Low-Budget Fall Fashion Ideas for 2007

When mid-August rolls around, it always amazes me that I get so excited to look through the Fall special issue of Vogue. It can be 90 degrees out and humid, but the rich colors and luxurious fabrics and cuts on the new clothes make me anxious for the weather to turn cold. And while I always assume I'll be wearing a cute little coat by now, I found myself wearing short sleeves all week...in the middle of October...in New England. Since Fall 2007 seems to be shaping up warmer than many years, it seems a waste of money to invest in trends that you will only wear once (or not wear at all) if the weather stays warm, but the looks are just so great thus year, it's equally a shame to not get to wear them. A happy balance can be found in buying a few pieces that make your wardrobe cutting edge, and yet doesn't break your budget.
Here are some ideas:

Dig out your old stuff - slightly modified 90's fashions are back. Take a look through any of the fashion magazines and you'll see big sweaters, leggings, booties, etc. If you still fit into your clothes from then, see how you can incorporate them with current pieces - your 1996 big sweater will look way better with your 7 for all Mankind jeans now than they did with the baggy jeans of yesteryear. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't have to do much digging to get to those clothes (I bought some great items back then), and I was surprised how current some pieces looked now, despite not fitting in with the styles of the last couple of years. The key is to figure out which pieces look trendy now, and which looked trendy when you first bought them. Make sure you don't look like you just stepped out of a time capsule from 1997. Otherwise, enjoy your favorite items again.

If the 1990's was the timing of grammar school for you, consider a pair of leggings (black is the most versatile, but other muted colors and neutrals are good if they match a particular outfit). You can get a good pair for about $20, and can be worn with a mid-hip or lower top, a dress, or with a long cardigan and a tee shirt. While it seems that a lot of stores are featuring Capri leggings, those aren't too feasible when it gets a little nippier. And frankly, mid-calf leggings may channel the 1980's a bit too much for this season. Think Madonna now, not in 1985.

Update your summer clothes - In August J.Crew had an excellent line of clothes that you could wear in the summer heat, and then update in the fall (many of which are currently on their Fall Sale - stock up at a fraction of the price they were this summer). A summer dress (providing it isn't a wispy fabric) can still look fresh and trendy if paired with a cardigan (especially cashmere) in the fall. If cashmere is out of your price range, try a fine (but warm) knit cotton cardigan. Add a belt over the cardigan to keep a sleek line.

Pull up those pants - Low-slung pants are over. High waisted pants are back. Think a tailored version of early 1990's pants that nipped in at the smallest part of your waist. Not boxy, just a sleek feminine line that highlights your waist. And the corollary to that - find a wide belt to accentuate your waist.

Now, where to get all of these items?

Stores such as J.Crew and Banana Republic often clear out clothes that are meant to be worn now, but are on sale because next season's stock is already in. Also be sure to watch their online sales because you will likely find the aforementioned items under $30 - and the accessories for even less. Be sure to monitor coupon websites such as Freebieville.com for extra percentages off.

Stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Loehmann's (who you can find online through Smartbargains.com) have in season clothes at a discount to begin with, and be sure to browse the clearance racks as well.

Be sure to browse online stores such as Chadwick's - prices always start low and you can find a trendy piece that without breaking your budget. Register on Chadwick's site and the will have a list of discounts (e.g. take 40% off one item) when you log in to your account. The Clearance section has a massive amount of items at incredibly low prices that are in season.

And of course if you are fortunate enough to live near an Outlet Mall, you likely already know the value of shopping there for in-season clothes at rock bottom prices.

Winter will be here before your know it, and the fashion game will start all over again. For now, invest or dig out a few good pieces and you'll be looking trendy and sharp for the remainder of Fall 2007!