At least on the East Coast, it’s peak fall. Everything’s pumpkin flavored, the air’s blessedly humidity-free and each morning we wake up energized by the prospect of getting dressed — layering! Plus, all of our usual cold(ish)-weather regalia is still unfamiliar enough that we can almost pretend it’s new.
Of course, dressing is even more fun when your stuff actually is new, and what better excuse to update one’s wardrobe than a change in seasons? We’re not talking break-the-bank type splurging — just harmlessly, frivolously dipping your toes in the latest trends by way of trusty bargain sites like Zara, Mango, ASOS and so on.
To make things even simpler, we rounded up 50 (under-$100!) hot-ticket cold-weather items you need in your life. In the practical column are outdoorsy boots, plaid coats and blanket scarves that’ll keep you warm and relatively comfortable in the crazy winter world we now live in. As for the fun stuff, you’ve got of-the-moment zebra-print flats, lace evening gloves that serve no purpose besides looking cute, a fuzzy fuchsia Kangol hat and even some ginormous hairclips for those who’ve thought about re-watching “Passport to Paris” for style tips. Enjoy.
[ Next: 36 Gorgeous Fall-to-Winter Coats, Because It’s Finally Cold Out ]
Under-$100 Fall Items
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A Super-Short Dress
& Other Stories Slit Back Dress, $99 at & Other Stories
The 80s are back, big time, and this little number is giving us Studio 54 (and Saint Laurent) vibes.
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Colorful Plaid Pants
Boohoo Woven Tartan Wide Leg Trousers, $22 at Boohoo
Fun, office-appropriate and perfect for wearing with a cozy sweater.
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A Haute Scrunchie
Lelet NY Patent-Leather Hair Tie, $80 at Net-a-Porter
The pretty lilac shade and patent finish makes this so much better than your average scrunchie. Use it to accent your hair or your wrist.
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Shield Sunglasses
Poppy Lissiman Toxic Pop Sunglasses in Rainbow, $75 at Poppy Lissiman
A major trend on the Spring 2019 runways, these sporty sunglasses pair well with a bikini and après-ski gear.
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A Flowy Midi Dress
Zara Printed Midi Dress, $99.90 at Zara
Give it some oomph with white cowboy boots.
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Something Off-White
Off-White Logo-Intarsia Stretch Cotton-Blend Socks, $90 at Mr. Porter
Off-White is officially the world's hottest fashion brand. In our dream bank account world, we'd be able to afford one of Abloh's tulle-flanked tennis dresses, but for now, we'll make do with these logoed-out socks. Wear them pulled-high with sneakers or fancy sandals (for contrast).
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A Ballet-Inspired Top
Reformation Petalo Top, $68 at Reformation
Are you as obsessed with Maria Grazia Chiuri's latest (dance-inspired) Dior collection as we are? Take a literal styling approach — wear it with a satin midi skirt, knit socks and flats.
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A Red Beret
Monki Beret in Red, $13 at ASOS
High-impact, and, oh yeah, warm.
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Classic Chelsea Boots
Monki Pointed Toe Chelsea Boots in Burgundy, $64 at ASOS
One of the best things about colder weather is Chelsea boots. They're durable, super-sleek and go with just about anything.
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Sculptural Jewelry
Cult Gaia Jane Rattan Cuff, $90 at Net-a-Porter
Cult-favorite bag designer Cult Gaia now makes Instagram-friendly jewelry, too. This woven rattan cuff is chic AF and, as a bonus, will remind you of warmer days.
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Something Neon
Zara Oversized Sweater, $49.90 at Zara
An accessible way to wear the easy-to-spot neon trend.
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Mittens That Do the Colorblocking for You
PS by Paul Smith Striped Mittens, $95 at Farfetch
Great with a monochrome 'fit.
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Grandpa Sneakers
Nike M2K Tekno Leather and Neoprene Sneakers, $100 at Net-a-Porter
These have a 90s, dad-like vibe, but aren't so chunky that they tip into full fashion-victim territory.
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Statement Socks
Mina Perhonen Rosy Embroidered Socks, $35 at Bird Brooklyn
Embroidered socks jazz up any below-the-ankle situation.
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Utilitarian Outerwear
COS Elastic-Detailed Padded Gilet, $59 at COS
Functions like a puffer vest, looks way cooler.
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A Bold Beanie
Echo Chenille Hat, $39 at Echo
PSA: Chenille is "in" again. Aren't you glad you live somewhere with seasons, so you can rock this cozy cap?
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Un-Basic Hoops
Lizzie Fortunato Rome Hoop Earrings, $38 at Shopbop
These feel more "adult" and sophisticated than your average skinny silver hoop, plus they're on sale.
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Fuzzy Slippers
Ugg Scuffette II Slipper, $84.95 at Nordstrom
Uggs have made a comeback this season. (Believe it.) We dare you to wear these with a satiny tailored suit a la Céline.
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An Embellished Cardigan
Musier Paris Cardigan Clarisse, $103 at Musier Paris
OK, so this cardigan is $3 above the price limit — sue us. It's ribbed, it's got pretty buttons, it's just the right shade of red ... it's perfect. Per front row denizen Reese Blutstein, pair it with high-waisted bottoms and leave those last five or six buttons unfastened.
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A Leopard Print Skirt
Pixie Market Rene Leopard Silky Midi Skirt, $90 at Pixie Market
Plays well with a chunky knit, costs half the price of the Insta-famous Realisation Par version.
