It should come as no surprise that high fashion is a dominating subject within the Vogue office. You’ll often overhear subtle gasps throughout the floor, whether it’s coming from colleagues admiring others’ editor wish list purchases in real time to receiving an exciting launch email from a major brand, or from hearing the latest fashion news taking over social media. That being said, we’re equally as preoccupied with a good deal, and often share our affordable fashion finds with one another. With that in mind, a real sartorial challenge emerged: can Vogue editors embrace their favorite fall and winter trends for under $300?

We decided to put our team to the ultimate test by challenging them to find items that a) fit under a 2025 trend category, and b) are as well-made as they are low-cost. We’re not sacrificing style or comfort, here! Turns out, the options are plenty. From funky print-on-print clashing to modern prep, ahead, 5 Vogue editors shop out their favorite trends. The Affordable Fashion Challenge awaits!

Modern Prep

“To me, prep style is all in the layering. More is more! Start with a button-down shirt as your base (striped is best!) and pile on knitwear like cable knit or striped rugbys. Ties, neck scarves, and colored socks all add extra flair. On the bottom, you can’t go wrong with classic golden corduroys. Finish the look with a boat shoe.” —Madeline Fass, associate director, fashion

Winter Boho

“The boho look is a statement of confidence, and one you should own. Turn on and tune in with a billowing paisley blouse and genie pants, or go for a lace maxi (don’t skip the wide belt!) and accent with a skinny scarf. Stacked knee-high boots can help ground all the flowing layers, but studded suede clogs offer a more wearable interpretation for day-to-day—you can easily style these Birkenstocks with anything else in your wardrobe. Complete your outfit with a slouchy fringe bag—in suede, of course.” —Talia Abbas, associate director, shopping

Uptown Punk

“One thing about the collections that was increasingly apparent was the usage of black. Maybe it’s a representation of the times we’re living through in society, but the contrast was stark against the past season’s bright hues. For a former emo kid (who still feels the same on the inside at the ripe ole age of 32) I rejoiced! Black on black has a seriousness, but an elevated, powerful vibe to it. ” —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer

Lingerie Dressing

“As we move into fall, I’m not quite ready to let go of the lace slip trend that defined summer. Instead, I’m leaning into these romantic pieces by pairing them with sharper, more structured garments to add dimension and transition into colder weather. Lingerie dressing remains the easiest way to bring delicacy to an outfit: for day, layer a simple slip top under a blazer with tailored trousers, letting just a hint of lace peek out for contrast. For the night, let the look stand on its own for a dreamy finish with depth.” —Minty Mellon, commerce market editor

Animal Print on Print

“Animal prints are running the streets. Leopard, zebra, cow, and everything in between, they are bold and graphic. Let the wild spots do the talking next to minimal staples or treat the prints as neutrals and mix and match. Your choice—mine is a single element.” —Andrea Zendejas, commerce market editor

A Pour of Merlot

“In the fall 2025 fashion collections, we saw burgundy noticeably presented throughout the collections at Khaite, Ferragamo, Saint Laurent, and Max Mara. Whether you choose to wear it head-to-boot or as a grounding hue against other neutral tones, oxblood is always a good idea. Find styles at Cos, Massimo Dutti, and Zara, for less.” —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer

Checked Out

“From plaid to houndstooth to tartan, checked prints are quintessentially autumnal. Spotted on the runways at Kallmeyer, Calvin Klein, and of course, Burberry, this print has proved it works for all seasons. Find the affordable versions that don’t sacrifice chic in Zara’s scarf shirt, Cos’s wool and leather gloves, and Gap’s barn jacket.” —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer