A Former Fashion Buyer’s Take on Budget-Friendly Fall Fashion in Houston

If you have lived in Houston long enough, you know that the idea of Fall is a bit of a misnomer; one day you’re sipping a Pumpkin Spice latte, the next you’re sweating through a 95 degree day. Dressing for Fall in Houston isn’t about how to keep warm; it’s about strategy… and layers! In this post, I will walk-through the must-have Fall items for surviving Houston weather, stylishly and affordably (every piece mentioned is under $100).

Layers, Layers, Layers

The calendar says it’s Fall, but our weather has other ideas, reaching well into the 90s through almost all of September & October.  Forget warm coats and jackets, it’s all about breathable and removable layers for Houstonians. Two of the best ‘starting layer’ tops I have found come from The Gap; their Organic V-neck Tee in white ($12) is one of my favorites and comes in petite, regular and plus size. The other is their Organic Poplin Button-Down ($39); I am a sucker for a great button-down and you always look polished wearing one (no matter how frazzled you may feel!)

The other base layer is, of course, bottoms. Jeans and black leggings are my go-to staples when it comes to Fall transitional dressing and are easy to pair with almost anything else in your closet. I found a comfy, high-waist pair of jeans from Altar’d State ($88) that even my 12 yr. old daughter approved of! For leggings, the brand I have been buying and wearing for years are the Spanx Everyday Black Leggings ($78); Spanx is a brand that has really mastered the art of female dressing by balancing style, comfort and….tummy control! These also come in petite, regular and plus size options.

Now comes the fun part- adding the layer that speaks to your personality! Think cabled cardigans, a loose kimono or even a lightweight cotton blazer if headed into the office. I am partial to a cardigan that you can throw over a dress or your basic tee and jeans. This cardigan($49.75) comes in two different colors and is a great easy option at less than $50. The other Fall layering look I love is the oversized cardigan which can double as a dress; This cardigan from Amazon ($49.99) comes in several colors and looks great with jeans or on it’s own.

Leaning into the 90s/Y2K Trend

Now let’s talk about the return of 90s & Y2K Fashion. I will admit- I was very excited when I saw these items re-emerging as it brought me back to a simpler time…a time when I was a teenager (that hit of nostalgia is strong!) The challenge as an adult is how you interpret it when you already lived through it once.  Here are some items you can add to your Fall wardrobe without breaking the bank and still looking on-trend (including a ditsy floral dress that is less than $20):

• Ditsy Floral Dress ($16.33), Macy’s
• Platform Black Sandals ($49.99), Amazon
• Black Penny Loafers ($79.90), Zara
• Modern Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($12.60), Pomp & Circumstance Boutique

The Finishing Touches

Accessories are where you can really let your own unique style shine through. Whether you’re dressing up a tee & jeans or giving your work-style a little more oomph, these 4 additional items are how you can effortlessly (and affordably) finish any outfit:

• Black Faux Leather Headband ($16.49), Target
• Cream Western-Inspired Boots, ($85.00), Muse Boutique
• Monogram Flap Crossbody ($55.00), JW Pei
• Gold Chain Necklace ($72.00), Hemline

The Wrap Up: Your Fall Wardrobe

Fall in Houston is less about following style rules, and more about building a wardrobe to get you through the ever-changing Houston weather. It is also important, as you’re building your layers and Fall capsule, that you add items that speak to your personality. This season, don’t be afraid to mix accessory colors! For example, you can pair the cream cowboy boots with either a brown or black bag; you can also mix metals when it comes to jewelry- it’s ok to wear your favorite sterling silver bracelet with your new Gold Chain necklace. Lastly, remember that versatility is everything- if that Y2K ditsy floral dress is a little too short, throw a pair of black leggings underneath.

At the end of  the day, it’s all about what you are comfortable in and showing that Under-$100 style can still be chic and uncomplicated. Don’t forget to check out our weekend guide for things to do in Houston with your new Fall ‘fit!

Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates and other Affiliate Programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com, Target.com, Nordstrom, ABC Mouse, and other affiliate sites.