A Vogue Editor’s Guide to Affordable Fashion Week Street Style

There’s no better feeling than having a coworker stop me in the hall to ask where I got my coat or shoes. Except, of course, surprising them with my unexpected answer: Poshmark, Etsy, The Real Real, or, best of all, “It’s vintage!” (This is Vogue, after all.) Mixing designer and vintage items with fun, affordable pieces that look expensive (but definitely aren’t) makes up a big part of my personal style. What I’m most proud of—or maybe I’d call it my best shopping skill—is my ability to find hidden gems at mass-market chains, thrift shops, and e-commerce sites with thousands of products. I’ll comb through the racks and scroll through endless pages until I’ve found the coolest, most covetable pieces.

Those skills really get put to the test during New York Fashion Week. While many top editors and influencers have the chance to wear full designer looks to the shows, I decided I wanted to do just the opposite this season. I pulled together an outfit consisting of only my favorite, wallet-friendly pieces—all of which you can still shop now, starting at $35 and maxing out at $250.

I waited for the coldest day of the week to bundle up in my marshmallow puffer coat from Aritzia (my exact coat is sold out, but you can shop similar styles below, and even more affordable coat options here). It was a huge hit when I wore it to the office; some of my colleagues were even inspired to snag one for themselves before the snowstorm. Beneath my oversize Puff, I layered one of my favorite purchases of the season: a very of-the-moment zebra-print turtleneck from Topshop, which cost just $35. My mom bought one, too! I originally got it to experiment with the printed turtleneck trend, but it’s quickly become a staple in my wardrobe.

Despite the brutally cold temperatures, New York Fashion Week always means spending a lot of time outside. I’m constantly running to shows and presentations, so to stay warm throughout the week, each outfit started with an Alexander Wang x Uniqlo Heattech long-sleeved shirt and leggings. They’re the essential base layers—and they’re so affordable, you can stock up on a few sets.

With my top half figured out, I took cues from some of the coolest women on the streets and decided to try mixing up my prints. I opted for a knee-length checked skirt from Ba&sh, which is now on sale for $150. For a final touch (and to hide my leggings!), I slipped on the most affordable boots I’d discovered all season: a pair of knee-highs from a personal favorite, Charles & Keith, which cost just $86. Despite their trendy appearance, the stretchy upper and chic low heel made for a surprisingly comfortable shoe, especially since I was on my feet from morning ’til night for 10 days straight.

The grand total for my look? About $496—including a heavy-duty winter parka, boots, and a top and bottom to match. Consider it all the proof you need that street style photographers aren’t just hunting for designer labels.

Shop my outfit and similar styles below.