I started this week with my disdain for home decor trend predictions and am ending it with the fashion trends I’m buying in to. . . Go figure. My take on fashion trends is similar in that I don’t believe you should ever buy or wear anything for the sake of following the fad. And, I think finding a knock-off version of the trendy thing you want to try is almost always the best bet. Like my home, I try to stick with the classics and supplement with fun trends on the cheap. Here are five examples of what I’ve recently worn but haven’t payed much for, in the probable case that I’ll hate it in six months or suddenly realize I looked completely ridiculous all the while.

The leopard coat. Leopard everything is in right now and I decided to try a a faux fur coat as a fun option to throw on over the all black I often wear. I bought this one for under $30 (from an unexpected place) and it’s soft and comfy without being too bulky. The one review says it’s cheap and from China (isn’t the point?), but it’s pretty much all I need in a $30 coat I’ll probably only wear a handful of times.

“Leather” leggings. I’ve warmed up to this trend after seeing more women my age wearing them with oversized sweaters. (I’ll admit I had to get rid of the mental image of Ross on Friends putting baby powder on his legs before I could jump on board.) I’ve heard rave reviews on the Spanx version and thought about making the investment in these before I finally ordered this $16 pair from Target instead. I’m sure they don’t fit (or hold you in) as well as Spanx but then again, I don’t think this trend will be around for years. . .

Tortoise print earrings. I love this trend because it’s the easiest way to add a little print to your outfit. I’ve been wearing this $9 pair from Amazon almost every day lately.

The side stripe pant. The first person I saw wearing this trend was Robin Roberts when we went to a taping of GMA in October, and I thought she looked so sharp. I came home and started searching online. I like the fit of this pair best. They’re tailored (but I do think they run a size small–or maybe I’m just running a size bigger). They’re a fun take on the classic black pant and look great with a white blouse or solid sweater (like this one that I bought in multiple colors).

Plaid everything. It’s not breaking news but plaid is hot and seems to be everywhere. I really like the look of pairing it with a smaller pattern as shown above. I’ve mostly worn it this Fall/Winter in the form of a button-up (with rolled sleeves and jeans or a skirt) that I’ve had for several years. I don’t think plaid ever totally goes away–do you?

What trends have you bought in to–and where are you finding your best deals?