Sunday, 17 August 2025

Fall Style on a Teacher Budget





Hi friends.  Today I am sharing a few trends that I am on board with and a few options for you to purchase on a budget.  I just purchased a small haul from H & M to fill the void in my closet, but there are a couple of other trends that I am excited for and may look to bring in over time or will be shopping my closet for.  

MAIN TIP: You don't need to have everything, rather focus on a few pieces that you want to use to spice up your current closet.  Shop your closet first and then decide what you want to add.  A specific color, style, or accessory.  

#1 Browns & Earth Tones

Brown, specifically chocolate brown, is continuing to show up this fall.  Since I do want to update some of my work trousers, I did purchase one pair of dark brown trousers and a brown cardigan (cardigan's are also very popular this season).  Brown pairs well with blue, black, gray, hunter green and taupe.  Keep it neutral and think sky, water, forest.


H&M Buckle-Detail Dress Pants $29.99



#2 Lace & Leopard Prints

I am combing two trends in one.  I am seeing both of these  a lot in slip skirts. 

  • Slip skirts with a lace trim.  I really wanted to add this to my closet but I am waiting to see if the leopard slip skirt is going to be a fit for me before I buy more, plus I already have a dark green floral pattern slip skirt in my closet which I may just use instead.  You can also think of lacey tops, lace trim camisoles, lacey socks or lacey print tights.
Dynamite Lace Trim Slip Skirt $30 (sale)

RW & Co Lacey Top on sale $19.99

                                                
  • Leopard print slip skirts.  Leopard print is never out of style, but it's back in a big way this year.  So get a dress, pants, or skirt for the season.  Leopard print is super easy to style once you think of it as a neutral. I purchased the below skirt from H&M and am really hoping it works.  I'll be pairing it with a number of pieces including the  brown cardigan, red knit top for a bold look, crisp white tee, a graphic tee, leather jacket, cozy beige sweaters, and a black turtleneck. The list goes on!
H&M Leopard Print Slip Skirt $29.99




#3 Polo Style Tops
Think Ralph Lauren at the horse track but in a knit.  I purchased a knitted red and blue top that my daughter said gave her the "English riding" vibe and although it doesn't have a collar it still fits into this category.  I also found this gem on the H & M site and am very excited about styling it for casual Fridays with jeans, but also with a suede brown skirt, layered over a collard dress shirt, with a long denim skirt, over trousers, or pairing it up with a little tennis skirt on those dwindling warm summer days.  Also, I know my girls will be borrowing this from my closet so it'll get lots of wear.

H&M Loose-Fit Polo Shirt $34.99






#4 Lightweight Sweaters/Cardigans
Fitted cardigans from like 8 years ago are back big time and can be found in tons of colors like the ones below at really good prices.   I order a brown one, a blue one and I really would like to also add a gray one.  They are perfect as a layering piece over tanks, camisoles or dresses, or on their own as a top.  You instantly look put together when wearing a cardigan!  



H&M Cable Knit Cardigan $34.99




I also, added a lightweight sweater that like a polo shirt can be layered with a collared shirt or a turtleneck, or work on it's own.  Sweaters that have a touch of "preppy" to them are having a big moment.  Think lady like, gold or special buttons or even broches.

H&M Red Knit Sweater $44.99




#5 Slouchy Bags and Oversized Tote Bags
I am kind of seeing both of these out in the world right now.  I am not purchasing one because I already have a suede (another big trend) brown slouchy like purse so I don't need to invest money into that.  That being said let's look at the two options.
  •  A slouchy purse is perfect for completing any outfit and isn't too large but fits everything you need.  
Gap Suede Slouchy Bag $89.99


  • The oversized tote bag is perfect if you are lugging a laptop on the go to meetings, a university student, or are a parent of a small child but don't want to carry a diaper bag.  So you decide, what's best for your situation.
Simons Large Square Tote Bag $89


There are lots of other trends out there such as dark denim for jeans, faux fur jackets, plaid,  dresses and skirts with tons of volume, etc.  In this post my goal was o stay with the average person in mind and what they might have in their closets and how they can incorporate a few new pieces to update their wardrobe for fall while being selective and sticking to a budget.  

One thing I will be splurging on are a few new pairs of shoes, including new loafers in a nuteral color like white or tan, and I would love to get a pair of Mary-Janes, and also I need to update my regular black heels.  Also, slouchy boots are having a moment and lucky for me I already have a pair!

Let me know if this post was helpful, what you want to see more of, or what trends you are excited about.  Over on IG I will be showcasing some of these pieces over the month of September so that you can see how I am styling them for fall 2025.













1 comment:

  1. These are some great pieces!

    Jennifer
    https://curatedbyjennifer.com

    ReplyDelete