Smart Fall 2025 Buys: What to Splurge On and Where to Save
Fall is one of the best times to shop. New boots, cozy sweaters, maybe a great coat. But it is also easy to overspend on things you do not really need. I like to think of Fall shopping as a balancing act. Some pieces are worth putting more money into because they will last for years. Others you can grab at a lower price and not feel guilty when you are ready to move on.
If you’re ready to update your wardrobe this Fall, the goal is to shop smart. I’m sharing what I think are the best pieces for Fall 2025 worth splurging on, as well as a few others that offer a bit of savings.
Spend on Fall Coats & Jackets
Outerwear is where you get the most return on your money. A great coat or jacket instantly makes an outfit look current, and if you choose wisely, you can wear it for years to come.
quilted barn jacket | barely boot jeans | suede flats
Barn Jackets
Remember when I talked about Fall’s Town and Country trend? Barn jackets are a practical, chic, and timeless part of that look. A quilted barn jacket with a corduroy collar in oakmoss green, indigo blue, or autumn orange, or this port-wine color, is the kind of piece that will still look fabulous three years from now.
If you’re ready to try this classic for yourself, take a look at my favorite barn coats: How to Style a Barn Jacket and Look Instantly Chic This Fall.
Tailored Trench Coats
A trench coat never goes out of style. This season, longer hemlines and belted waists are trending. The beauty of a Fall trench is that it can also be worn in the spring.
Suede Jackets
Suede instantly adds texture and richness to your look, offering a warmer, cozier feel than leather. Choose a simple cut in camel, taupe, or chocolate brown to stay on-trend now and for years to come.
Save Your Money for just “Some Sweaters”
Sweaters are everyone’s favorite thing to buy in Fall, but not every style is worth the hefty price tag. Fashion moves quickly here, and colors or patterns that seem fresh today may feel dated next year.
Chunky Ribbed Knits
Ribbing is having a moment, but you don’t need to spend big bucks to get the look. Many mid-range brands offer high-quality versions.
Striped Pullovers and Fun Patterned Sweaters
These are the sweaters that liven up your wardrobe for a season. Look for the more affordable ones, knowing you will probably want something new next Fall.
Sweaters in the Colors of the Season
There are classic colors, and then there are the trendy colors of the season. If you want to wear one of the latest colors, such as dusty rose or teal, consider buying them in knits at a lower price point.
Where to Splurge
If you have some money and want to invest in a really nice sweater, opt for a luxurious, soft sweater in a classic neutral color. Traditional knits such as a black cashmere turtleneck, a camel crewneck, or a cream cardigan are your best investments. These are the sweaters you can mix and match a million ways and never get tired of.
Splurge on Quality Pants and Denim
When it comes to bottoms, fit is everything. A well-cut pair of trousers or jeans can make you feel instantly more polished and confident. Additionally, inexpensive pants often fail to fit well. Spend money on a tailor if needed, so your clothes drape better, last longer, and make you look and feel like a million bucks!
Wide-Leg Trousers
Tailored wide-leg pants are relaxed, easygoing, and selling like hotcakes at the moment, but they are also a timeless look. A pair of black, brown, or grey trousers is a smart buy. They’ll look just as good with loafers and a blazer as they do with sneakers and a sweater.
Straight Leg Jeans | rust sweater | floral sweatshirt | suede flats | Soho hoops | chain bracelet
Straight-Leg Denim
Straight-leg jeans are the most versatile cut you can own. A dark wash or clean mid-wash looks modern now and will still feel current in five years.
Workhorse Pants
These are pieces like ankle-length cigarette pants or slim-fit ponte. They are the staples you will wear on repeat. I have a few classic, high-quality pairs in my closet that I still wear after over eight years. ( I can’t believe they held up)
Don’t go Crazy on Trend-Driven Skirts.
Midi skirts are everywhere this Fall, and while you might love them because they feel fresh and new, they aren’t worth spending a lot on.
Pleated Midis
Fun for now, but not always practical long term. Enjoy them affordably.
Bias-Cut Styles
Great for pairing with boots this season. These can be found in budget-friendly options that still have an elevated look.
Seasonal Fabrics
Faux leather, corduroy, and suede skirts are playful, but you may not reach for them every year. While it may be worth spending on a suede jacket since you wear it frequently, it’s not the best to also pay for a suede skirt. Save your money here.
Where to Splurge
When is it worth splurging on a skirt? If you find a classic skirt in a neutral fabric that fits perfectly, it may be worth the investment since you can wear it year-round.
Fork out some Dough for Beautiful Shoes and Boots
Good Shoes are worth spending more on for a couple of reasons. You’re going to be wearing them a lot, so they have to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Quality shoes are also going to be much more comfortable than a cheap pair, and shoes are the one place where quality really shows through. Spend a little more here, and feel good about it.
Knee-High Boots
A clean, straight-cut pair in black or brown leather will never go out of style. They’re perfect with skirts, dresses, or jeans tucked in. These are simple, elegant, and have a nice low heel, so you can wear them without worrying about having aching feet.
Loafers
Loafers aren’t going anywhere. Invest in a high-quality leather or suede pair that molds to your foot and exudes elegance.
Updated Ballet Flats
The classic ballet flat has undergone a makeover, feeling fresher and more modern. This Fall’s best ones have structured soles, almond or square toes, and subtle details like slingback straps. I don’t want to sound boring, but again, a neutral leather pair is worth splurging on because you will wear them with everything from jeans to dresses. If you think May Janes look too little girly, try a square-toe pair. You might be surprised, like I was!
Shop Around for Good Deals on Fun Accessories
Adding some new, trendy accessories is the key to updating your Fall look, and the good news is that you don’t have to blow your budget doing so. There are numerous exciting new accessories, including scarves, belts, and bags, available at a price point that’s affordable. These are the finishing touches to an outfit and are fun to swap out from season to season, allowing you to change up your look.
Scarves
A scarf in this season’s colors or print can instantly update your look. Since they do not get heavy wear, you do not need to spend much.
If scarves are on your mind, you’ll love this style guide I made about How to Wear a Scarf This Fall Without Looking Dated.
Statement Earrings or Belts
Perfect for adding interest to an outfit, but not something you need to invest heavily in. Amazon has some great belts.
Seasonal Handbags
While I love to treat myself and splurge on a luxury bag from time to time, I’ve also found that many mid- and lower-priced bags look pretty impressive. A structured satchel, a bucket bag, or a trendy novelty bag can be fun at half the price or more.
Ready to update your bag for Fall? Check out my post: The Best Fall Bags 2025 for Women Over 40 That Look Fresh, Not Frumpy. These are the purses I think are worth considering this season.
The Takeaway
Refreshing your closet for Fall doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. The best approach is to mix quality investment pieces with more fun, affordable finds. When you shop this way, you get the best of both worlds: a wardrobe that feels modern this Fall, but also timeless enough to carry you through the next few years.
