Remember that song, “Ballin on a Budget” by the Nappy Roots? Today’s title is a riff on that, and it took me back to my early college years, when I willfully insisted I “only liked hip hop music” while donning a pastel-intensive wardrobe and enough Lilly P. to outfit an entire roomful of Palm Beach residents. (Eye roll.) At any rate, as an addendum to my fall wardrobe essentials, I thought I’d share an additional handful of autumn-appropriate pieces on the more affordable end of the spectrum. (Although, my original set includes a bunch of well-priced finds, too!)
+A flared-sleeved coat ($59): the dramatic sleeve is here to stay, and I feel like I’ll be layering this chic navy topper over everything. If you’re more of a blazer gal, check out this affordable TopShop jacket ($85)!
+A striped turtleneck ($55): I love the buttons at the neck of this easy piece. Perfect with distressed denim and some mules for an afternoon of football-watching.
+Velvet mules ($98): These beauties are just too good to be true. I was SUPER into velvet last season, and I’m staying in that lane this season. Love the burgundy color, too. (It reminds me of my top pick for a Christmas/Holiday dress right now.)
+A balloon-sleeve wrap dress ($110): Perfect for just about any occasion, from running errands to a work coffee to cocktails. Man oh man do I love a wrap dress, but if you’re more of a tunic lover, check out this $26 steal!
Just for fun, this funky bird-print dress ($49) would look incredible with a pair of suede mules — I am still in love with these Loeffler Randall Veras ($325, shown in photo at top of post), but you can get the look for less with these Rebecca Minkoffs ($135 — I like the “acai” color!) or these Isa Tapias, on ridiculous sale for $158.
For statement shirtwear:
+A simple but dramatic blue top ($25)!
+A great striped basic ($98) — I bought a variation on this top a few seasons back in a similar blue and white stripe and have gotten about a trillion and ten wears out of it. I especially liked it while recovering from my c-section — it was long enough to cover the ol’ butt while wearing leggings/maternity jeans.
+A big ol’ bow front blouse ($148). Endless options — underneath a blazer, pair with distressed denim, tucked into a high-waisted skirt.
A few other statement shirt options: this dramatic wrap-style top ($35), which looks a lot like some of the more expensive statement styles by Johanna Ortiz and Caroline Constas; this fun ruched satin blouse ($59) — I kind of love it with the coordinating skirt?!? — so high-fashion!; this $36 puff-sleeved shirt.
And, on the more casual end of the spectrum:
+I wear striped tee dresses like this $40 find, paired with my navy Supergas, for casual Saturday morning outings, on the regular.
+A slouchy cotton turtleneck sweater ($68) — love its oversized boxiness, especially in the navy.
+ICYMI, I mentioned this find on Friday, but check out this Gucci-esque sweater, available for only $28! While there, check out this gingham midi skirt ($28). So cute with a fashion forward statement top along the lines outlined above, especially that white puff sleeved goodie.
+I love a striped pullover like this ($59) for cooler morning walks. I think I’ll order the white/red/navy combo. The bows at the wrist add a little interest without being too fussy.
+Finally, and I know this is a little #basic, but I love love love an oatmeal-colored Patagonia fleece I’ve had for the past decade or so — this quilted style ($149) may need to join in on the closet fun chez Magpie.