Save Vs. Splurge : Fall 2025 Fashion Flashcards
- hallmic1
- Aug 27, 2025
- 4 min read
I find that one of the biggest battles I face with fashion is knowing when to save or splurge on specific items. Fall fashion is no different, and my best advice is that like anything, the decision to invest or not is all about balance.
Some pieces are worth the investment because you’ll wear them season after season, while others are fun trends that will be out by next year, so why spend a fortune?
Below, I’ve broken down my splurge vs. save picks for Fall 2025. Think of this as your capsule shopping guide: smart staples + trend forward pieces that won’t break the bank.
2025 Fall Fashion Flash Cards:
Chunky Sneakers
Save: Fila Ray Tracer Sneakers – $50
https://tinyurl.com/FilaSneakers
Splurge: New Balance 9060 – $150
Verdict : Sneakers get beat up quickly, so I’d personally save here. The Fila option nails the look at 1/3 the price.
Style Tip*** Pair with slouchy crew socks
Track Pants
Save: Adidas Adibreak Pants – $90
Splurge: Lululemon Satin Nylon Pant – $148
Verdict: A fun trend for the season, but not a forever piece, save with the Adidas.
Style Tip ** Pair with a fitted cardigan and chunky sneakers.

Slouchy Hobo Bag
Save: Target Faux Suede Bag – $35
Splurge: Coach Brooklyn 39 – $395-550
Verdict: If you’re going to splurge on one thing this fall, let it be a great bag. The Coach Brooklyn is timeless.
Style Tip ** Wear with anything and everything this fall. Add a bag charm for a fun on trend accessory.

Vest Set
Save: Revolve – $88
Splurge: ASTR The Label – $168
Verdict: A very “right now” look. You're going to see this everywhere starting yesterday, but I have a feeling it will fade rather quickly. Save, this won’t last more than a season.
Style Tip ** pair with chunky sneakers and slouchy socks, or sheer tights and knee high boots.
Knee-High Boots
Save: Princess Polly – $90
https://tinyurl.com/PrincessTeala
Splurge: Jeffrey Campbell Hot Lava Boots – $250
Verdict: Save. Boot trends shift every year.
Style Tip** these go great with a mini skirt or a a matching vest/skirt set.

Sunglasses
Save: Anthropologie – $40
Splurge: Prada – $500
Verdict: Always save. Sunglasses get lost, scratched, or broken. The Anthropologie pair looks just as chic.
Style Tip** throw them on with anything to elevate the simplest of looks including a t-shirt and leggings.
Barn Jacket
Save: Gap Factory – $60
Splurge: Abercrombie – $200
Verdict: Save. It’s a one-season look.
Style Tip** I love the juxtaposition of putting this on over something more dressy like a matching vest set, but you can throw it on over anyting and instantly feel more on trend. Chose a color that goes with pieces you already own.
Jeans
Save: Levi’s Bootcut – $80
Splurge: Favorite Daughter Valentina – $218
Verdict: Sometimes jeans are worth the splurge. The Favorite Daughter fit is perfection and will last.
Style Tip** these are great on their own or a base layer. Pair with a longer fall jacket or with a simple cardigan.

Cropped Trench
Save: H&M – $60
Splurge: Aritzia – $298
Verdict: Save. H&M nails the same silhouette at a fraction of the cost.
Style Tip** I see this as something you wear with a lot of cool layers. Think pleated skirt with a nice button down shirt or a chunky sweater.
Pleated Skort
Save: Aerie – $20 (on sale)
Splurge: Alo – $88
Verdict: Save. A fun sporty piece, but not a forever staple.
Style Tip ** easy to dress up or down. Goes from workout to brunch with ease.

Slim Flare Leggings
Save: CRZ Yoga – $38
https://tinyurl.com/CRZslimflr
Splurge: Lululemon Align Mini-Flare – $118
Verdict: Save. As a lululemon girl this is hard for me to say, but has the same buttery soft feel for 1/3 the price.
Style tip** Pair with a nice button down shirt, cardigan, and a cropped trench.
Fitted Cardigan
Save: Old Navy – $23
Splurge: Aritzia Shelly Cardigan – $118
Verdict: Splurge. A cardigan is forever, and better fabrics won’t stretch or pill.
Style Tip** the possiblities are endless. This will go with the jean, the pleated skirt, and the track pants. Your accessories will either dress this up or down.

To wrap things up, some pieces are worth investing in, but others are best enjoyed at the affordable price point. For me, I’ll always splurge on jeans, cardigans, and handbags. I’ll usually chose to save on trendier things like track pants, boots, and sunglasses.
To say the least, I'm excited for fall fashion. It's my favorite time of the year. If you have any comments or predictions I'd love to hear your feedback below!
Until Next Time...
XOXO
Effortlessly Sophisticated


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