Five Ways to Update Your Wardrobe This Fall

There are many ways to update your wardrobe easily and affordably this fall. Just add versatile pieces like an updated cardigan with contemporary styling, a classic short jacket, skinny pants, a metallic handbag or a slim belt.

Cardigan. Cardigans are one of the surprise fashion stars of fall 2009. Contemporary cardigans come in a wide range of styles and patterns. A versatile choice that will work just as well in the office as at the grocery store is Talbots' cotton/merino wool buckled cardigan. This tailored, yet casual look combines the utility of a jacket with the comfort of a sweater. Choose from five colors (valley green, red berry, harvest, palomino, and pine cone). For more information go to www1.talbots.com/cardigan.

Short Jacket. Layering is a great way to stretch your fall wardrobe and create new looks. In addition, it's a practical way to dress for fall days that can range from frosty and cool to Indian summer warm. A short jacket is a fashion staple for contemporary layering. One classic jacket option is Banana Republic's corduroy one-button jacket in city beige, black or menswear blue (bananarepublic.gap.com). This must-have style has a slim, feminine silhouette, and the cotton fabric includes a touch of elastane for comfort and a perfect fit.

Skinny Pants. Skinny (and even super skinny) pants were among the fashion basics featured in the fall 2009 designer collections, and this is a look that has quickly spread at the mall. Update your wardrobe this fall with a pair of skinny denim jeans. One good choice is J. Crew's matchstick jeans (www.jcrew.com/matchstick jeans), which incorporate a touch of stretch for comfort and a perfect fit. They come in dark rinse wash. Wear these jeans with a contemporary cardigan or short, fitted jacket (see above).

Metallic Handbag. Metallic handbags sparkled in the fall 2009 handbag collections. These bags, while great for an evening out, work just as well during the day. One standout is J. Crew's lexi metallic clutch (www.jcrew.com/lexi metallic). What sets this oversized clutch apart is its color palette, which includes gorgeous metallic shades of spring daisy and light turquoise, as well as metallic silver. Also, it comes with a removable, convertible strap so that you can wear it as a messenger bag or over your shoulder, as well as carrying it as a clutch.

Wide Belt. One of the most versatile fashion accessories for updating your wardrobe this fall is the skinny belt like Banana Republic's skinny studded version (bananarepublic.gap.com/belt). Dress up cardigan sweaters, jackets, dresses and even t-shirts with this eye-catching accessory. Choose from three colors, steel gray, metallic or brown.