Fall Fashion 2008
Cheap Fall Boots
What: Cheap boots for fall (we’re talking under $35 per pair)
What We Say: Boots are a fall and winter classic, and while the bootie is certainly hot right now, a more traditional boot style will easily take you through this style season and many more to come. You can wear them for both work and play, and they’re also a little warmer than other footwear options, meaning that they’ve got the advantage of both form and function—which, as purveryors of value, we love. In the interest of economic survival, we believe that if your going to spend your money on fashion updates this season it’s especially important to pick and choose things that will give you the most for your money. Oh, and proper care will extend the life of your boots (and all shoes) as well . . .
Our Picks:
Women’s Faux Suede Knee Hi Boots, $34.99, Old Navy
Steve Madden Women’s Olean Boot, on sale $30, Famous Footwear
Midcalf Scrunch Boot, on sale $25, Newport News
Brianna Boot, $32.80, Forever21
Up to 50% Off at Old Navy Fall Sale
The Deal: Fall savings event, featuring up to 50% off select styles, at Oldnavy.com.
The Lowdown: Old Navy’s pretty budget friendly at regular price, but during a seasonal sale? Even better. There are still some summer items to be had for next to nothing—which you can tuck away for warmer days—and some pieces, like this ruffle button front shirt for $15, that you can wear right now.
Shop: OldNavy.com.
Emergency Closet Update Pieces
What: A handful of ultra-budget, versatile pieces that you can mix and match to update your wardrobe in a budget crunch . . .
What We Say: We’re guessing that right now, for most of us, the dream trip to Paris boutiques for a whole new designer wardrobe is out of the question. Even a trip to Macy’s for a couple of new suits might be out of the question, no matter how badly you need them. So while you know at heart we’re all about value here at TBF, today we’re shifting into extreme budget mode—meaning we’re focusing on a few inexpensive, versatile items that can expand what we’ve already got while shelling out minimum cash right now . . .
Camisoles: Whether plain or embellished, we recommend camis as a great way to update both the work and casual wardrobes—wear them under jackets, button down blouses, sweaters, v-neck t-shirts, to change up the same old thing. Do NOT spend more than $15 per cami, however. Because you don’t have to. Try these:
Krista Solid Lace Cami, on sale $14.50 (2 or more $12.50 each), Delia’s
Solid Knit Cami, $8.99-$14.50, Gap
Women’s Lace Jersey Knit Cami, $12.50, Old Navy (Buy 2 or more save $7.50 each)
a.n.a. Strappy Cami, $8.99-$12.99, JCPenney (including plus sizes)
Trendy Tops: Normally, we might not suggest you pick up more than one or two cheap trendy top from someplace like Forever21, but if you’re in dire need of some updates but don’t have a lot to spend, a short-term option is to boost your old suits, separates, and denim with a few cute, possibly bright and shiny tops. Our picks under $22 apiece:
Satin Zipper Top, $19.50, Forever21
Lyndal Ruffled Top, $19.80, Forever21
Pintuck Top, $21.99, Charlotte Russe
Bow Tie A-Line Top, $19.99, Charlotte Russe
Banded Sleeve Ruffled Top, $16.50, Wet Seal
Cardigans: Cardigans are kind of always in, in one form or another, and this season is no different. There are plenty of updated styles to choose from—including wrap, boyfriend, and swing-shaped—and be sure to pick up some colors to get the best style boost for your buck (then pair with all those neutrals you’ve already got). Here are some for $25 and under:
City Style Solid Cardigan, $24.46 on sale, New York & Company
Mossimo Black Ultra Soft Wrap Cardigan, $24.99, Target
Sonoma life + style Flyaway Cardigan, on sale $24.99, Kohl’s
east5th Classic Knit Cardigan, on sale $19.99, JCPenney
Women’s Belts as a Budget
What: The hottest looks in belts for fall? Think statement—meaning big, bold, embellishment, metallic, color.
