Gold Member

As the leaves have all pretty much turned their colors and fallen to the ground– they're the final punches of color this area will see for quite a while. In leu of celebrating the Autumn hues we all know and love, I present this change-of-the-season appropriate and flirty combo.

The Breakdown:

Top: LOFT Button Cuff 3/4 Sleeve Sweater in Oatmeal, $39.99

Jacket: TopShop Mustard Daisy Print Pyjama Style Jacket, $110

Necklace: Anthropologie Citrus Twist Necklace in Assorted, $38

Pants: Zara Trousers with Piping on Pocket in Black, $49.90

Shoes: Francesca's Collections Dancing on Air Flat in Black, $28

Total Cost of this Outfit: $265.89

As this look is composed of mostly basics, of course I have savings tips!

How to Save on this Look:

• Do without the black flats purchase and sport a low-profile black shoe of your own.
• If you own a pair of black pants already– wear those! Or perhaps you have a pair of black leggings(?)– those would work just as fine as well.

To clarify: What I mean by 'leggings' is skinny-fit black pants with spandex in them, not skinny-fit cotton yoga pants! Leave those for weekends. I recommend these, if you're looking for a quality legging: Zara Ponte Di Roma Trousers in Black, $49.90. And if you think a black legging is something you'll get more wear out of vs. a tailored black trouser– opt for an expense that's going to suit you/your lifestyle.

By swapping in your own shoes and pants, this look comes down in cost to $187.99. No, still not "cheap", but then again nothing about this look or the items in it are cheap; in the sense that they're poor quality and therefore not worth your pennies. I stress this point a lot, and I'll say it again: don't be afraid to spend a higher dollar for a quality neutral, because you won't feel compelled to replace it in a year. Things like blazers, jackets, shoes and accessories can be reoccurring purchases to freshen your look.