3 Fall Items I Never Splurge On (and 3 I Do)

In poker, you should know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em. In fashion, you ought to know when to splurge on smart investments and when to save your pennies. When it comes to fall fashion, not everything in your closet needs to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, some of the pieces we reach for most tend to wear out quickly, making them the perfect categories to shop affordably. The key is knowing where to save so you can still refresh your wardrobe each season without the sting of buyer’s remorse.

On the flip side, there are a handful of fall staples worth your hard-earned dollars because they truly anchor your outfits and will stand the test of time. A sharp blazer that instantly pulls a look together, knee-high boots that only get better with age, and a luxe suede jacket that feels like a forever piece all fall firmly into the “investment” camp. Ahead, I’m breaking down exactly which items I splurge on versus save on each season, and why this mix keeps my closet feeling elevated and practical.

Brands like Gap and Zara have impressive selections of suede bags that don’t break the bank. I particularly love Gap’s Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag ($62), which is a more-than-worthy alternative to Dakota Johnson’s $1190 version by The Row.