Keeping Your Wallet Stuffed While You Stuff Your Closet
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The air might be starting to cool down but that doesn't mean your wallet should get the chills either. Fall and winter wear is certainly the most expensive season of clothing for consumers whether it's due to quality, fabric, style, or time of year. Of course, stores and brands are going to hike up the prices closer to the start of fall as people start to prepare their closet for that immediate drop in temperature. But you also don't want to wait a few months for that jacket or pair of boots to go on sale when it's starting to warm up again. After numerous add to cart moments, here are some great steals on quality fall and winter apparel under $100 that will get you and your wallet through the winter.
Starting hot with the basic closet necessity are jackets. From denim to leather, here are some options to keep you feeling like a big warm hug. Zara seems to be the strongest when it comes to quality, price, and diversity of options for people of all different preferences. The corduroy Jacket with Voluminous Sleeves is super on-trend with its oversized fit and toned down grey coloring, making it an overall versatile piece for layering and styling. For the girl who likes a sleek, more chic style, the Faux Leather Biker Jacket will keep you looking put together when you're on the run. Even better, when you zip this baby up, the jacket gives an edge with its hardware detailing. In contrast, if you're the one who is just worried about staying cozy and warm, the Contrasting Fleece Jacket will complete a lazy day, sweat pant look. If none of those still aren't fitting your price range, Zara's denim jacket that comes in either blue or black will keep you cute for just under $50. You can't go wrong with either color and they're so much cheaper than you could even get both. If you're undecided, the black is great for winter and will go with everything in your closet, as it'd be best to tone down to a darker color for your winter #ootd. However, the blue is just as versatile and will transition great into the spring season while the temperature is still cool and comfortable. If all you're looking for is to stock up on fresh hoodies and crewnecks to wear alone or layer under jackets like the ones mentioned, Urban Outfitters has a wide selection of their UO brand crews and cardigans as well as graphics and of course, the classic Champion closet staple. Because the Champion can come off a little basic to some, the Champion Corduroy Crew Neck Sweatshirt still falls under a hundred with its sick detailing through the ribbed outer fleece lining and white striping at the ends of the sleeves and hem. This version comes in an in-season autumn rust orange called gold, or a simple black color way.
Moving on to everyone's favorite, most expensive item, you'd be surprised by what's out there when it comes to price while still looking on-trend. For a boot that is crazy on-trend at a shockingly affordable price is the BLISS Western Boot at Topshop. This year's hottest topic of fashion was carefully considered when bringing these boots to life with its snakeskin print and black western detailing through shape and space. If your someone who doesn't love a heel and comfort is your main priority while still looking like you tried, Steve Madden has released a chunky sneaker boot that will top off any outfit. The Mojave Sand Suede shoe is achromatic in its natural coloring, which gives off a 'Yeezy' vibe, which again is a perfect product for the person who just wants to work through the winter in sweats. Although the shoe might not have a heel like most boots, the shoe will still give you some height with its 2'' heightened sole. If you can't let go of the white chunky sneaker, as the Steve Madden one only comes in that one shade, FILA has released a boot version of their iconic disruptor shoe. The boot comes with or without fleece lining, and both manage to fall below a hundred dollars. For that Stuart Weitzman long-legged look, Steve Madden also carries a classic thigh-high boot, the Dominque, that won't completely break the bank. If you're feeling out of your comfort zone and want to keep the neon trend through the winter season, Steve Madden offers this style of boot in a wide range of fun colors. Of course, the always in fashion Doc Marten boot hasn't been mentioned due to its extreme price tag. While this may appear to be a major letdown, there are lots of dupes that work just as well for a way better bargain including the CONSIDERED OSLO Vegan Black Chunky Lace Up Boots by Topshop, which are currently fully stocked.
When it comes to winter, the more the merrier" is a tip to go by when figuring out what to wear. Aside from your basic accessories like statement jewelry, winter brings back more options that can add to not only an outfit but your warmth as well. Urban Outfitters has made it so easy this winter with their selection of hand and head garments. Their UO Watchcap Beanie comes in a variety of colors, again from the on-trend neon colorways from pink to green to orange, to a more natural range of options like black, maroon, grey, white, and so on. J. Crew falls in line with both these types of color options with their Ribbed Texting Gloves in Supersoft Yarn. Our phones are our life at this point, but we can't let the cold get in the way of our everyday tasks. These wool infused gloves come with subtle slits in the index finger and thumb so your screen is getting that skin contact. If you're someone who likes to keep your whole outfit consistent, J. Crew also makes matching beanies and scarves, but will probably come at a higher cost than the UO options mentioned before. However, these gloves are available in the shades similar to that of the ones offered by UO that will compliment each other perfectly.
If you're still feeling free with the funds, here are some affordable fashion pieces to style with the necessities already in your closet. The second you visit the H&M website, you'll be greeted with an amazing section of reasonably priced winter garments. The Rib-Knit Turtleneck Sweater is on trend with the latest runway looks with its enlarged sleeves and cropped length to show off a pair of high waisted jeans or leather skirts that would pair smoothly with the top. Speaking of which, their Circle Skirt will perk up your outfit with its bold prints and patterns. When one hears a skirt, one thinks bare skin, but don't fret: this simply means you need to add a pair of tights to your cart. With a garment that is usually so hidden from others, Free People's attention to detail and classic whimsical style makes picking out tights even more fun this season, From colors to prints, and from fishnet to embroideries and lace, the tights section of the Free People website will leave you wanting to wear tights year-round. If you immediately think of frizzed hair from a beanie, then maybe try a Brixton Ashland Cap. This style of hat has so much more character than your average baseball cap as it has been seen in all kinds of fabrics and colors. Belts are so easy to forget about as they serve a more utilitarian purpose in fashion. In contrast, this accessory can go a long way when pondering what that missing piece could be to your outfit. This past fashion month, there was still on a lot of western and bohemian styling to the collections. Free People covers this theme with their belts that come in huge statement piece sizes filled with distressed coloring, snakeskin and zebra prints, metal embellishments, and even velvet to shift you into the holiday spirit. To much surprise, a belt can do more than hold your pants up. Just wrap one around your favorite dress to give it the look of something more than something you might've thrown on out the door. A belt can also give a dress a more flattering look emphasizing your chest and hips, rather than the dress hanging on you like you're a hanger on the rack.
If these options aren't your style feel free to browse through the other products offered by these brands, as these shops are not limited to these items mentioned when it comes to price. Additionally, there are so many discounted department stores to look through that offer quality brands at lower prices, such as Nordstrom Rack, Saks OFF FIFTH, as well as Marshalls and Ross. From top to bottom, you're bound to find something that will add to any winter wardrobe without splurging through your savings.
Strike Out,
Writer: Joey Flanagan
Editors: Gillian McKendree and Savannah Tindall
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