What We Say: Belts are one of our favorite budget ways to update the wardrobe without borrowing from our 401k (and these days, there’s not much there to borrow). It’s an item you don’t have to spend a fortune on, because, quite frankly, at a glance we can’t tell the difference between a $6 patent skinny belt from Forever21 and a $185 patent skinny belt from Barney’s. This fall belts are particularly fun because there are so many options to choose from—everything from big bold pieces with gems and studs, metallic finishes, and so much more. So go ahead and pull out those tried and true basics—the white button down, the black skirt, your favorite pair of jeans—and make them modern, for less. Some fall belts we think just might do the trick (all under $25 each):
Fashion Focus Black Faux Leather Wide Belt, $24, Bluefly.com
Tuxedo Triple Latch Belt, $8.80, Forever21
Belt with Silver Mod Style Buckle, $8.49-$16.99, Target
Double Rose Sash Belt, $24, Spiegel
Skinny Sparkle Metallic Leather Belt, on sale $19.99, J.Crew
Revisiting the Little Black Dress
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: The classic Little Black Dress as your budget go-to piece for fall/winter 08.
Why: If you need your fashion dollars to stretch even further than usual right now, it’s time to revisit that old standby, the Little Black Dress (or LBD). If you don’t already have one (and instead give into temptation each season to purchase a new, trendy, here-now-gone-tomorrow dress) we have some advice for you—get one. It may not be the most exciting option, but it is the most versatile, and with the right accessories? It’ll take you from function to function through the holiday season, in great style and without breaking the bank. Fortunately, black is in this season, and you’ll find everything from a simple sheath to some edgier options, as well as pieces that can go from casual to dressy. And as every good budget fashionista knows, value and versatility are the keys to being truly well dressed.
We’ve picked a few options (for under $50 each) that should take you through the season; just add a big clutch, a pair of peep toe pumps, and a statement piece of jewelry (maybe a chunky necklace or a metallic cuff bracelet) and go.
Knee Length Basic Dress, $19.90, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Embroidered Lace Dress, $39.99, Target.
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Envelope Back Dress, $49.99, Target.
Mock Neck Ponte Knit Dress, $39, Newport News
Plus size: Cachet Matte Jersey Dress, $49.90, Nordstrom
Women’s Plus Notch-Front Dress, $32.50, Old Navy
Plus Size Fashion at Target: Fall 2008
Finding plus size fashion that’s actually, well, fashionable, is always a challenge—but fortunately for us, a handful of budget-friendly retailers are starting to get the picture. Target, of course, is one, and this fall they’ve got plenty of trendy/stylish pieces to pick from, in sizes 16W-30W.
Some tips for wearing the pieces to their best advantage, couresty of Target:
~ Printed, voluminous tops are updated for fall and elongate the torso when paired with simple bootcut black trousers.
~ A deep scoopneck tank draws attention upward and looks flattering when layered with a cozy cardigan and slimming dark denim.
~ Empire waistlines create a slim silhouette, and sequin embellishments add just the right amount of glitz and glamour for a look that is feminine and chic.
~ Pleated button-down blouses in pretty jewel tones minimize the midsection and are universally flattering on a curvy figure.
Pieces now available:
Plus Size Mossimo Cardigan Sweater, $22.99
Plus Size Mossimo Denim Trouser, $29.99
The Bootine: Hot Again for Fall 2008
What: Bootines, booties, ankle boots, everywhere
What We Say: Last year, the bootine was THE shoe for fall. Well, this year isn’t very original, but once again the bootine (or bootie, or ankle boot, or whatever you wish to call it) is super hot again. Still perplexed on how to wear it? Don’t be, because it’s more versatile than you think—pair them with a pencil skirt and button down blouse; a sweater dress; or just denim or dress trousers, like you would any other boot. There are plenty of budget versions to be had (and if you have a pair from last year, even better!), but we’ve selected a handful that we figure would do nicely to take us all the way through the winter (assuming we waterproof properly).
Get It:
Metallic Leather Ankle Boot, $49, Spiegel
Patent Ankle Boot, on sale $24.99, Newport News
Ruched Ankle Boot, $27.99, Newport News
Madison Button Ankle Boot, $34.99, Payless
Women’s Fall Coat Trends
Fall is the time to set aside that bathing suit (which many of us are not that sorry to see go) and start thinking about outerwear to fend of the impending chill. If last year’s coat needs to be retired, or if you just need something new to help you face all that cold weather ahead, there are plenty of budget options you can pick up now. Some of our fave outerwear trends for the season, and where to get them for less:
The Peacoat: We love the peacoat because it’s a classic that will last and last. Go for traditional navy, camel or black for a timeless version, or update with a hot color like red or a short cut to make it current.
Women’s Short Peacoat, $69.50, Old Navy
Hydraulic Peacoat with Epaulets, on sale $93.75, Macy’s
Merona Swing Peacoat in Plaid, $49.99, Target
The Swing Coat: The swing coat has been coming on strong for the last year or so as a jacket and outerwear option, and we like how flattering the silouette is to just about everyone. Just be sure to keep the bottom half lean when you wear it, lest you look like a large bell rather than the super chic woman you really are.
Women’s Pique Wool Blend Coat, $89, Old Navy
Wool Swing Coat, $109, Newport News
The Leather Jacket: The leather jacket is another classic, but the most modern way to wear it is in a short, close fitting cut or in a sleek belted trench (no bulky shapeless overcoats this year, please).
a.n.a Faux Leather 4-Pocket Scuba Jacket, on sale $89.99, JC Penney
Leather Trench Coat, on sale $80, Newport News
The Trench Coat: The trench is another classic we’re always talking about here at TBF—we love how it’s updated right now with color and modern details, like the berry trench and banded bottom versions here, which are great for dressier occasions.
Mossimo Black Satin Trench, $39.99, Target
What to Buy Fall 2008: Newport News
Newport News is one of our favorite budget fashion destinations because they have a great selection of workwear and dressing-up pieces that walk the line between trendy and classic (and sure, there are some not-so-up-to-date options as well, but we choose to ignore those). Here are our picks for fall:
Convertible Leather Coat, $159. Want a fall outerwear piece that’s both practical and makes a statement? This is it—leather is timeless, as is the trench styling—but you’ll get double wear as it converts to a hip-length coat as well. Comes in black or taupe.
Striped Sweater Dress, $39-$44. The sweater dress is both cool and practical, and we like this bold horizontal stripe (still a hot pattern for the season)—wear it with tights and boots as shown, or some cool spectator booties and a big clutch.
Drapeneck Tunic Top, $39. Bold color, shine and a flattering cut, this top will look great this season with slim-cut dark denim and boots or possibly some gray trousers for the workplace.
High-Waist Wide Leg Jean, $39. This season, wide-leg and high-waist denim is a fashionable option and while some just won’t go there, if you love it this is an easy to wear option that’s not too trendy (no sailor buttons or suspenders, natch).
Luxe Velvet Blazer, $89. Black for fall should be glam and a little sexy, and we love this velvet blazer for transitioning some of your regular day-wear pieces into an evening out look.
Ombre Pump, $39. As we’ve said before, we expect ombre to slip outside of the style radar before too long, but for now, some shiny ombre is a fun and trendy update, and these are inexpensive enough to be a worthy little style splurge.
Free Shipping on Outerwear at New York & Company
The Deal: Free shipping on outerwear from New York & Company
The Lowdown: Even if your temperatures are still somewhat summer like, now’s the time to pick up your next great piece of outerwear so you’re ready when fall weather really kicks in. New York & Company is making that task even easier, offering free shipping on any outerwear purchase, like this City Style trench, only $79.95 in sizes XS to XL.
Shop: New York & Company
Hot Sale Items at Old Navy
The Deal: Women’s sale items at Old Navy.com
The Lowdown: Pick up end of the summer pieces or something to transition into fall with, shopping Old Navy’s sale section right now. There are plenty of cute items to choose from, and if you want something to wear right now, we’d suggest this printed tie-neck shirt for $15; wear a tie-neck blouse with denim and flats, or dress up with gray wide-leg trousers and pumps.
