Splurge vs. Skimp On Fall's Top Trends

With the final countdown to fall, and, in our neck of the woods—Fashion Week—we're all busily organizing our autumn shopping list. And from cozy capes to wide-leg trousers, there are a handful of fall fashion trends we all want to try on for size. But fashion editor or not, the dilemma every season remains the same for us all: Which pieces are worth writing that really big check for and which possibly aren't? The dance between splurging and saving has never been more of a necessity, especially since so many luxury brands are creating even more unique and covetable investments and some of the fast fashion chains are putting more muscle behind quality and individuality. So, to make your next fall shopping trip a whole lot easier, we've compiled a slew of both pricey and penny-pinching fall 2010 must-haves to give YOU the option of splurging or skimping. Either way, you win, and the choice is all yours.

The Glamorous Cape



3.1 Phillip Lim Quilt Yoke Wool Cape, $795, available at Bergdorf Goodman; ASOS Hooded Military Cape, $118, available at ASOS.


The High-Heeled Oxford



Lanvin Derby Suede Booties, $826, available at My Theresa; Dolce Vita Harrison Oxford, $178, available at Revolve Clothing.


The Draped Goddess Dress



Preen Wool-Blend Asymmetric Dress, $1,315, available at Net-a-Porter; AllSaints Vellamo Dress, $160, available at AllSaints.


The Leather Shorts



Vanessa Bruno Lambskin Short, $552, available at La Garçonne; Sparkle & Fade Leather Short, $128, available at Urban Outfitters.


The Ladylike Bag



Mulberry The Lily Bag, $650, available at La Garçonne; Madewell The Brownstone Bag, $158, available at Madewell.


The Shearling Jacket



Burberry Prorsum Shearling Funnel Neck Aviator Jacket, $3,595, available at Burberry; Topshop Sheepskin Flying Jacket, $650, available at Topshop.


The Studded Oxford



Miu Miu Studded Oxford, $650, available at Barneys New York; Belle by Sigerson Morrison Oxford, $250, available at Piperlime.