How to Update Your Fall Wardrobe for Cheap

When the air gets cooler and stores and fashion catalogs change their look from sunny summer to cozy fall, it's easy to get swept in and want to go on a mad fall wardrobe shopping spree.

Use these tips to make sure your budget stays in check while your wardrobe gets updated.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a little shopping money
• a budget!

1. Evaluate your current wardrobe staples. Wardrobe staples should include at least one dark skirt, one pair of dark dress pants, one pair of casual pants (think denim trousers) a white shirt, dark cardigan, boots, heels, and flats. Make a list of each staple that needs updated due to size changes or wear and tear. Invest in these pieces before your fun pieces.

2. Subscribe to your favorite stores' email promotions to determine your shopping date. When there's a sale, you'll be the first to know. When at least two of your favorite stores are having significant sales at the same time, get ready to shop! If your shopping takes you to the mall or department stores, plan to shop during the weekend for the best prices overall. Believe it or not, even clearance racks have a sneaky way of going up and down in prices depending on the day of the week.

3. Determine what will be the season's trendy colors before shopping. A day of browsing clothes online or in-store can help you note these. Even thumbing through catalogs can help you discern this trend.

4. Choose two or three of these trendy colors that look best with your skin-tone. Are you an autumn, summer, spring, or winter? Check out the related articles section below for a simple skin-tone test if you're not sure. The colors you choose will be your "fun" pieces!

5. Browse the clearance racks first for those "fun pieces" that will be in the colors that looks best on you. Some summer items can carry you well through the first part of fall. Three quarter-length knits work and so do short sleeve cardigans that can go over a long sleeve white shirt. Sleeveless sweaters can slip over a crisp white shirt for a quick preppie pulled-together look. Be creative!

6. Purchase two to three tops and matching accessories to match the season's colors that looks best on you. Some of the most versatile accessories can be scarves, belts, or handbags. No need to go overboard. Just two or three fun pieces that look absolutely great on you will do wonders for your wardrobe and your confidence.

7. Mix and match and have fun with your "new wardrobe!" Congratulate yourself on updating your fall wardrobe on a budget!