Fashion
Challenge Accepted! 11 Vogue Editors Curate Fall’s Top Trends Under $300
From the modern boho aesthetic trickling down from Chemena Kamali’s Chloé, to the color trends of now, like chocolate brown and oxblood, found at Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and Khaite, there are a plethora of of-the-now trends to indulge in. Miu Miu showed off sumptuous suede’s in luxuriously rich browns, while Khaite and Bottega Veneta amplified every shade of red with burnished leathers, and liquid-like silk, in draped, fluid, and cascading silhouettes. Then, we have overarching themes for under $300 each, like elevating the everyday with precious touches (think of feathers, lush textures and metallic details), as well as cold-weather prints like plaid, Fair Isle, and jacquard stemming from countryside codes and ski season. Ahead, 11 Vogue editors on their favorite trendy finds for under $300. The Affordable Fashion Challenge awaits!
Modern Boho
While I don’t consider myself a boho girl, I love the world Chemena Kamali created at her debut Chloé show and those who want to get the look can do so via Madewell’s slouchy hobo bags, Mango’s ruffled dresses, and Dôen’s lace trimmed pieces. —Madeline Fass, senior fashion market editor
Power Dressing
I’ve been wearing bold shoulders, menswear-inspired suiting, and pleated trousers for a few years now, so when corporate dressing à la that major moment at Saint Laurent (here’s looking at you, Bella Hadid!), and exaggerated, sharp tailoring began trending again, I rejoiced. There’s something so alluring, so sexy, and so sleek to me about a structured, yet languid, silhouette. I feel the most me in a boxy blazer, pencil skirt, and loafer. Maybe, what it’s really about, is women owning and taking back their power. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve this look—there are plenty of under-$300 finds in this category. —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
Chocolate Brown
Dare I say, chocolate brown is my new favorite neutral? As someone who typically wears black all winter long, this is a refreshing take on a wintertime color. I find its richness quite cozy—excellently paired with those black wardrobe essentials plus the deep navys and crisp tans that line my closet. Fortunately, there are a handful of excellent under $300 chocolate brown finds currently on my wishlist—notably, pleated trousers at Cos, suede shoulder bags at Massimo Dutti, and scarf sweaters (my latest obsession) at Pixie Market. —Kiana Murden, senior beauty commerce writer
Tailored Suiting
I actually find a suit to be a very comfortable, easy go-to wardrobe staple. You don’t have to think about it and your whole outfit is taken care of and you look like Christian Bateman meets Annie Hall! I love this red cord suit from J.Crew, very festive for day-to-night holiday dressing, this marled gray from Sézane is a perfect winter layer and this three-piece pinstripe suit is perfect for channeling your inner CEO. —Chloe Malle, editor, Vogue.com
Ladylike Styling
For some reason, whenever I am jacket shopping, I manage to achieve two looks—either I look like my dad from the ’80s in an oversized masculine jacket, or I look like my grandma in ladylike tweed. The collarless jacket is finally a style that feels like me. Fitted, sculptural, and modern, this shape suits my petite frame and feels like a new update to the often overworn blazer. My favorite styles come from Aligne. —Libby Page, executive commerce director
Off Piste
While I won’t be skiing until the new year, the first signs of snow in New York City have me counting the days down for my first run of the season. “Off Piste” was a niche mood on the fall/winter runways, but one that’s actually super wearable in the city—especially when incorporated in small doses. The window to sport Fair Isle is short, so I’m going all in on knits—Alex Mill, Varley, J.Crew, and Massimo Dutti have super fun and festive options under $300. Accessory-wise, Ugg’s newest Alpine Tasman captures that on-the-mountain energy for cozy weekends, not to mention they’d make for perfect change of shoes once the ice-crusted ski boots come off. A Fair Isle scarf or hat is easy to come by, but to really let the sweaters shine I’d accent with neutral soft goods, like a hooded wrap from Janessa Leone or a large cashmere bandana from &Daughter. Easy black leggings from Éterne, which can be worn all winter, complete the look. —Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
Countryside Coded
You don’t need to have a log cabin in the woods to get the countryside look this winter–or the luxury dollar signs, either! Thanks to high-street heroes like Zara and Massimo Dutti and contemporary brands like Barbour and AG Jeans, leaning into the practical, outdoorsy look is supremely easy. Start with items that you’ve likely had in your closet for winters now–then dial up the fashion with your styling. —Laura Jackson, shopping writer
Suede
Like many of my peers, suede is dominating my winter wish list. Unfortunately, many of my favorite suede items tend to be out of budget. So I was thrilled to find a faux suede trench coat for under $200 at Banana Republic, which is by far my most complimented piece of the season. (One very kind brand communications agency founder said it looked like a Prada or Bottega—I’ll take it!) Sadly, it’s sold out now (I’m not surprised), but I’ve scoped out some other affordable suede goodies (some real, some faux) worth scooping up for the colder months. —Madeleine Schulz, Vogue Business reporter
Plaid
I never wore a school uniform, but I would have been on board with a plaid skirt if Chapel Hill High School required one. (I surely would have gotten in trouble for making it shorter, but I digress.) I personally think that plaid is always trending, and have enjoyed seeing it on the runways—outside of the expected Burberry checks, which I also love. From mini skirts in unexpected color combos to classic tartans on sheer shirts, I want it all. —Leah Faye-Cooper, digital style director
Everyday Preciousness
“Everyday preciousness” is all about bringing joy into day-to-day dressing, and playing with texture is a perfect way to imbue the outfits you normally put together with unexpected fun. With party dressing top of mind, under-$300 pieces in the category abound this time of year. Look for velvet pants, feather-trimmed handbags, metallic ballet flats, sequin skirts, and fluffy faux furs to capture this joyful, fashion-filled mood. —Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
Oxblood
Burgundy is my favorite shade of red—it’s the vampy cousin of red. Would I like to look like a delicious glass of Barolo? Absolutely. When thinking of my favorite burgundy pieces, I love items that exude the same sense of cool as the color itself does. For starters, a faux fur hat is my favorite accessory in winter, mainly because it reminds me of Pam Anderson at the 1999 VMAs. Next, ruched knits are universally flattering while still being figure-hugging and comfortable—Entire Studios do this style like no other. Any outfit looks better with a fabulous pair of boots, a sharp jacket, bold earrings, or a sleek shoulder bag (or all of the above). —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer