25 vintage fall fashions under $50

There are certain days that one waits for with intense eagerness each year, their clockwork appearances like signposts on the road of life. For me, one of these days has always been that which brings with it the return on autumn.

Of all the seasons - each of which I do adore for a myriad of reasons - none holds quite as dear or precious a spot in my heart as fall. Such as been the case since I was knee high to a crimson maple leaf, and so it will always be.

From the instantly recognizable crispness of the air to the mountains of downed foliage, the golden sunlight to the harvest that nature is laying at our feet, there are countless reasons why I cherish autumn.

One of my favourites though has always been - at least up here in the wilds of Canada - that fall (baring perhaps the occasional handful of Indian summer days) definitely means the return to a cold weather wardrobe. Thigh opaque tights, soft sweaters, wool skirts, velvet blazers, leather boots, tweed hats, cozy knit scarves, you name it, I love it.

Though it’s a little sad to know the days of bare sleeves and ankles are behind us once more, any such melancholy is short lived, for as soon as I start bopping around the web looking at fall fashions, it's all I can do to refrain myself from going on a wild shopping spree!

I know that I'm not alone in this regard, and that many of you are die-hard fans of autumn (and by extension, winter) clothing, too. I'm also well aware that, much like myself, many of you also live life on a very strict budget and that you don't have scads of cash to plonk down on your threads just because a new season arrived back in town today.

Luckily however, you need not take a second mortgage to ensure your wardrobe includes all the pieces you need - and a few more you simply love and want - this year. Over the past few days this week, knowing full well that today marked the official start of autumn 2012, I scoured the internet to bring you a selection of twenty-five vintage and vintage appropriate fashions, all of which each cost less than $50.00 a piece.

I fully realize that everyone's idea of what is and isn't costly varies greatly, sometimes even from month to month, just depending on how what kind of shape your wallet is in at the moment, and felt that a $50.00 cap was a reasonable price tag at which to set the upper limit of any item included in this roundup.

I hope that you enjoy these mid-century perfect, fall appropriate garments as much as I liked sourcing them, and that - even if you don't buy any of them specifically - they serve as an inspirational jumping off points for your budget-friendly wardrobe this fall.


{Channel your inner late 50s/early 60s secretary or college girl in this striking blue and brown plaid dress with matching belt. Fits aprox. 40" bust/37-39" waist. $31.00 from etsy seller Cricket Capers.}




{Whether you love wearing black for its timeless style appeal or are looking for a marvelous Halloween eve sweater, this elegant beaded 1950s cardigan is sure to fit the bill. Fits a 42" bust. $38.00 from etsy seller Dirty Birdie Vintage.}




{Though a modern piece, the swingy a-line cut and knee-grazing hemline of this skirt - not to mention the classic (almost military uniform) neutral hue - made me think it would work splendidly in many a cold weather 1940s inspired look. Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $23.80 CNS from Forever 21 Canada.}




{Long sleeves are often a must during the fall and winter, but that doesn't mean your shirts have to be drab in the least. A Peter Pan collar and adorable bow are all it takes to give this stretch jersey top oodles of style and visual interest. Shirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $27.29 from Plasticland.}



{Shirtwaist dresses are a beloved staple in my wardrobe all year long, but come autumn I especially like to wear seasonally hued ones - such as this lovely cognac brown hued 1950s frock - with a warm cardigan, tights, and a cute pumps for a fantastic go-anywhere daytime look. Vintage dress fits a 43" bust/36" waist. $34.50 from etsy seller 27ogle.}





{Perfect as is if you're lucky enough to still have decent weather, or worn under a beloved cardigan, shrug, bolero, or jacket all season long, this curve-hugging Va-Voom Vixen Top brings plenty of vintage style and flattering allure to the fashion table. Shirt comes in sizes small to 2XL. $38.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a beautiful autumn leaf pattern, this 1950s housecoat dress is one of the loveliest ways I can think to instantly inject a huge dose of the season's rich palette into your closet. Fits a 41" bust/31" waist. (Currently on sale for) $41.60 from etsy seller Ginger Root Vintage.}
 



{Inspired by styles from the 1930s, these faux leather, vegan-friendly Whiskey Mill Oxfords are as autumn appropriate and timeless as a shoe can get. In half and full shoe sizes 6 to 10. $37.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a height enhancing row of monochromatic buttons up the front and two generously sized hip pockets, the Just Dandy Skirt calls to mind similar styles from the 1940s well on into the 50s, and would make for an excellent cold weather wardrobe staple (as, let's face it, just about every top goes well with a long black skirt). Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $39.99 from ModCloth.}



{When one hears that words "cotton blouse", summer is likely the first season to pop into your mind, but when the fabric has a decent weight to it, and the style boasts a high collar and elbow skimming sleeves, it's possible to easily wear a cotton shirt - such as this cheerful orange 1950s example - long after Labour Day. Fits a 20" bust/36" waist. $30.00 from etsy seller Savvy Spinster Vintage.}
 



{Here's a piece that I definitely need more of in my wardrobe, a classic mid-century blazer. This particular vintage jacket hails from the 1940s and has a boxy, but not shapeless style that would be terrific with everything from pencil skirts to wide legged trousers. Fits a 34" bust/36" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Vintage Archives.}



{If it wasn't for the fact that I'm allergic to wool, these utterly darling pink cherry gloves would be headed straight to my house in the mail as we speak. Alas, I am, and so my pesky allergy is one of you lucky ladies' gain. Aprox. size 7.5 gloves. $25.00 from etsy seller Luxury Life.}




{Every well stocked wardrobe need a nice medium to heavy weight sweater or two in classic hues, like this delightful cable knit cream 1940s cardigan that would go with nearly any cold weather outfit you could dream up. Fits a 34 to 38" bust, waist not specified. $28.00 from etsy seller Resurrecting Vintage.}
 



{Shimmering sequins and elegant applique add eye-catching appeal to this simply tailored, beautiful rust hued 1930s crepe dress. Fits a 43" bust/almost 33" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Recollection Clothing.}





{As you gals know, I'm a huge fan of pencil skirts and fully believe that just about any woman can wear one, so long as she finds a cut, fabric and colour that works for her figure. As such, I'm always on the prowl for vintage skirts in versatile colours and fabrics that will see me through autumn and well beyond. This classic brown wool 1950s pencil skirt would certainly hit that mark. Fits a 27" waist/40" hips. $29.00 from etsy seller KenghaRue - who is having a 20% off sale on all items in their shop during September 2012 if you use the coupon code Back2School when you checkout.}




{A return to nippy temperatures means it's time to bust out the thicker fabric hats to help keep your noggin toasty on even the chilliest of October and November eves. This sophisticatedly lovely 1940s wool hat in a neutral taupe hue is definitely the kind of topper that you'll reach for year after year, thanks to its fun toque inspired cut and goes-with-almost-anything material and colour. Inner hat circumference measures 21.5. $30.00 from etsy seller Guermante's Vintage.}



{The resplendent spirit of the season is out in full bloom in this beautiful 1950s cardigan with it's festival fall leaves and October perfect palette. Fits (unstretched) a 37" bust/26" waist. $46.00 from etsy seller Jumblelaya.}
 



{Sometimes when those autumn winds pick up, you want a little something extra to help keep the chill at bay, but aren't quite ready for a full on winter coat. Enter capelets and shawls, such as this charming 1950s hand knit wool collar caplete that boosts a fun fringe and soothing cream and blue colour palette. Measures 25" around with a 16" neck opening. $25.00 from etsy seller Vintage FanAttic.}
 



{Tartan and fall go hand in hand like Halloween and trick-or-treating, in my books, and I always keep my eyes peeled for fun, seasonal pieces in this beloved Scottish pattern come September. These cute bow adored tartan flats look very comfy and like they'd be the perfect thing to wear for an evening walk through the crispy, beautiful autumn leaves. Available in shoe sizes 5 to 10. $27.00 from ASOS (USA).}



{Brocade was all over the fall/winter runways this year, and while I don't dress with an eye towards modern fashion trends in the slightest, I do find it interesting when a classic piece or material suddenly has the spotlight shone on it once more. If, like me, you've long adored this chic fabric, then this sophisticated green and brown 1950s brocade jacket is just the ticket for you - whether you're trying to channel this season's trends or just sticking with what you've always loved. Fits a 38" bust/36" waist. $38.00 from etsy seller MadMak's Closet.}



{Orange can be a tricky colour for some folks - myself very much included – to pull of successfully, but hues on the darker end of the spectrum can be considerably easier in this regard. If you're also a fan of rusts, pumpkins, and burnished coppers, you'll likely find your eye drawn to this classic ribbed knit 1950s top, too. Fits a 36" bust/27" waist. $32.00 from etsy seller RakShniya Vintage.}





{Like a cross between the best shoes of the 1930s and 70s, these warm honey hued t-strap heels are absolutely beautiful. The bow adds sweetness, while the stacked heel provides a sturdy platform upon which to jump, jive and wail the night away. Available in half and whole shoes sizes 5.5 to 11. $34.99 from ModCloth.}
 



{Evoking thoughts of everything from cheering football crowds to awesome evenings spent in front of a bonfire, plaid wool (Pendleton-esque) jackets have been a beloved part of many peoples' fall wardrobes for decades now. If you're looking to add one (or another one!) to your closet, then this wonderful brown and grey 49ner style wool jacket might just the ticket. Fits a 43" bust/41" waist. (Currently on sale for) $32.00 from etsy seller Merletto.}




{While you might still have clear skies and sunshine where you live, it likely won't be too long before many of us are gearing up for another round of snow filled months, and that may mean a return to outdoor winter sports. If skiing is in the cards, then you'll likely flip for these fantastic wool gabardine 1940s ski pants – which would look equally cute on athletes and ski lodge bunnies alike. $20.00 from etsy seller Vintage Zipper.}
 



{If you set out with the sole intention of finding a 1950s wiggle dress in the most autumnal palette you could possibly unearth, chances are it would look something like this alluring, flat out beautiful example. No need to search high and low though, if your measurements jive with those of this seasonally stunning frock, the sleuthing has already been done for you. Fits a 35.5" bust/27.5" waist. $48.00 from etsy seller Stop The Clock Vintage.}


{Please note that all prices listed here are in US or, if specified, Canadian, dollars and that they were accurate as of the time of writing.}

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Aside from the fact that I love, and work hard, to find as many bargains as I can when shopping for myself and my family, part of the reason that I usually like to keep an extra tight watch on what the garments in my fall wardrobe cost is because Christmas is right around the corner (just three months and three days away from today's date), and that means a sharp increase in spending come November and December.

This is true for the bulk us us who celebrate any of the gift-giving winter holidays, and with retail prices continuing to soar, most of us need ever extra penny we can get this year.

I didn't find all of the items in today's post in one evening, however doing so didn't take up weeks of my time either. A handful of keywords and the fact that some sites (like etsy) let you search based on lowest price first made tracking down some really charming, timelessly stylish vintage pieces for fall a fun task that ultimately took very little time. In fact, it was hard to stop at just twenty-five garments, but that seemed like an ideal number for this post as it was half of the maximum budget for each piece.

I'm positively ecstatic that fall is here once more and look forward to hopefully adding a few new (as in vintage) garments to closet this season. By the same token, I'm bubbling with excitement to both see the amazing autumn fashions you'll be sporting and to share snapshots of some of my favourite pieces with all of you.

Covering both fashion and various other topics, I've got scores of great posts in the works for this season and think that 2012 is going to deliver one of the best autumns ever!