![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.befrugal.com:444\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/5007406260_a7d1809d60_m.jpg\" "\\"5007406260_a7d1809d60_m\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n1) invest in timeless, versatile wardrobe staples.<\/strong><\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re Lady Gaga and\/or have a totally unconventional career, black straight-leg pants are an absolute must. You could literally not own a single other bottom and be fine wearing them everyday for an entire year\u2026though appearing to be homeless is never encouraged.<\/p>\n The good thing about bottoms is that they\u2019re rarely affected by fleeting trends. Items like khakis, pencil skirts and a-line dresses have never and will never go out of style. For this exact reason, I highly recommend that you find a \u201cbargain splurge\u201d on these items, aka good quality brands on sale.<\/p>\n As far as tops go, solid basics are always a great starting point (button-downs, blouses and cardigans). Think of your basic outfit as a canvas, and then layer with relevant fashion-forward items. Colorful outerwear is huge for fall, so make your outfit pop with a bright red blazer or an over-sized sweater. If most of your tops and bottoms are simple solids, you can easily mix, match and layer them, creating hundreds of swoon-worthy looks with the same 12 or so pieces.<\/p>\n Once you have all these adorable new additions safe and secure in your closet, it\u2019s time to trendify. Hot items this fall are definitely jewel-tones, textured items (leather, tweed, flannel), and shiny things (though shiny is tricky and looking tacky has already been reserved by the 90\u2019s).<\/p>\n Image via love Maegan on Flickr.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Because fashion is constantly evolving,<\/p>\n You don\u2019t want to spend $200 on jewel-toned everything and have it go out of style the next day. It\u2019s much more affordable to test the trend waters with accessories. Grab a pair of emerald green ballet flats or a textured waist-belt if you\u2019re looking to match runway styles this fall. That way, your looks will be easily adaptable year after year.<\/p>\n Quick, snag this glam emerald necklace at Forever21.com for a cool $9.80<\/a> or these must-have bangles for $6.80. <\/a>Check out these Forever21 coupons <\/a>to save more.<\/p>\n Image via such pretty things on Flickr. <\/a><\/p>\n Right now, Loehmann\u2019s<\/a> is having an unbelievable in-store sale where shoppers can take up to an additional 60% off already-marked-down items. This means that $100 designer pants are now as low as $10-15 and great blouses from brands like Free People and BCBG are in the single-digits. I\u2019d say \u201cI\u2019m so there,\u201d but I\u2019ve already been there. Multiple times. There's 3% cash back today when you shop through BeFrugal. Check out these Leohmann's coupons<\/a> to save more.<\/p>\n Macy\u2019s <\/a>is also a totally worthwhile shopping trip. Their store brand, Style & Co, is amazing and totally affordable with most items priced between $20-30 before discounts. I especially love that after discounts, your price is usually a surprise and those in-store scanners make it all into a really exciting guessing game. Check out these Macy's coupons <\/a>to save more.<\/p>\n P.S. Don\u2019t forget to check out the sale at Express<\/a> (plus earn up to 7% cash back when you shop through BeFrugal) and for all your accessory needs, Forever21<\/a>\u2019s usually got you covered.<\/p>\n Image via Navi-Gator on Flickr.<\/a><\/p>\n This is a guest post by\u00a0 Allison, who is a stylish smart shopper and blogs at Penny Saving Princess<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/a>2)\u00a0 make only small trend-inspired purchases to supplement your wardrobe.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>3) Never ever ever pay full price. <\/strong><\/p>\n