9 Expensive-Looking Autumn Outfits You Can Buy on a Lean Budget

Damn right I'd like a Max Mara coat, some Paris Texas knee-high boots, a printed dress from Prada and a new ruched Bottega Veneta Cassette bag, but in reality, my autumn shopping budget doesn't look like it'll stretch that much. I'll always advocate for saving up for a dream investment piece (and any of the above suggestions last year after year, no matter the trends), but the same kind of thinking can also be applied to high-street or more affordable fashions when you want to upgrade and breathe new life into your existing wardrobe.

So if you're looking for a little autumn/winter 2023 vibe, rest assured you don't have to spend a fortune, but you should still spend wisely. Try to seek out pieces that feel like they'll work with what you already have nestled away in the depths of your closet. (If in doubt, go home and try on items with at least three other outfits to see if your purchase is versatile enough.) Don't buy something so niche and specific that it requires a full outfit built around it. Why? Because you'll end up putting down more cash than you'd intended to, and you could've just bought something special and luxe instead.

One of the best ways to make sensible purchases that go the distance is to keep things relatively pared-back. Or you could just follow my guidance on the kind of items that can look expensive even on a lean budget. I've pulled together some example ensembles you can craft without denting your credit card this autumn. Keep scrolling to see and shop them.

1. BLAZER + JEANS + HEELS

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(Image credit: @deborarosa)

Style Notes: An oldie but a goodie, this season's take on the blazer-and-jeans formula involves a skintight top, gold jewellery and strappy heels.

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2. COSY JUMPER + WIDE LEG TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @modedamour )

Style Notes: A chunky—not too thick but not too clingy—jumper always looks effortless with tailored trousers. Or even jeans, leather trousers, or a slip skirt.

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3. BOUCLE JACKET + TAILORED TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk )

Style Notes: In general, if you pick a family of colours and wear them head to toe, you're going to look slick. This is especially true for shades of white, beige and cream. Oh, and a pair of ballet pumps and jolt of matte red lipstick will never do you wrong in this instance.

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4. TROUSER SUIT + HEELS

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: A trouser suit never fails and will always look premium in a more neutral hue like grey, khaki or tan. This could look just as good styled with flats, heels or boots.

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5. KNITTED DRESS + GOLD JEWELLERY

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(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)

Style Notes: Knitted dresses are always a winner. Cosy, comfy yet so chic—you can dress them up or down with a simple swap of accessories and footwear.

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6. DENIM + STRIPED JUMPER + BALLET FLATS

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: It's the pairing of the season. Stripes and denim are such a perfect combo, and it's highly likely you own enough pieces to pull this together already.

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7. LEATHER JACKET + LEGGINGS + BOOTS

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn )

Style Notes: Distressed leather jackets are hot property this season, so why not team them with another favourite buy, leggings, just like Marilyn? Wear yours with chunky bikers boots to make it seasonably palatable. 

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8. SLIP SKIRT + MOHAIR JUMPER

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: One of the easiest ways to make your outfits look more expensive is to mix up textures. Silk and mohair are always a good match.

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9. SWEATER + MINISKIRT + CHUNKY LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: There’s just something so appealing about the combination of a miniskirt, a chunky knit and loafers, as demonstrated here by Aimee. Sure, it might be preppy, but this is a look that has stood the test of time since the ’50s, so who are we to argue? 

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Next Up, 5 Chic 10-Minute Outfits That Make Getting Dressed So Easy

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was hired to launch a UK sister site and social channels, localise content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 15 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times and MatchesFashion.com, among many others.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy toddler and highly Instagrammable cat.