When the leaves change so does our fashion style. Wedges become booties, straps evolve into sleeves, necklaces transform into scarves.
Fall 2016 is all about fabric play with a ’90s twist. Shades of pumpkin, mustard, olive and burgundy are meshed with corduroy, velvet, shearling and suede to create looks that Cher Horowitz and Rachel Green would be envious of. But let’s be honest; you could dress head to toe in Gucci with money left over if you didn’t have to pay for tuition.
Thankfully, you can still manage to look trendy and stay in school if you know where to shop. Here are 20 fall fashion finds under $25.
1. Chokers
Ah, yes. The choker. Synonymous with the ’90s, this necklace comes in enough forms to complement anyone’s style. Throw on a thick velvet choker to highlight the neck in an off-the- shoulder look. A classic tattoo choker meshed with a flannel worn over a slip dress epitomizes grunge for one of the must sought after fall fashion must haves.
2. Bralettes
Gone are the days where having a visible bra is considered a fashion faux-pa. Cue the bralette! Throw on a scoop neck tee over a bralette to show the smallest amount of lace-covered decolletage. Not to mention, they are way more comfortable than conventional underwire cupped bras.
3. Flannels
Invest in some flannel- it will makeover your wardrobe. Undo the buttons on your favorite button-up, and wear it as you would a cardigan over a flowy tank. Tying a flannel around the waist is also very trendy this season, as well as shirt-dresses like the one pictured below.
4. Button-Down Skirts
Arguably the “it-skirt” of the season, the button-up skirt draws from the ’90s and the’ 70s. Kick it up a notch by playing with fabrics such as suede (left), and corduroy (right), a definite must for one of your fall fashion must haves.
5. Matte/Liquid Lipstick
I’m gonna make a quick pitch for Colorpop here. I own Kylie Jenner Lipkits and Colorpop Matte Lipsticks, and I barely notice a difference. Plus, Colorpop Matte Liquid Lipsticks are $6 and they come in more colors than Kylie’s. Pictured below are the two colors that I own.
6. Off The Shoulder
The off the shoulder trend is continuing into the colder months- only the sleeves are getting longer, and the fabric thicker.
7. Bomber Jacket
There are enough variants of the bomber jacket to suit any style. To toughen up your look, go for the classic army green. If you are looking for a pinch of femininity, a floral print might be right for you.
8. Ruffles
Amidst all the grunge, this season is allowing for a quintessentially girl-ish vibe. Yep- ruffles. I would suggest dark moto boots for the tops to avoid looking like a little girl.
9. Turtlenecks/Mock Necks
The turtle and mock necks are back in style. Strike a balance between modern and mod by wearing skinny jeans with the top on the left, or caged heels with the dress on the right for one of your fall fashion must haves.
10. Slip Dress
Styling is key for this lingerie inspired piece. Add a t-shirt underneath, a flannel around the waist, and sneakers to take the slip dress from boudoir to bodacious.
11. Onesies
Onesies, or bodysuits, are a fun alternative to plain tops, making them one of this season’s fall fashion must haves. My picks include a hot fall color and an interesting lacing detail.
12. Plaid Mini Skirt
(As If) a la Cher Horowitz.
13. Leather
Wear leather where it usually wouldn’t be and add it to your list of fall fashion must haves! Leather shorts can be worn during the colder months with tights, and a big sweater over this leather tank top is cute and unexpected.
14. Bucket Bag
The bucket bag is a fun alternative to a classic square cross body!
15. Mules
The cool older sister of the clog, the mule is reminiscent of the ’70s. A plaid skirt and a lace-up top with tights and one of these mules would be a fall-perfect ensemble.
16. Lace-Up Tops
Lace-up tops are totally in right now, especially in a ribbed texture. This trend is great if you are a bit trend-shy. It’s not that out there and easy to style!
17. Velvet
Velvet almost seems costume-like, so balance it out with more simple pieces. A jean jacket would make the dress on the left an everyday look.
18. Silky Top
Perfect for layering, the silk camisole is also a ’90s trend. Throw a chunky knit sweater on for an eye-catching contrast, or a blazer and booties for a class presentation.
19. Overall Dresses
I grew up wearing these dresses, so I’m a bit partial to them. Mix them up with edgier pieces to avoid looking like a catholic school girl. Try leather combat boots, a crop top underneath or ripped tights.
20. Lace-up Flats
The “it-shoe” of the season, these ballet flats are indisputably adorable.
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