Shop: Old Navy
What to Buy Fall 2008: Wet Seal
Wet Seal—can’t we do something about that name? Okay, at least it tells us one thing—we don’t need to take the fashion we find here too seriously. It’s trendy, yes, but that’s the fun of it—pick up trend-of-the-minute pieces (this season, that means sweater dresses, shiny tops, and plaid and houndstooth) on the cheap, meaning a guilt-free fashion indulgence. Our picks for this fall:
Plaid Mary Jane Low Heel, $22.50
3/4 Sleeve Pencil Dress, $25.50
Houndstooth Pencil Skirt, $24.50
Distressed Bomber Jacket, $39.50
Fashion Trend: Houndstooth Print
Though traditional plaid has been heralded as the pattern for fall, we’re seeing more and more houndstooth and quite frankly, we’re feeling more warm and fuzzy about that trend—there’s something both modern and classic about it, which is an ideal combination for those of us over, say, 21 who would like to participate. Our advice? Pick one piece and keep the rest of the outfit clean and neutral—houndstooth is bold enough to be the sole focal point. Also, if you’re petite, a houndstooth dress might be more than you can pull off—consider a pencil skirt, or a houndstooth accessory, like a handbag or scarf, to keep from being overwhelmed.
Love it? Our picks for getting on the houndstooth bandwagon, for less:
Digital Houndstooth Chiffon Top, $17.80, Forever 21 (we like this choice if you’re looking for a very unstuffy, modern take on houndstooth . . . pair it with a black pencil skirt and pumps)
Houndstooth Belted Dress, $25.50, Wet Seal (you don’t need to add much when wearing this much houndstooth—black flats and a black bag might just be enough—and maybe a fat colored bangle or two to mix it up)
Cropped Houndstooth Jacket, $49, Newport News (this is a great option if you want a versatile piece to pump up your basics—wear with a jewel-toned top and black trousers)
Capsleeve Houndstooth Top, $39, Banana Republic (super cute and super modern with trousers, a skirt, or even denim)
Houndstooth Cadet Hat and Wrap, $9.99, Payless (this is a great deal for two houndstooth pieces—but we’re thinking wearing them separately will give you the most bang for your buck).
Alice+Olivia for Payless Morton Mary Jane Wedge, $38, Payless (these probably won’t hold up style-wise through more than a season or two, but they’d be totally fun to wear in the meantime)
Abaete, Lela Rose and alice+olivia at Payless
Payless has become a front-runner when it comes to bringing budget designer collections to the masses, which is why we find ourselves scanning their website eagerly each Spring and Fall to see what new treats await us . . . Right now, Abaete, Lela Rose and alice+olivia all have new styles online and in stores, and the choices, while not vast, please us. A breakdown:
alice+olivia
These offbeat designers bring handbags and footwear styles that range from the odd (these alice+olivia for Payless Rivington Ankle Boots) to the sublime (this super cute houndstooth Payless Park Clutch). Interestingly, the collection reflects the color palette we saw on the runways for Spring 09 (black, white and red), meaning some of these pieces could take you into the next season as well. Our fave: the Morton Mary Jane Wedge, $38
Abaete
Somber, somber, somber—Abaete’s collection is as neutral as it gets, with pieces ranging from grey to, well, black. Which isn’t very exciting but at the same time, grey and black are pretty darn useful and appear here on boots and pumps that will take you through the winter, easily. Our fave: the to-die-for Ysabel Pleated Bootine, $45.
Lela Rose
Lela Rose usually gives us something a little softer and more romantic, and this collection is no different—featuring pumps, round-toes, bows, and some soft color in the form of peach, orange, and spring green. The handbag choices aren’t setting us on fire, but for a cute little pair of special holiday shoes? Lela Rose has got it covered. Our fave: it’s a toss-up between the dramatic black and white Finch Pump, $38, and the impossibly pretty Sanborn Bow Flat, $34.
Save Up to 40% at Banana Republic’s Fall Sale: Daily Deal
The Deal: Banana Republic Fall Sale is here—save up to 40% both online and in-store.
