The $400 Budget

Three InStyle staffers give us the lowdown on what they're craving for fall. The catch? Each one has a limited amount to spend ($400, $2,000, $4,000). Over the next four months, you'll see just how they strategize to round out their wardrobes.

My Fall Inspirations

Fall is by far my favorite season. I like getting cozy in jeans, sweaters, boots, and socks. And autumnal hues are easy to work with.

From top to bottom:
I'm just so into birds and feathers right now. I'm searching for a taxidermy peacock for my apartment. They're so beautiful.

I loved the layering at the Haider Ackerman show-and the colors, especially the dark peacock blue.

One of my best friends lives in Turkey, and I'm dying to visit her again. I can't wait to search for kilims in the Istanbul markets.

-Wendy Wallace, senior market editor

Leather Leggings

These leggings look like leather and fit like a glove. I'll wear them under dresses instead of tights on cold days.

Faux-leather leggings, $80;

gap.com.

A Spikey Necklace

What a bang for your buck! You'd expect a necklace with his much visual impact to cost a lot more.

Metal necklace, $18;

aldoshoes.com for store locations.

Comfy Mocs

I buy moccasins every year and wear them until it snows.

Suede booties, Minnetonka, $43;

shoebuy.com.

A Printed Scarf

Feathers are everywhere this season. This scarf is thin enough to wrap around twice or leave long.

Linen-viscose scarf, H&M, $18; see

hm.com for stores.

Simple Jewelry

Growing up in Texas, I used to hunt for arrowheads. This will be a nice little addition to my wrist.

Linen bracelet with sterling silver, Dogeared, $26;

dogeared.com.

Patterned Belt

An embroidered belt is an easy way to add color to my neutral wardrobe.

Faux-leather belt, Forever 21, $4; see

forever21.com for stores.

A Crop Top

I love the cropped shape. I'll layer this over tanks and long-sleeve T-shirts.

Terrycloth top, Solow; $75;

solowstyle.com.

Nylon Shoelaces

These laces are the cheapest, greatest way to make my boots from last year totally cute.

Nylon shoelaces, Sierra Lace, $4;

campmor.com.

A Knitted Beanie

So I don't get hat head, I tuck all my hair under a beanie. When I come inside and pull off the hat, my hair looks normal.

Acrylic-Lurex hat, American Living for JCPenny, $17;

americanliving.com.

Fingerless Gloves

I want to stay warm, but I also need my fingers to check email!

Wool-acrylic fingerless gloves, $13, Old Navy;

oldnavy.com.

A Wool Coat

Sometimes a bargain is too good to pass up! When something this cute is so reasonably priced, I know I'll regret it if I don't get it.

Wool coat with neoprene, Joe Fresh, $99; 888-495-5111 for stores.