Cheap and Chic: Patterned pieces for less than $100.

Prints and patterns and textures… for a steal.

As the weather gets bleaker, the more I long for my wardrobe to work hard and brighten my mood.

For some people, cooler temps mean masses of monochrome (black, on black, on black with a touch of grey marle), but for me autumn means: COLOUR, PRINTS, FUN. I can hear Melbournites scratching their eyes out at the very thought.

I urge you to give prints a go: science supports the idea that your clothes can transform your state of mind*, so join me in embracing some frivolous fashion.

*Look, I haven’t done hard research into this, but it bet some study exist somewhere to support this notion.

Now, onto the actual clothes…these 10 pieces fit the colourful and patterned bill AND they are cheap as chips, you won’t find anything over $100 here.

Happy shopping.

1. ASOS Wiggle Dress In Animal Print from ASOS.

This dress strikes the perfect balance between form-fitting (beautifully cinched and pleated in the mid-section) and comfortable enough (nice mid-length and longer sleeves) to avoid you feeling uneasy all day. And can we all take a second to appreciate how much the splotchy prints fun-up this otherwise very simple shape. Are you a convert yet?

RRP $70.56

2. All I Want top by CAMEO.

As you can see, I have quite the predilection for animal prints, particularity graphic wildlife-inspired patterns applied to modest, simple shapes. This is the perfect top to wear with high-waisted skirts and pants.

Or, if high-waistbands aren’t your thing, layer it with a shirt underneath (let the collar and shirt tails poke out) – your inspiration is Carrie Bradshaw when she went through that stage of layering knits over man-style shirts. The kaleidoscope colour palette means it’ll go with basically anything (read: everything you already own.)

RRP $99.95

3. Gallery Midi Pencil Skirt by Shona Joy.

If I could wear a pencil skirt every single day, I would (but I am just not that chic and polished). I think this Shona Joy skirt is heaven and the colours are muted enough for those of you who want to wear dark pieces come autumn.

This skirt is on sale – it was well over $100 – so if you love it, snap it up quickly.

RRP $80.00

4. Love Wrap Front Midi Dress with Tulip Hem from ASOS.

If you have an autumn wedding or fancy event coming up, this is the perfect dress for you. It’s as pretty as a picture, don’t you think?

RRP $68.60

5. Peony Print Shirt by Dorothy Perkins.

A crisp, chic shirt for less than $50 – it’s like a unicorn. If you’re brave on the fashion-front, you could wear this with the Shona Joy pencil skirt above. Clashing prints are something we should all try once, I say.

RRP $49.95

6. Oversized Tote by Seed Heritage.

More animal print. This time in tote form. I am all about carry-alls at the moment, teeny bags are just not functional enough for anyone who works, or has children, or does both. You’ll fit a million things in here, without looking like a bag lady, and zips will stop everything from spilling out.

RRP $89.95

7. Laurina shoes by Wanted.

I hurt my foot recently, so heels are not an option for me right now (any excuse will do). My alternative for times I want to look a little more fancy, have been pointed flats like the below. This pair scrape in just under $100 and can be worn with pants and midi-skirts – this is a quality not many flat shoes posses.

RRP $99.95

8. Lonely Sea dress by The Fifth.

I adore the neckline of this dress, and the drop-waist, and the magic eye leopard print, AND the price. A complete outfit in one.

RRP $89.95

9. Sleeveless Pinstripe shirt by Country Road.

Yes, pinstripe qualifies as a print in my book. This beauty is on sale, so run, don’t walk. This is a classic piece that will see you through seasons and seasons.

RRP $29.98

10. Patterned Kimono by H&M.

Thank god for H&M, I always go to them for on-trend pieces because they are so affordable, even if I only wear something for one season, it doesn’t matter. Mia has gotten our whole office into kimonos (she wears them like no other), and this one is already on its way to me. Happy days.

RRP $29.95

What other trends would you like to see covered in this post? Your wish is my command…