The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Five Fall Fashion Must-Haves




I would love to hear your budget take on the New York Times article, "The Five Things You Need for Fall" by Cathy Horyn. I am all about shopping for closet staples this fall. —Carolyn

Fashion critic Cathy Horyn might laugh at my attempts to find affordable takes on her designer picks for fall, but I think her article is a great starting point for many women looking to update their wardrobes with a few carefully selected pieces. Keep reading for my budget breakdown.

1. A TURTLENECK
As seen on the fall 2011 runways at Jil Sander and Céline, the turtleneck makes Ms. Horyn's list for it's ability to look "fresh." "It gives a polished line to a blazer, and it would look adorable layered under sweaters or a dress," she says.

Get the look: L.L. Bean Signature cotton turtleneck, in blue spruce (shown), black slate, dark amber, flint or sea ice, $39




2. THEYSKENS' THEORY CORDS
In this "comeback season for pants," Horyn suggests women who favor jeans will want to try updated corduroys instead. Her top pick is by Theory designer Olivier Theyskens, saying "the Theory cords hit several notes: texture, moody color, price ($295)." But we can do better, price-wise, don't you think?

Get the look: Old Navy flare leg cords in mole (shown), taupe or granite, $32.94



Old Navy at ShopStyle




3. THE GIVENCHY GOLD-BAND PUMP
Admittedly it would be hard to approximate the luxury and style of Givenchy with a budget knock-off, but essentially, what Horyn admires most about Givenchy's black pumps with a thin gold bangle over the top of the foot is the fact that the shoe is versatile and offers a chic update on the classic black pump. You could DIY a pair of black pumps you already own, or try Christian Siriano's sultry option without breaking the bank.

Get the look: Christian Siriano for Payless "Lanai" peep-toe pumps, $30 (down from $59.99)



4. BURBERRY'S MOD COAT
Capes and parkas are fabulous options for fall, yes, but Cathy Horyn is lusting for Burberry's mod orange coat above all other pieces of outerwear. "In addition to being a sharp look with pants, Burberry's burnt orange mini carries forward spring's bright colors," she says. Now that we can shop ZARA online, we can approximate this look for less with one of the Spanish fashion store's frugal options.

Get the look: ZARA double breasted coat in burnt orange (shown), navy or teal, $129




5. A MIU MIU DRESS
Cathy Horyn was smitten with Miu Miu's 1940s-inspired dresses on the fall 2011 runway, and I don't blame her: The lovely length, flattered wrap shape and quirky prints make these oh-so-desirable. Yet priced around $1,900, these lovely creations are out of reach for most of us. Instead, look for a mid-length frock with retro appeal - like this polka-dot number at Forever 21 - to get your Miu Miu fix.

Get the look: Forever 21 classic polka-dot dress, $22.80



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



Inspired by the runways and approved by fashion critics, these are 5 solid pieces to look for this fall. xoBB

Top photo credit: NYTimes.com
Comments
I got this dress from forever 21 recently - it's a lot like the one you found but slightly more feminine I think. I love it: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=DRESS&Page=1&product_id=2000016978
#1 Tracy Warner (Homepage) on 2011-09-08 10:57 (Reply)
Thanks for this post! I just posted my fall fashion favourites too - and linked to your Hailee Steinfeld post as who doesn't love her loafers??? But I'm glad to see turtlenecks back in time for winter - they make life so much warmer when it's out cold! Yay for practical fashion!
#2 Anna @ The Guiltless Life (Homepage) on 2011-09-08 13:37 (Reply)
Love the pumps =)
#3 Nicole @ Giraffelegs (Homepage) on 2011-09-08 14:09 (Reply)
I love fall and scarves are a must have. To celebrate Fashion Week, Theodora & Callum is giving away a beautiful scarf for free and the chance to visit their showroom in NYC. To enter, go to http://www.facebook.com/TheodoraandCallum and tell them your favorite fall fashion trend and tag the friend you would like to bring!
#4 Toni (Homepage) on 2011-09-09 17:11 (Reply)
Love the polka dot dress. Almost bought one the other day.

Peace, Love and Chocolate,
Tiffany
#5 ffany (Homepage) on 2011-09-10 20:25 (Reply)
I love, love, love those shoes. Actually, there are a few more pairs from payless that I really want... T-T I feel like I want to make my own list of fall favorites and must haves. :3
#6 Christine (Homepage) on 2011-09-11 00:37 (Reply)
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