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A Personality Hat
Kangol Furgora Casual Bucket Hat, $65 at Nordstrom
Cold-weather outfits are all about texture, and this hat has it in spades. Also, bucket hats are #trending and Kangol is classic.
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A Knit Skirt
Mango Cable Knit Skirt, $49.99 at Mango
A chic alternative to rolling up to the office in sweats.
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A Statement Choker
Mango Link Necklace, $29.99 at Mango
Complement your cozy clothes with extra-extravagant jewelry.
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90s Hair Clips
Kitsch So Extra Snap Clip Set, $6 at Free People
Per the reviews, these hold down any hair type. Pay tribute to the Olsen twins and style as pictured.
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An Un-Boring Black Blazer
Farrow Mallory Linen Suit Set, $83 at Need Supply
It's linen though, so you'll have to layer.
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Lace Gloves
Urban Outfitters Lace Fingerless Gloves, $12 at Urban Outfitters
For added drama, pair them with something velvet.
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A Plaid Coat
H&M Knee-Length Coat, $69.99 at H&M
Checked (we're calling them "Sherlock") coats were a big hit with the street style set this past fashion month. Here's a rare $70 option.
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Logoed Tights
Gucci Intarsia Fishnet Tights, $85 at Net-a-Porter
Will logomania ever pass? We doubt it. Sure, these tights may be expensive by normal hosiery standards, but compared to other things Gucci, they're rather affordable and low-key/versatile.
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J.Crew
Evie Ballet Flats in Leather, $49.99 at J.Crew
We saw Paloma Elsesser wearing army pants and ballet flats, so we suggest you buy army pants and ballet flats.
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Cowboy Boots
Zara Heeled Cowboy Ankle Boots, $89.90 at Zara
Cowboy boots — and all things wild-wild-West-inspired — are having their moment in the sun (thanks largely to Raf Simons at Calvin Klein). Yee haw.
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A New (But Timeless) Knit
Mango Scarf Neck Sweater, $69.99 at Mango
Nonchalant, but the scarf detail makes it feel super elegant. Label this one "Most Likely to Be Mistaken for The Row."
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Something Snakeskin
Mango Snake-Effect Ankle Boots, $79.99 at Mango
Embrace the “animal print is a neutral” mentality.
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Diamante Earrings
BaubleBar 3 Drop Earrings, $48 at Shopbop
Dress up your dull winter separates with ginormous, sparkly, verging-on-ostentatious earrings.
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Corduroy Trousers
& Other Stories Flared Corduroy Trousers, $99 at & Other Stories
These'll go well with all those millennial-pink tops you've accumulated.
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A Tie-Dye Turtleneck
Le Fou Wilfred Noelle Turtleneck, $60 at Artizia
Use a turtleneck with a happy print to extend the life of a solid satin slip dress.
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A Zip-Up Fleece
Bershka Reversible Faux Shearling and Nylon Jacket, $69.90 at Bershka
Non-preppy fleeces were all over the Spring 2019 runways (at Coach, Sandy Liang, Off-White, etc.). Get ahead of the trend.
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A Silk Scarf
A Peace Treaty Saona Bandana in Blue, $88 at Need Supply
Here's to neck décor that stands out, keeps your vitals toasty and touts a subtle political message.
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Cold-Weather Mules
Mango Heel Leather Mules, $99.99 at Mango
The upper portion covers most of the front of your feet, making them (a.) easier to walk in and (b.) fall-appropriate.
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A Fashionable Ski Mask
Nike Pro Hyperwarm, $30 at Nike
For $30, you can try out the Calvin Klein, Gucci, Marni, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Dior-approved balaclava lewk.
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Vintage-Inspired Sunglasses
Le Specs Outta Love in Safari, $59 at Need Supply
The cow-print rims make these vintage-inspired sunnies doubly on-trend.
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A Fun Rain Accessory
Walk of Shame Green Tie-On Hood, $54 at The Frankie Shop
Gorpcore meets glamping in this eye-catching accent you won't want to save for rainy days.
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A Puff Sleeve Sweater
Zara Puff Sleeved Sweater, $49.90 at Zara
One of the most aesthetically exciting sweaters we've seen this season.
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A Sleek Belt Bag
The Frankie Shop Square Black Belt Bag, $55 at The Frankie Shop
This is the trend that never ends. Here's a sleek option that's almost more belt than bag, thanks to its super-compact pocket.
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Animal Print Flats
Mango Zebra Leather Shoes, $99.99 at Mango
Take a walk on the wild side — wear these with clashy pants.
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A Logoed Beanie
Calvin Klein Jeans Est. 1978 Established Patch Beanie, $40 at Need Supply
All hail King Raf.
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Polka Dots
Farrow Murphy Polka Dot Bustier Top, $76 at Need Supply
Say "bye bye" to balloon sleeves (for now). To ease the separation anxiety, here's a milkmaid-inspired top that won't get bent out of shape when you slip on a coat.
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Cute Snow Boots
Free People Montana Hiker Boot, $79 at Free People
It's famously difficult to find stylish, functional snow boots. At under $80, these are sure to go quick.
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A Chain Belt
Chain Belt with Buckle, $25.90 at Zara
Use it to cinch suits and plain white tees alike.
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An Updated White Tee
Paloma Wool Souvenir Tkmil Tee, $49 at The Frankie Shop
The ultimate in wearable art, from Barcelona-based, "It"-girl beloved designer Paloma Wool.
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Wearable Blankets
Free People Jaden Ribbed Fringe Blanket Scarf, $48 at Free People
Never leave the house without one.
