Fashion Forward on a Budget: Fall’s Must-Have Luxe Looks for Less

Got Fall Fashion Fever? Guest contributor Melissa Nelson is back to share her top style tips for transitioning from Summer to Fall with simple and affordable ways to update your look (without breaking the bank!).

Fall fashion inspiration collage with Melissa Nelson

What are the key fall fashion trends you’re most excited about this season?

I love the transition from summer to fall. One of the top trends I’m most excited about is the array of fun denim options out there (with wide leg being my newest favorite!). Anything in brown, red or leopard, plus skirts and cozy cashmere is also going to be on-trend and easy to access.

For those who want to refresh their wardrobe for fall without buying into “fast fashion,” can you share some investment pieces that can be both trendy and timeless?

Melissa and Danielle posing in fall fashion looks with coffee

Definitely invest in a couple of pairs of denim jeans, a skirt that can be dressed up or down, a great pair of brown, red or leopard loafers or boots and a sweater in one of those colors.

Cashmere is an investment but can last forever if taken care of. There are great affordable options from Quince (only $50!), Nordstrom and for a little more at J Crew.

How can someone mix high-end pieces with more affordable finds to create a chic, cohesive look? Any tips on where to find those affordable gems?

When it comes to your classic pieces, I recommend spending more on high-quality basics: i.e: good denim, jackets, shirts, etc. For clothing that will shift in trend, I like Zara and even Amazon and Target for reasonable prices. Madewell also has great-fitting denim that is very affordable at around $100.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to update their wardrobe for fall but is on a tight budget? Are there any specific strategies for maximizing style with minimal spend?

To refresh a little for fall, I’d add a couple of trends that will work with items you already have. This year, try a leopard belt or scarf, a fun red shoe or a great new sweater. Sometimes just one fun trendy piece can transform what you already have.

How do you recommend transitioning summer staples into the fall season to get the most out of your wardrobe? Any specific items or styling tricks that work well for this?

I love to transition into fall with layers. Denim shorts with a blazer, tank top or t-shirt with a sweater tied around your neck or a cardigan, low boots or loafers with a mini skirt all look great!


Look #1 

1. Charm Necklace │2. Cashmere Crew Sweater in Black │3. Patch-Pocket Sweater Jacket in Honey Brown 4. Wide-Leg Jeans │5. Leopard Belt │6. Saige Ankle Boot in Cafe Noir │7. Square Shoulder Bag │8. Leopard Heels

Look #2

Jean jacket, leopard turtleneck, red flats, black purse and wide leg jeans

1. Denim Jacket │2. Vegan Leather Crossbody Handbag │3. Wide-Leg Jeans 4. Red Kitten Heels │5. Leopard Crepe Turtleneck │6. Reyes Mary Jane

Look #3

Luxe fashion looks for less, including wide-leg crop jeans, ballet flats, a cardigan and more

1. Cap Toe Ballet Flat │2. Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan │3. Ellie Tweed Jacket 4.Wide Leg Crop Jean

 

Updating your wardrobe for fall doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With a few smart investments in timeless pieces and a sprinkle of this season’s trends, you can create a look that’s both stylish and budget-friendly. Whether it’s mixing high-end with affordable finds or repurposing your summer staples, it’s all about finding what makes you feel confident and cozy. So go ahead, embrace the change of season and let your style evolve – without breaking the bank!

 

 

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Melissa Nelson

Melissa Nelson Design

Melissa Nelson is an independent designer and decorator now based in Arizona. She specializes in personalizing people’s homes both inside and out throughout the year and seasonally with accessories as well as potted plants and fresh arrangements. Melissa and her husband are now empty nesters after raising their son and daughter.

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2 thoughts on “Fashion Forward on a Budget: Fall’s Must-Have Luxe Looks for Less

  1. You have always had impeccable style. Every clothing choice has been an elegant expression of your personality and your professional life. And in all honesty, you have so much personality, integrity and character that you could wear sweatpants to a board meeting and everyone would still be impressed because it is you!

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