As far away as it seems (at least here in North Carolina!) fall is just around the corner! I have decided to forego my usual boxy sweaters and jeans, and attempt to be more fashion forward! So what will I be adding to my wardrobe this fall? Sit back and let me share!

Like most of us, budget is essential. I cannot spend $500 on a couture jacket that will only be in style one season. So let’s stick to the trends that we can modify to fit our budgets and still leave us grinning ear to ear!

Just as the spring trend was skinny jeans with free flowing tops, the hot trend continues into this fall! Longer, billowy tops paired with leggings or skinny jeans give us a gorgeous drape and less structure than in previous seasons.

The core pieces you will want to have are a perfect pair of slim black pants, a pencil skirt and leggings. With these three items, you’ll have the base for your wardrobe. The best part is all three pieces are wearable! These are items many of us already have and wear with regularity!

For the top, think glamorous drape- not bare and clingy! You want to spotlight your figure without exposing too much. Jersey Knit tunics, V-neck boyfriend cut sweaters – even pea jackets all have an elegant flair and shape to them, and are quite trendy this season! With your tops, think of a shrunken dress – The loose, feminine drape over your figure paired with one of the bottom pieces we mentioned above will be a sure fire hit with all of the fashion police lurking around!

Your pants don’t have to be “skinny” though. If you’re yearning for a bit more space, try a pair a Garbo style wide leg trousers with some trendy looking platform shoes!

As with many fashion seasons, shoes are talking a spotlight this year! The two most popular are as different as night and day – cute ballet flats in an array of colors and patterns, or towering fashion forward platform shoes! One of my favorite looks is those little peep toe flats that have come out of hiding! But, if you can only buy one pair of shoes for the season – I recommend the platforms! The perk to these cousins of the stilettos? No teetering!

The colors of the season are red, gray and a mottled gold. And, don’t forget the accent of leopard spots! Now, I’m not a leopard print kind of gal, but even I might find something to layer with it!

As with every season, there are trends that are, well…only going to last this season. For that reason, you don’t want to spend much on them. What’s considered hot and trendy this October will be laughed at next year! But for now, we love them and want to include an affordable piece in our wardrobes.

By far, my favorite is the bubble skirt! I love skirts anyways, so this fun and flirty version makes me smile! If you can’t picture what a “bubble skirt” is – think Scarlet O’Hare. Yes. From “Gone with the Wind”. These bell shaped long hemmed skirts and dresses are so feminine and fun, it’s hard to pass up! While I’m not one to usually recommend sewing your own clothes, if you have some basic knowledge and a sewing machine, these skirts are pretty easy to make! That way, when the bubble “pops” you can rip the seams and use the fabric for something else!

Another trend destined to be alive only this season is the cape. Similar to the ponchos a few years back, a feminine cape or capelet will make a great addition to your wardrobe this season. Just don’t get carried away! While cute now, I don’t think it will last.

Have fun this fall! If you have to invest in a few pieces, the skinny black pants and pencil skirt are the items to splurge on. With the other items, keep your budget in mind. Buy fun pieces that you love, but aren’t going to send you into bankruptcy! And as for my boxy sweaters and jeans – I guess as long as the jeans are skinny, I’m trendy!