Low Budget, High Taste: 28 Under-$500 Items I’d Buy to Look On-Trend This Fall

Whoever I’ve spoken to recently—whether it’s my cousins, close friends, or even friends of friends—there’s one thing everyone seems to agree on this fall and heading into winter: the goal for 2025 is to look expensive. Not just polished, but stylist-curated, money-was-no-object expensive. The twist? Very few actually have the budget to match. And, I’m not saying I do either, but working in the fashion industry, I’ve cracked the code on the secret to dressing this way. What I’ve found is that you don’t need a five-figure shopping allowance to achieve it. The answer lies in the art of high-low dressing and meticulous shopping, focusing on pieces made with clean lines, classic but modern cuts, and high-quality fabrics.

With this in mind, I went on a mission to find the best pieces for fall that deliver maximum elegance and minimal price tag shock. Think timeless, rich-looking staples—some as low as $35 and nothing over $500—that look straight off a stylist’s rack. From the It girl-approved Rollneck Sweater to ivory Levi’s jeans, keep scrolling to see what I’ve found.

J.Crew 2025 Rollneck Sweaters

J.Crew just reintroduced its iconic Rollneck sweater—a timeless classic since 1988—for 2025, and it’s already editor-approved.

Madewell The Balloon Pants

If you’re tired of your usual blue and black jeans but want to keep full-length bottoms, brown corduroy pants are a perfect choice. The warm color and texture add depth and enhance the overall visual appeal.

Massimo Dutti Split Tote Bag

You’re welcome. I just found your new chic work tote that also serves as a carry-on travel bag.

Nordstrom Leather Shirt Jacket

Style with jeans, a pleated maxi skirt, or layer it over a dress.

AGMES Tess Sterling Silver Onyx Brooch

Brooches are an easy way to make your old jackets and sweaters feel new again.

Nordstrom Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

You seriously can’t go wrong with Nordstrom’s best-selling white tee.

Nordstrom High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

This medium-blue wash is so versatile. You can wear these jeans during the day with a casual sweater and boots or at night with a silk blouse and kitten heels.

Reformation Inez Pumps

If you haven’t heard, the coolest fashion people in NYC and Paris are sporting high-vamp pumps like these Phoebe Philo alternatives.

Reformation Caden Blazer

The double-breasted design and slim silhouette makes this blazer look so sophisticated and expensive.

Helsa The Silk Charmeuse Shirt

Is it just me, or is everyone wearing a silk button-up, especially a colored one, with jeans and tailored trousers this fall?

aritzia The Effortless Pants

They’re called “The Effortless Pants” for a reason.

HUNTING SEASON Leather Clutch

An elegant clutch you can wear to dinner with friends or to a cocktail-attire wedding.

AGNELLE Lena Fringed Leather Gloves

My birthday isn’t coming up, but if it was I’d put these at the top of my wish list.

H&M Fringe-Trimmed Poncho

No one, I mean no one, will believe you when you tell them that you got this poncho at H&M.

ZARA Limited Edition Ribbed Lace Top

Chloé or Zara? I can barely tell.

Reformation Veda Cole Low Waist Leather Maxi Skirt

Reformation’s Veda leather collection does it again.

free people Blaze Pull-On Boots

I recently added these to my boot collection—you should too.

ALIGNE George Wrap Coat

A staple that you can take from the fall to the winter.

Intimissimi Modal Cashmere Ultralight High-Neck Top

This cashmere turtleneck has a slight sheerness to it, but with a black bralette, it looks sexy.

ZARA Asymmetric Wool Skirt W Collection

Talk about an expensive-looking skirt.

Reformation Velvet Hour Knee Boots

These are giving Gucci, but without all of the extra zeros on the price.

J.Crew Fair Isle Wide-Mockneck Sweater

I normally don’t wear color, but this blue fair isle sweater is doing it for me.

Levi’s 501 90’s Jeans

Style this with the sweater above or with a fitted white jacket for a chic monochromatic look.

Khaite Nevada Stretch Low Boots

I’ve tried on over 100 pairs of designer boots in the last few months—don’t ask why—and these are among the top five in style, comfort, and fit.

COS Archive Tote Bag

Sleek and sophisticated.

ZARA Knit Kimono Coat With Slit Sleeves

The sleeves, the tie, the button—perfection.

LESET Lauren Pocket Pants

Leset makes some of the best pants for women. The Lauren is one of my favorites because it blurs the line between sweatpants and fitted trousers.

BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Sona Flats

With the calf hair and the deep chocolate-brown color, these flats look like they cost over $500.