I’m a Stylist—I Spent Hours Shopping To Find You the Best Affordable Fall Pieces Available RN

As someone who wanted to love Abercrombie’s Sloane Tailored Pants, but ultimately bought Aritzia’s Effortless Pants for their slimmer profile instead, this is exactly what I’ve always wanted in a trouser—just a little too late. If you’ve ever tried a classic wide-leg trouser, loved the waist, but wished the legs were a little less voluminous, these are for you.

Fit: True to size

Some would say trouser shorts are my vice, but I find that they feel a bit more stylish than a pair of full-length trousers (not to mention the comfort level is unmatched). If you’re looking to try a pair out, this pair’s quality is out of this world for the price. I’d style them with a blazer and knee-high boots.

Fit: True to size

Had I been shopping online, I probably would have overlooked Abercrombie’s cashmere offerings completely, but seeing them in person made me realize I’ve been underestimating their capabilities. The quality of this particular sweater far exceeded my expectations, and officially earned a spot on my most-wanted knitwear list.

Fit: True to size

I’ve spent years looking for an affordable trench coat. Unbeknownst to me, I was looking in all of the wrong places, never imagining that Gap would be the solution to my problems. This is the perfect option if you are looking for a classic trench at an affordable price.

Fit: True to size

Bomber jackets feel oddly difficult to find, so my eyes lit up when I tried this one on. It’s surprisingly luxe for an incredibly reasonable price. The muted gray buttons give the jacket added versatility, and the wool texture will compliment even the most basic of looks.

Fit: Runs small

Never did I expect to find a pair of studded jeans at Gap, a brand known for their everyday essentials. I’ve always wanted to snag a pair from higher-end brands, but feared the studs lacked the versatility I needed to justify the price. For under $50, these designer-coded jeans are a steal.

Fit: True to size, but run long

I’ve been loving chocolate brown this season. Sweaters, jackets, boots—you name it, I want it, and I want it in brown. I was thrilled to find a pair of baggy denim in this espresso color, which are perfect for a black-and-brown combo or head-to-toe chocolate ensemble.

Fit: Run large

Behold: the jeans that made it into my group chat. I’m pretty particular when it comes to straight-leg denim. If you’re not careful, they can lean skinny, and while I have no problems with the return of skinny jeans, they just aren’t what I look for in an everyday jean. These are the perfect balance of not-too-skinny, not-too-baggy, making themselves an ideal candidate for my new go-to jeans.

Fit: True to size

I waited for what felt like years for the announcement of Reformation’s bags, but with so many great options, the decision of which one should come home with me has been overwhelming. Well, my friends, I think we’ve finally found the one—in this season’s it-color, how could I resist?

Last year, I deliberated at length whether or not I was going to purchase a Toteme scarf jacket dupe, only to decide against it and then spend the rest of the year regretting said decision. With the wrapped outerwear trend increasing in popularity for fall 2024, I can assure you that there’s absolutely no way I’m letting another season go by without a built-in scarf in tow. And on a knit tank? Even better. Bonus: The scarf is detachable for ultimate versatility.

Fit: True to size

I’ll admit it: I expected the worst in these jeans. But in an attempt to put myself out there (shop in person), I knew I had to use this time to experiment a bit. As it turns out, these were my favorite item of the day—proof that there’s still a bit of magic left in the in-person shopping experience. Unlike other barrel jeans, these feature a higher rise and a longer inseam, which feel less Western and more runway.

Fit: Run large

I picked this off the rack for no purpose other than to have a top to try on with jeans, and I’m patting myself on the back for the last-minute decision. The boxy, cropped fit of this sweater is perfect for pairing with high-waisted denim or trousers, and the color is the ideal shade of stop-me-in-my-tracks red.

Fit: True to size

I’ve been eyeing this sweater for weeks on end, but was having trouble picturing the brushed cashmere without an in-store try-on. I knew I had to pop into a J.Crew dressing room and settle this once and for all. Can you say perfection? I quickly called the associate into the dressing room and said, “fantastic, give me 14 of them right now.” No, not really—but I did ask her for my size in whatever brushed cashmere she had left.

Fit: Runs large

Think of this as the fit of a tee with the quality of a short-sleeve sweater. It’s everything I never knew I needed: an everyday tee alternative and an upscale top all in one. Plus, the ribbed waistband helps to create a customizable hem length that stays put throughout the day for a completely non-frumpy fit.

Fit: True to size

I’ll take one of every color, please. Expecting this to read like a classic crewneck, I was in for quite the surprise by how fashion-forward it actually felt. The brushed cashmere combined with the cropped fit and the subtle cable-knit detail work together to create a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching look.

Fit: Runs small

It’s giving Miu Miu, but without the designer price tag. Being the leopard-print aficionado that I am, this bag has been on my radar since its release a couple of months ago. Thinking it was too good to be true, I knew I needed to see it in person. Unfortunately, after seeing this in store, I had no choice but to take it home with me.

As I mentioned, I’m currently living for a cocoa-colored anything. Combined with sequins? I’m in trouble. It’s so good that I’m bumping some of the other items off my fall wishlist entirely to place this closer to the top. The sequins are large enough to be worn on the weekend or during the holiday season, and the nylon-spandex lining is comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Fit: True to size

A pin-striped blazer is one of those pieces that helps to boost any look, regardless of where you’re heading. What I love about this one is the unexpected zipper closure, which modernizes the otherwise timeless silhouette. I would style this unzipped over a white tee or zipped and belted with a leopard belt.

Fit: True to size

I’ve been wearing my Citizens of Humanity Ayla Cuffed Jeans on repeat, so I’ve been in the market for another pair to add into my rotation, and these checked all the boxes. They were slightly stretchy for optimum comfort, but not so stretchy that I’d expect them to sag by the end of the day.

Fit: True to size, but run long

I literally couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this bag on display, and for a second thought, “Where am I?” This mini top-handle bag is a steal for under $100.