I love refreshing my wardrobe each season, but as a fashion writer on a budget, I’ve learned a hard truth: not every fall trend deserves a swipe of your credit card—especially the ones that won’t survive past a few wears. That’s why I’ve gotten strategic, only picking pieces that look current now and will still feel chic next year. Bonus: every single one of my picks is under $100 on Amazon.
The trick? Stop buying on impulse. Before anything hits my cart, I ask myself: Will I actually reach for this in a few months? To make it easy, I’ve rounded up seven fall swaps—the overdone trends I’m skipping and the budget-friendly Amazon pieces that are actually worth it. Think luxe textures instead of wild animal prints, and earthy shades over fleeting pastels to help you build a timeless capsule wardrobe. Keep scrolling to see what I’m ditching this season—and the chic, budget-friendly upgrades taking their place.
Best Under-$100 Fall Fashion Finds
Don’t buy: Funky prints
Buy instead: Textured pieces
Loud patterns are fun for one season, but they don’t have much staying power. Cheetah today, zebra tomorrow—and suddenly you’re stuck with a closet full of prints you’ll never wear again. Instead, I lean on textures to give outfits depth and personality. Think suede against silk, denim with corduroy, or wool layered over satin. It’s a simple trick: pair something weighty (a ribbed blazer or suede sneakers) with something sleek (a satin skirt or a satin blouse) for instant dimension. A chunky knit with a flowy skirt? Chic. A suede moto jacket with jeans? Elevated, but effortless. Textures always feel fresh—no wild patterns required.
Don’t buy: High-rise pants
Buy instead: Low-rise styles
High-rise had its moment, but low-rise is officially the silhouette of the season. They’re easier to move in, they won’t cut into your waist, and they bring a subtle Y2K edge that feels surprisingly wearable. The key is balance: try a slouchy low-rise jean with a fitted top, or low-slung trousers with a tucked-in button-down. Even silky wide-leg pants look cooler when they sit lower on the hips. This style is casual, unfussy, and flattering in ways high-rise just can’t match.
Don’t buy: Sweater vests
Buy instead: Polo tops
The preppy vibe isn’t going anywhere, but this fall, it’s less about sweater vests and more about polos. Sweater vests can be tricky when the weather doesn’t cooperate—too warm for layering, too chilly for solo wear. A polo shirt, though, works every time. You can lean into the academic look with pleated skirts and loafers, or make it sporty with track pants and sneakers. You can even do a mix of both—pair polos with slip skirts for a mix that feels both collegiate and cool.
Don’t buy: Pastels
Buy instead: Rich, earthy tones
Fall calls for rich, moody shades that mirror the season. Once the air dips into the 60s, my pinks and creams get swapped for burgundies, olives, and deep blues. Pastels just feel out of place when the leaves are turning colors and pumpkin spice is back on the menu. Earth tones, on the other hand, ground an outfit and make everything look more intentional. A chocolate-brown sweater, an olive trench, a rusty orange sweater—those are the staples that make September wardrobes click.
Don’t buy: High boots
Buy instead: Mid-calf boots
Thigh-highs are dramatic, but they’re not practical. Mid-calf boots are where it’s at this fall—they’re easier to style, more flattering on different body types, and way simpler to pack for a trip. My current fixation? Moto boots with buckle details. They add edge to a mini skirt and tights, but they’re just as cool peeking out under wide-leg jeans. They also play well with midi skirts and oversized knits, striking that perfect balance between tough and chic.
Don’t buy: Puffer jackets
Buy instead: Thin, layering jackets
A puffer swallows an outfit whole—once it’s on, that’s the look. But a trench or barn jacket? That’s layering magic. You can show off what’s underneath, whether it’s a crisp button-down, a turtleneck, or a cardigan, and it always looks more intentional. Plus, lighter jackets are easier to travel with and adapt to unpredictable weather. I love the polish of a trench thrown over trousers, or a barn jacket layered with knits for a cozy-meets-tailored vibe.
Don’t buy: Chunky kicks
Buy instead: Thin-soled sneakers
Bulky sneakers are fading out, replaced by sleeker, thin-soled styles. They’re lighter, more versatile, and tap into the streamlined silhouettes dominating fashion right now. In New York, I can’t walk a block without spotting retro-inspired trainers with slim profiles. They’re the shoes that work with everything: trousers and a blazer, a pencil skirt and sweater, even flowy dresses. They keep an outfit looking sharp without weighing it down—literally.
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