Whether you're lamenting the end of summer or are highly anticipating the start of fall, one of the best things you can do to either boost your excitement or tide you over for the changing season is to do a little shopping in preparation. But clothes, like everything else these days, can be expensive—and I find fall clothes to be more expensive than summer. Luckily, I put together a massive shopping guide of dozens of seasonal items (49 to be exact) that clock in at less than $49.
I spent hours (I'm not exaggerating) scrolling through sites like Nordstrom, H&M, Shopbop, and Reformation in search of the coolest, most expensive-looking items that you can buy for not a lot of money. In the massive roundup below, you'll find plenty of great basics, trend pieces, and accessories. After you scroll through, I have a hunch you'll be ready for fall's imminent arrival. (I know I am.)
H&M
Mock Turtleneck Sweater
Black-and-white sweaters are the best sweaters.
J.Crew
Tissue Turtleneck
The fall-friendly way to wear pink.
Zara
Oversized Striped T-Shirt
I have this in a different color, and it's so good and high-quality.
Urban Renewal
Remade Denim Zip Bra Top
All denim everything is my fall mantra.
COS
Classic Leather Belt
Belts are back.
Free People
Lady Lux Layering Top
This is ridiculously pretty.
H&M
Cotton Twill Chinos
Everyone on our team keeps talking about these perfect pants.
Reformation
Calie Tank
White tank tops are great, but this one's better for fall.
Other Stories
Pearl Bracelet
As pretty as it is affordable.
Urban Renewal
Remnants Chunky Ribbed Space Dye Tee
This is basically the color of falling leaves.
BP.
Butterfly Mesh Maxi Skirt
Butterfly print for fall? Hard yes.
Other Stories
Oval Sunglasses
Other Stories has the best affordable sunglasses in the game.
Zara
Satin Effect Full Length Dart Pants
Such a chic night-out option for the fall.
Topshop
Women's Rib Long Sleeve Polo
This is what I envision when I think of fall tops.
Urban Outfitters
Mona Shoulder Bag
The small studs are cool—not cheesy.
Mango
Animal Print Dress
Y2K but make it sophisticated.
Mango
Tweed Miniskirt
I'd pair this with a chunky sweater.
H&M
Hair Clip With Bow
This has soon-to-sell-out written all over it.
Madewell
Crewneck Thong Bodysuit
Take this as your cue to stock up on basics.
H&M
Wide-Leg Pants
Yes, they're actually $35.
Open Edit
Poplin Crop Button-Up Shirt
This is far more polished than the trendy, oversize button-downs.
J.Crew
Faux-Suede Baseball Cap
This would look especially cute with a blazer.
Shashi
Leah Ring
This has so many good reviews.
Madewell
Bella Softfade Cotton Crop T-Shirt
I'm always on the hunt for good cropped tees.
Madewell
(Re)sourced Tortoise Checkerboard Headband
Fall is basically headband season.
Mango
Mini Skirt With Elastic Waist
The perfect little black miniskirt is only $30.
Open Edit
Cowl Neck Satin Tank
The artsy print makes this tank look expensive.
Zara
Knit Cardigan With Gold Buttons
Gotta love a gold-button moment.
Aire
Ceres V2 Sunglasses
'Tis the season for tort.
H&M
Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
I kind of want these in every color.
H&M
Heeled Sandals
Well, these are perfect.
Madewell
Nylon Quilted Bucket Hat
I'm never getting off the nylon train.
Other Stories
Braided Leather Belt
I can't get over how expensive this looks.
Madewell
Turtleneck Bodysuit
This looks super cozy.
The Drop
Alice Crewneck Back Slit Ribbed Pullover Sweater
Add this to your next Amazon order.
ASOS Design
Slouchy Cargo Pants
The cargo-pant trend is sticking around.
Zara
Square Neck Shirt
Give your fall wardrobe a dose of Barbiecore.
Lisa Says Gah
Florette Earrings in Gold
Prepare to hear "cute earrings" a lot when wearing these.
Free People
Aura Layering Top
You can never have too many layering tees in the fall.
Nike
Leopard Tempo Shorts
Why not give your workout wardrobe a seasonal update too?
H&M
Ribbed Sweater
If you like cobalt blue, you'll be happy to know that it's trending for fall.
Emi Jay
Big Effing Clip
Treat yourself to a new hair accessory.
Donni
Silk Chiquita Scrunchie
Another pretty fall accessory to treat yourself to.
The Drop
Catalina Pull-On Rib Sweater Pants
Two words I love together: sweater pants.
Petit Moments
Ellis Chain Belt
If you want to look trendy, wear this with a slip dress.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.