fun shape!”
“Skirt suits are one of the biggest trends this season and H&M just came out with the perfect iteration (for under $100).” Shop the matching Short Skirt ($25).
“This sweater vest is what I plan on living in this fall. I love how many fresh ways there are to style it and the fact that it looks triple the price doesn’t hurt either.”
“I’m normally not a bodysuit girl, but this sleek ribbed knit one really caught my eye. From the trending neckline to the versatility, not buying it really wasn’t an option.”
“I’m obsessed with bodysuits due to their ease when worn and their ability to work with every single piece of clothing in my wardrobe. Why not add a piece with a little more interesting detail like the structuring and tailoring of this cream one-piece.”
“Every year and just before fall begins, I go on a frantic search for the perfect OTK boots with the right formula of interesting features, a subtle hint of sexiness yet practicality to walk down the street in as well as to be worn with near enough anything—even biker shorts and a sweater. And every year, I always have to choose between style, price, and size accessibility. Not with this ASOS find.”
“Fall is about elevating your basic pieces and layering. I love this sustainable Ninety Percent ribbed cotton tank from Net-a-Porter, but most importantly, I love that curvier body types and women with a penchant for luxury are being catered for on the site. The message is now, ‘These are no longer out of our reach.'”
“I’m trying to be more conscious in purchasing more BIPOC–owned businesses. These sandals are perfect to transition from summer to fall, and they’re on sale, too!”
“Victor Glemaud is another great Black-owned brand. This tank top is on sale and can be dressed down with denim or dressed up with a smart pair of black trousers.”
“I love the neckline of this bodysuit, as I’m into pretty much anything with an open neck. Knits, especially ones as versatile as this, are so perfect for fall. This one is made with eco-friendly fabrics.”
“I’m craving all things classic right now, not to mention lighter tones in the beige, tan, and ivory color family. After doing a major quarantine closet clean-out, I’m restocking my assortment of coats and can’t think of a better start than this double-breasted wool coat in coffee.”
“I’m super into the chain-link jewelry trend that’s continuing for fall, and this cable necklace is the perfect statement-making strand to layer with my delicate pendants. Even better, it really shows up on FaceTime and Zoom!”
“The neckline on this sweater is so beautiful and feminine. It’s such a great way to freshen up a simple gray knit. I’ll be pairing mine with jeans and a square-toe boot.”
“I absolutely live for a good suit, but I’ve found myself getting bored of the typical blazer/trousers/sneaker combo I usually reach for. A sleek vest feels more unexpected and gives off a subtle ’70s vibe that I love.”
“These are the faux-leather pants I’ve been searching for my whole life. I got them just before quarantine started and have been waiting to wear them ever since. They’re unbelievably comfortable and feel like butter to the touch. Plus, they’ve got that perfect slouchy fit.”
“Since I’ve gotten dressed a grand total of five times over the past six months, I’ve really been trying to limit my clothing purchases. I broke that rule when I saw this Kamala Harris tee designed by Cleo Wade. Kamala is the first Black woman and the first Asian American to become a major party’s vice presidential nominee. This is history in the making, and I wanted to own a small piece of that to, one day, pass on to my children.”
