No Sleep, No Thoughts—Just These Devastatingly Good Under-$250 Finds

Affordable fall fashion finds

Photo:

@nlmarilyn

Since I was young, my favorite hobby has been finding the best affordable clothing. Family members can recall a time when I'd force them to take me to thrift stores and teen stores like Limited Too (ah, memories) after school to scour the racks for the perfect deal. In my mind, nothing compares to the thrill of unearthing a discounted designer bag, scooping up a special piece at a sample sale, or finding an affordable fall fashion item.

Of course, I'd be lying if I didn't say that shopping takes patience, something not everyone has. It takes a lot of energy to hunt for expensive-looking pieces, time to curate a wardrobe, and effort to keep up with trends. On top of that, shopping for a new season can be overwhelming, especially when rolling heat waves make the mere idea of fall seem far off. All this is to say I understand why shopping might not be everyone's cup of tea. 

Luckily for the anti-shoppers, fashion editors (like myself) live to share their recommendations. I've taken the liberty of rounding up 54 affordable fall fashion finds under $250 that will make the eventual transition into fall less stressful. Fair warning: These items may cause a lack of sleep and thoughts and overwhelming feelings because they're so good. If you're not an avid shopper with a high serotonin-boost tolerance, proceed cautiously. 

You'd never guess this crescent-shaped vegan-leather bag isn't designer.

Okay, this knit dress did not need to be this good.

I'm betting these ankle boots will garner all the compliments.

News flash: Unique jewelry does not have to cost a fortune.

I've been obsessed with column skirts, so this affordable version is at the top of my wish list.

The sculpted heel on these wedges is doing what it needs to do.

A lightweight duster is ideal for early fall temperatures. 

The draping detail on this top makes it look designer. 

I own this dress, and I promise it's perfect for every season. 

Unique blazers can be pricer, but this one is proving that precedent wrong.

Your search for an affordable woven bag is over. Thank me later.

A good pair of trousers can add ritz to any outfit.

These slingbacks also come in black, silver, and white.

Sézane's knitted cardigans are not only super soft, but this one also comes in eight other colorways. 

Transition this dress into the fall by adding a cardigan or trench coat. 

She's not a regular tank top; she's a cool one.

The key to giving any look that "drip"? A good pair of sneakers.

Is it just me, or does chocolate brown make every piece look expensive?

Everything about these sneakers is perfect for fall—from the olive hue to the retro silhouette to the distressed material. 

A good trench coat will change your life.

Ballet flats will continue to be big well into the fall. 

No, it's not Chanel, but it's nearly as chic.

The best thing about knit dresses? No matter where you bought it from, it always looks luxurious.

Pony or no pony, these riding boots deserve a place in your wardrobe. 

The easiest way to embody "rich auntie" while walking your purse puppy is by slipping into a chunky knit.

These are the type of earrings you'd want to put on just to go to the bodega.

Finding an affordable fitted vegan-leather skirt was impossible until now.

Kitten heels from luxury designers have got competition.

Who doesn't love a sleek shoulder bag? 

Denim skirts are a must-have for any wardrobe. 

It's never too early to invest in a pair of knee-high boots.

The perfect layering piece for fall. 

Trust me when I say a good pair of jeans is always worth every penny.

The compliments will roll in while you're wearing this shoulder bag.

These earrings will make any ensemble look more polished.

The neckline on this sweater makes it look way more expensive than its price tag.

Oh, you fancy, huh? Well, you will be once you add these loafers to your closet.

Leather trousers make every ensemble feel more expensive.