10 Things I Wish I Could Buy—and the Affordable Dupes I Might Get Instead

Listen, I love a designer piece as much as the next girl, and I
won’t even act like I don’t just give in and make the
occasional splurge purchase from time to time, but the reality is
that for all
the luxury goods that are on my wish list every season, only a
very small percentage make it to checkout. The good news, however,
is that I’m
PRETTY GOOD at finding the trends and staples I love at affordable
prices. This means that if I can’t budget for my first choice
of shoe, dress, jacket, or anything else, I usually love my second
choice just as much.

Curious to see what’s in my cart right now—both the first
and second place picks? Well, for once, you get to. From the party
dress of my dreams and the similar style I’m into as well
to the
black boots I love at over $700 and under $70 (and highly
recommend), just keep scrolling to shop my dream fall pieces and my
fashionable dupes.

Isn’t
Area always the goal? I fall more in love with its party-ready
pieces every season.

I’m
eyeing this Topshop dress as a substitute because of it’s similar
metallic shine and flattering cut.

Moda
Operandi’s styling always sells me on its pieces, and this perfect
white jacket outfit is no exception. One day, it will be mine.

When
I imagine this & Other Stories jacket with black pants and
strappy heels, I feel like I can achieve a similar effect to the
above Alessandra Rich jacket. Plus, I love the built-in belt for
some extra waist definition.

Between
the snake print, square toe, and slightly high shaft, these might
just be the perfect fall ankle boots.

While
I’d be giving up the square toe, I love how these Vince Camuto
boots look way more expensive than their $150 price tag and have a
classic appeal that would keep them in my rotation for more than
just one season.

To
be honest, seeing as I don’t own anything similar and it’s a
classic investment piece, I haven’t get given up on the idea of
buying this Toteme coat. However, I figured there’s no harm in
finding a backup.

I
chose this Mango coat because it has a similar, relaxed vibe, but
the beige/camel color keeps it looking polished.

The
tie-dye trend hasn’t gone away but, for fall and winter, brands are
putting out darker, more muted versions to fit in with the season.
This Marques’ Almeida take is the perfect example of what to look
for.

I
imagine I’d get a lot of use out of this Lovers + Friends version
because it can be worn alone with jeans and boots, but will also
look cool layered under other sweaters and jackets when the
temperatures get even lower.

I
feel like my ideal leather pant changes every fall. This time, it’s
a looser cut like the above that I have my eye on.

For
$40, I’m all for these Zara trousers—especially because if I
change my mind on what style of leather pants I want next season, I
won’t have invested too much.

Max
Mara had one of my favorite runways of F/W 19, and this cardigan
was just one of many things I’ve been coveting since I saw the
collection back in February.

Sure,
it’s not mohair, but style this animal print cardigan with other
animal-print pieces and some knee-high boots, and you have a
runway-inspired look that’s still chic.

I
love how bodysuits give the illusion of a perfect tuck, and this
one would look so flattering with midi skirts and high-waisted
jeans.

I
like how this Reformation version has a similar high neck and that
it’s not bright white like most of my other basics.

I’ve
always been a fan of Alexander Wang, but this season it seems like
I want more pieces in his collection than ever—this
lace-embellished slip skirt included.

Since
I’m only 5’2″, this miniskirt might actually be more flattering on
me that the Alexander Wang version above. I’d style it with a
sweater and kitten heels for a “chill” night-out look.

Looking
for the perfect black investment boot that’s trendy but not too
trendy? This is it.

I
may have already invested in a few too many pairs (before fall even
started), so for now I’m setting my sights on these great boots by
Charles & Keith. The key detail for me is that it has a similar
inverted heel to the above Jacquemus pair, which not only looks
cool but takes some of the pressure off the heels of your
feet.