One of the benefits of spending so much time in New York working on the Gal Meets Glam Collection is that we’ll get to experience the start of fall a little earlier than we will at home in Charleston. I love this time of year and always get so excited to pull out my favorite cold-weather staples! Since my personal style is very classic, I can often wear the same pieces year after year, but I also welcome the opportunity to add to my collections of cozy sweaters, darker-hued denim, buttery leather bags, and versatile fall shoes.

For today’s Gal on a Budget post (thanks so much for your wonderful feedback on the first installment of the series!), I was inspired by my own fall wish list, as well as this popular outfit post from last year. It was a reader favorite, as well as one of my personal favorites–it’s exactly the type of outfit I want to recreate on the first crisp autumn day of the year. Below, find a few affordable pieces to help achieve a similar look, as well as a collection of fall sweaters and shoes I’ve been admiring!

Timeless Sweater in Cream

My love for cream sweaters is well-documented–not only are they the ideal transitional top as we move into fall, they’re also wearable as a neutral layer year-round. I’m always on the lookout for new takes on this timeless piece, and love the way this mock neck style looks on its own or layered over a collared shirt.

Classic Penny Loafers

Brown leather penny loafers will never go out of style. I’ve been wearing this pair with dresses over the last month, and know I’ll be pairing them with dark denim and crisp pants as soon as the weather cools down. If you’re going to pick up just one new fall shoe this season, this pair of loafers by Sperry is a budget friendly version of my favorite classic!

Olive Green Denim

Olive green is a classic fall hue that I gravitate toward every time September rolls around. These pants are surprisingly versatile–wear them with tops in cream, blush, camel, chambray, burgundy, and so many more for a look that is modern, but undeniably classic.

Leather Crossbody Bag

Especially when constantly on the go, you can’t beat the hands-free convenience of a crossbody purse. I love the chic simplicity of this Sole Society option, but my favorite thing about it has to be the rich cognac color. Want something with a bit more detail? I also love this top handle crossbody bag. 

More fall-ready sweaters…

Few things signify the turn of the season to me more than seeing my favorite retailers fill their shelves with sweaters. While I’ll never be able to resist a classic cream crewneck, I’m also loving the unique details and feminine hues popping up in stores right now–here are a few that I have my eye on.

Shoes to wear through the season…

While I’m anxious to pair dresses and boots (one of my favorite cold-weather combinations), during this transitional part of the year, loafers and mules are often a more practical option. My favorite brown Gucci loafers were one of the first shoes I brought out for my fall wardrobe, but I found so many affordable, equally chic options, listed below.