The Lowdown: We’ve extolled the virtures of Banana Republic before—chic and modern yet classic pieces for the workplace and beyond, with quality thrown in for good measure—and right now you can get those pieces for less. For fall, we have our eye on these: the Martin glenplaid trouser, on sale for $64.99; this Flutter-sleeve pleated top, on sale for $29.99; and this silk dot print scarf, on sale for $29.99.
Shop: Banana Republic
Fall Fashion Trend: Feather Accessories
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
We’ve already commented on the proliferation of fringe, and now for a related embellishment—feathers. We could employ all kinds of bird and feather puns, but we’ll reserve them for another day; instead, we’ll just say that we like the bohemian edge that the feathered look gives us, and it’s very budget friendly as well—there’s no need to wear more accessories when we’ve got feather earrings on. Some of these are soft looks, and some are more edgy (like the Asos pendant necklace)—meaning there’s something for everyone:
Feather & Chain Earrings, Forever 21, $4.80.
Charming Feather Cluster Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $18.00.
Feather Dangle earrings, claires.com, $8.50.
ASOS Large Feather Pendant Necklace, $18.60.
ASOS Large Enamel Feather Brooch, $14.88.
High vs. Low: The Cropped Jacket
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
We’re suggesting the cropped jacket as another transition piece when the weather is cooling down. It won’t be summer anymore, and yet the autumn leaves haven’t yet coated the ground, so an easy option is to just throw on a cropped jacket when you need that extra layer of clothing. We’ve seen versions with one button or three, with short and long sleeves, but we’ve settled on these two as our favorites. But since we don’t wish to break the bank for any trend, we’ve opted for the lower priced version. So, which is which?
On the left: A.B.S. white colorblocked cotton swing jacket, $144.99 (but regular retail $285!) at Bluefly.com.
On the right: City Style Ballet Neck Jacket, NY and Company, currently $17.98.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Gap
Gap has had its ups and downs as far as variety and stylish offerings—and as far as we’re concerned, they still have a ways to go. However, we do love Gap for sort of all-purpose, casual weekend wear and the occasional work piece. And their jeans are still fab, if sometimes a tad overpriced. Our picks from the Gap for Fall 2008:
Striped Roll-Sleeved Cardigan, $58 Wear it with jeans (see below), a t-shirt, and some ankle boots.
The Classic Trench, $148 This is one of the TBF Perfect Ten pieces—wear it with everything.
Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, $69.50 You know what to wear jeans with, but if you need a suggestion, we’re going with mary jane pumps and a cute little swing jacket.
Cable Cardigan, on sale $36.99 Pair with plaid trousers and some t-strap pumps.
The Perfect Plaid Trouser, $59.50 Wear with a ruffled, feminine top and/or a cardigan sweater, with some retro pumps.
Sheer Ruffle Top, $58 Perfect with jeans or a pencil skirt, and some cute heels.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Walmart
Some of you might turn your nose up (still) at shopping for clothes at Walmart, but it’s our experience that amidst some of the fashion don’ts, Walmart is also a source of some super-affordable, surprisingly decent quality style do’s. And in this economy? We are sooo not above a cute wrap dress for under $20. We’ve picked some basics that will become part of your regular wardrobe rotation well into winter . . .
George ME Women’s Flounced Tweed Skirt, $19.82
George ME Ibiza Jacket, on clearance $8
Mock-Croc Laptop Tote Bag, $25
No Boundaries High Heel Mary Jane’s, $16.74
George Women’s Jersey Sleeveless Belted Faux Wrap Dress, $19.82
Katie Holmes Trench from New York & Co.: Look for Less
You know we love New York & Company —one of our favorite affordable stops for super cute and current workwear separates—and apparently Katie Holmes does too. The Tom Cruise-wife, Suri-mom (isn’t she an actress too?) is increasingly viewed as a chic fashion trendsetter, but apparently she’s not all designer, all the time—she was recently spotted rocking this fab plaid trench from NY&Co., which is currently available in stores for only $74.95 (it will be available online in December). Plaid, of course, is super hot for Fall . . .
Go to New York & Co. to find a store near you.
Advertisement
Featured on TBF
Copyright 2003-2009 TBF Group, LLC.