How to Update Your Wardrobe for a New Season (On a Budget!)
Fall is in full force around these parts, and I bet you’re experiencing (or close to experiencing) the same change in temperatures and weather patterns (unless you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, in which case—you’re experiencing similar changes but in the other direction!). Fall is also a really fun time for fashion, as the cooler temperatures lend themselves well to layers and more “interesting” outfits in general. And you may even wanna do a little shopping and update your wardrobe!
If you’re like me, you probably have a good core wardrobe with basics that take you from season to season. You also may watch as new fashion trends emerge from a distance and wait until there’s one you LOVE and that you know will work for you, your lifestyle, and your wallet before you pounce on it. Here are my tips for updating your wardrobe for a new season WHILE staying on budget…because as much fun as it is to dress for a new season, you definitely don’t need to blow your budget to keep it looking fresh!
How to Update Your Wardrobe for a New Season
Keep an eye out for new trends via social media, blogs, magazines, and your favorite retailers.
Make note of trends you want to try. Save specific items that you like best (bookmark the websites, pin items on Pinterest, create a note on your phone, or make a spreadsheet).
Create a budget so you know how much you have to spend, and plan your purchases accordingly. Determine which trends you want to try the most and which trends you’re willing to splurge on and which you want to save. To keep your closet from being overwhelmed by trends, add at most 3-5 items.
If there’s a trendy item you REALLY want from a specific retailer but it’s out of your budget, search for dupes! I get inspiration from other bloggers but keep an eye out on my favorite retailers for alternatives if I’m not willing to fork over a lot of money for a trendy piece. NOTE: Sometimes, the best purchase you can make is an expensive item, because if it’s something you really want and know you will wear, it’ll be worth it to have the higher quality item. You’ll keep it and enjoy it for much longer!
If there’s a trend you’re interested in trying but aren’t really sure if you’ll like it all that much, look for it on your favorite inexpensive retailers, and try to grab it on sale. Sign up for those retailer’s emails so you’re notified of any markdowns!
Use a rental service like Rent the Runway to try out seasonal trends without the commitment of owning them! I’ve not used the service myself but I’ve heard good things from others.
Which 2021 fall fashion trends are you interested in trying? I’m no fashionista, but I’ve noticed that sweater vests, straight-leg jeans, flare jeans, utilitarian boots, smocked dresses, and chokers are having a moment! (Not sure I can get back into most of what we used to wear in the 90s haha!)
MADEWELL CITYWALK LUGSOLE LACE-UP BOOT
I couldn’t let this post go by without highlighting a recent wardrobe addition and trend I’ve decided to try: the lugsole lace-up boot! Doc Martens are making a comeback and retailers are taking note and making their own versions. These utilitarian boots are some I wasn’t sure would look good on me since I’m borderline petite, but the lugsole adds a little bit of height and makes me feel cool AF, so I went for it. Plus, how can I say no to burgundy boots?!?!
The Citywalk Lugsole Lace-Up Boot in Leather by Madewell features laces (of course) AND a back zipper, so you can tie your boots once and not have to worry about it again. The zippers make it much easier to get the boots on and off! There’s a 1” platform and the shaft is 5.5”. The padded insole is Madewell’s MWL Cloudlift Lite, which reduces (or eliminates) break-in time. I found the boots to fit TTS with thin wool socks. The rusted burgundy color is almost sold out on Madewell and is available in a few sizes on Zappos. The boots also come in English saddle (cognac brown) and black.
I absolutely LOVE this outfit. The leather jacket mimics the edge of the boots, and my new organic thermal boxy crop by new-to-me brand MATE the Label is cozy and adds some much-needed contrast and texture. I’m not big into flare jeans but the Cali demi-boot by Madewell is the perfect flare “lite” haha. Can the weather allow me to wear this outfit all fall, pretty please?
OUTFIT DETAILS
BlankNYC jacket / exact in plus sizes or similar (last seen here)
MATE the Label top / exact (similar by Gap)
Madewell jeans / old; similar
Madewell boots / exact (also available from Zappos and Nordstrom)
AUrate earrings c/o / exact (last seen here)
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Shopbop, Nordstrom, or Net-A-Porter
Dior Lip Glow in rosewood / exact