Since I was young, my favorite hobby has been finding the best affordable clothing. Family members can recall a time when I'd force them to take me to thrift stores and teen stores like Limited Too (oh, memories) after school to scour the racks for the perfect deal. In my mind, nothing compares to the thrill of unearthing a discounted designer bag, scooping up a special piece at a sample sale, or finding an affordable fall fashion item.
Of course, shopping takes patience, something not everyone has. It takes a lot of energy to hunt for expensive-looking pieces, time to curate a wardrobe, and effort to keep up with trends. On top of that, shopping for a new season can be overwhelming, especially when rolling heat waves make the mere idea of fall seem far off. All this is to say I understand why shopping might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Luckily for the anti-shoppers, fashion editors (like me) live to share their recommendations. In the vein of making the transition into fall less stressful, I've scoured the new-arrival sections of J.Crew, Nordstrom, H&M, Ssense, Reformation, Mango, Shopbop, Aritzia, and more. Ahead, you'll find 50 affordable fall fashion finds, all under under $250.
Fair warning: These elegant items may cause a lack of sleep and overwhelming feelings because they're so good. Proceed with caution.
JW PEI
Orla Weave Handbag in Brown
You'd never guess this crescent-shaped vegan-leather bag isn't designer.
Reformation
Josefina Knit Dress
Okay, this knit dress did not need to be this good.
ZARA
Kitten Heel Fabric Mules
The satin material on these mules is sublime.
BLANKNYC
Faux Leather Blazer
This vegan-leather blazer is everything.
J.Crew
Cashmere Relaxed T-Shirt
J.Crew's knits are not only super soft, but this one also comes in eight other colorways.
Madewell
Chunky Metal Leather Belt
This belt will make any ensemble look more polished.
LEVI'S
Middy Straight Jeans
Trust me when I say a good pair of jeans is always worth every penny.
G.H.BASS
Whitney Easy Weejuns Penny Loafer
Oh, you fancy, huh? Well, you will be once you add these loafers to your closet.
By Anthropologie
High-Shine Trench Coat
Colder weather is coming.
Source Unknown
Scarf Tank Top in Mauve Grey
The built-in scarf on this knitted tank makes it look way more expensive than its price tag.
Madewell
Slouchy Straight Pants
Trousers are perfect for every season.
Sam Edelman
Bianka Slingback Pump
Snake-print slingback heels will always scream wealth to me.
Jenny Bird
Doune Hoop Earrings
News flash: Unique jewelry does not have to cost a fortune.
H&M
Coated Corset-Style Dress
The best thing about leather dresses? No matter where you bought it from, it always looks luxurious.
Sam Edelman
Small Loraine Shoulder Bag
Who doesn't love a sleek shoulder bag?
Aritzia
babaton standout blazer
Tailored blazers can be pricier, but this one is proving that precedent wrong.
MANGO
Cropped Slim-Fit Pants
A good pair of capris can add a "cool factor" to any outfit.
Marc Fisher LTD
Rosa Mule
Kitten heels from luxury designers have got competition.
COS
Detachable-Hood Short Trench Coat
A good trench coat will change your life.
H&M
Fine-Knit Cardigan
A lightweight cardigan is ideal for early fall temperatures.
COACH
Swinger Mixed Leather Shoulder Bag
Everything about this shoulder bag is perfect for fall—from the suede material to the retro silhouette.
AGOLDE
Vida High Rise Relaxed Straight
Transition these denim shorts into the fall by styling them with a light cardigan.
Jeffrey Campbell
Shelly LSR Mary Janes
Oh, these are chic.
Bardot
Faux Leather Trench Coat
Cool girls, apply here.
By Anthropologie
Pebbled East West Handbag
This bag exudes '90s energy.
H&M
Boat-Neck Jersey Dress
The draping on this dress makes it look designer.
STEVE MADDEN
Kalani Cream Paris Square Toe Knee High Boots
It's never too early to invest in a pair of knee-high boots.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
The easiest way to embody "rich auntie" while walking your purse puppy is by slipping into a cashmere knit.
J.Crew
9" Vintage Slim-Straight Jean in White Wash
White jeans will always feel luxurious.
Franco Sarto
Meyer Knee High Boots
Pony or no pony, these riding boots deserve a place in your wardrobe.
Elisa Johnson
Lyric Leigh Sunglasses
I'm shaking over these shades.
H&M
Fine-Knit Turtleneck Top
Turtlenecks will always exude rich energy.
MANGO
Pinstripe Suit Pants
Pinstripes are so posh.
Adidas
Samba OG Shoes
The key to giving any look that "drip?" A good pair of sneakers.
Marge Sherwood
Bessette Leather Shoulder Bag
Who wouldn't want to secure this bag?
Aritzia
Babaton Press Dress
For the workin' girls.
MANGO
Pocket Tweed Jacket
Tweed jackets scream opulence.
H&M
Tapered-Waist Cargo Shirt
White button-downs will always look luxe.
MANGO
Mid-Rise Leather Effect Trousers
Leather trousers make every ensemble feel more expensive.
Schutz
Ciara Slingback Pointed Toe Pump
These slingbacks are so Saint Laurent coded.
J.Crew
Contrast-Trim Cardigan Sweater
No, it's not Chanel, but it's nearly as chic.
Leset
Pointelle Classic Tank Top
Your search for the perfect tank top is over. Thank me later.
Aritzia
Babaton Chisel Maxi Skirt
I've been obsessed with pencil skirts, so this affordable version is at the top of my wish list.
COS
Scoop-Neck Knitted Polo Shirt
Polo shirts invented preppy.
H&M
Slacks
Is it just me, or do these trousers look expensive?
Tory Burch
Jessa Loafers
Another great pair of loafers for the fall.
Heaven Mayhem
Aria Earrings
These are the type of earrings you'd want to put on just to go to the bodega.
COS
Knitted Circle-Cut T-Shirt
A unique T-shirt that won't break the bank.
Open Edit
Faux Leather Maxi Skirt
Leather skirts are a must-have for any wardrobe.
Staud
Ollie Polished-Leather Shoulder Bag
It doesn't get more elegant than this Staud shoulder bag.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.