Fun fact: As an editor who lives for the start of the fall fashion season, I didn't spend much time in New York this September. In between work trips and vacations abroad, I was soaking in the last remaining days of summer as much as I possibly could. Now that I'm back in New York, true chilly fall weather has begun to creep in. Even though this will be my second fall living in a city that *actually* experiences seasons, I've still been unable to master the art of fall dressing on a budget. Sure, I have my trusted array of trendy denim and long-sleeve coats that will make the next few months bearable, but all in all, my closet is still majorly struggling for fall—especially when it comes to my limited budget. Thankfully, that's where Nordstrom comes in.
After spending four hours on the site and doing more damage than I care to admit, I've found the must-have fall essentials well under $100 that'll seamlessly take your closet from summer to fall. With high-heat sweaters, ankle booties, and dark-wash denim I can't seem to get enough of, prepare to live out your Pumpkin Spice Latte, Rory Gilmore–era fall fantasies with these adorable, well-priced basics. Try to resist the temptation to buy every single one of these 30 cute buys.
Caslon
Collar Organic Cotton Blend Cardigan
My jaw dropped when I saw how well-priced this cardigan is.
Nordstrom
Clemens Chelsea Boot
Don't walk—run. These boots won't stay on sale forever.
Wit & Wisdom
Absolution Skyrise Cuffed Wide Leg Jeans
Cuffed jeans are one of my favorite fall denim trends.
AllSaints
Stevie Crop Cotton Rib T-Shirt
A pop of red is always a good idea.
Alex Mill
Madeline Pleated Twill Wide Leg Trousers
These on-sale trousers are selling out fast.
Jeffrey Campbell
Romp Flat
You can always count on Jeffrey Campbell to deliver the perfect shoes.
Noisy May
Casie Oversize Denim Jacket
Denim-on-denim looks will be huge this season.
Reformation
Cello One-Shoulder Knit Top
Reformation always has the prettiest tops to wear with jeans.
Madewell
Demi-Fine Medium Hoop Earrings
Invest in some demi-fine jewelry this season you won't ever have to take off.
BP
Acid Wash Oversize Cotton Sweater
Can't you tell I have a thing for slouchy sweaters?
We the Free
Tinsley High Waist Baggy Jeans
Dark-wash denim is elite.
Marc Fisher
Ubet Ballet Flat
These suede ballet flats are not to be missed.
Reformation
Raelynn Button Front Organic Cotton Knit Top
Okay, Ref, I see you!
Topshop
Slash Neck Stretch Jersey Top
A bateau-neck tank is great for layering under a slouchy leather jacket.
Madewell
Supima Cotton Rib T-Shirt
All my white T-shirts are from Madewell. They're just too good.
Madewell
Chunky Metal Leather Belt
Here's another Madewell favorite. The brand's leather accessories, including belts, look so luxe.
COS
Stripe Wool Turtleneck Sweater
A French woman walks into Nordstrom… She instantly makes a beeline for this sweater.
Halogen
Side Ruched Tank
This color looks so rich.
Pistola
Nina Long Sleeve Denim Shirtdress
This denim dress is on deep discount right now.
Free People
Suzy Cotton & Linen Jacket
At this price, this barn jacket–esque piece is such a steal.
Earth
Javas Penny Loafer
Nothing screams fall footwear to me quite like loafers do.
Kut from the Kloth
Meg Fab Ab Raw Hem High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans
Astr the Label
Collar Long Sleeve Shift Dress
This sweaterdress is so easy.
Treasure & Bond
Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt
A silk skirt is always a necessity when the weather gets colder.
Faherty
Freestyle Rib T-Shirt
Chic!
Astr the Label
Crossover Off the Shoulder Rib Sweater
Another pretty knit that would go perfect with some straight-leg jeans.
Mango
Embossed Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
Gorgeous.
Petal & Pup
Arlow Shacket
A classic, cropped shacket goes with everything in your closet.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.