Let’s be real. The economy has cut into all of our budgets. We’re all feeling the pain of the price of gas, the price of groceries. We all can freely admit that tightening our belts probably won’t mean that we don’t add something to our wardrobes this fall. And, that’s OK – no one if going to judge you because you want a new pair of fall shoes, or because you inner diva is dying for a new jacket. I promise I won’t tell anyone if you call in “sick” to work for 3 days to save on gas money to be able to afford that new adorable skirt.

I’m not suggesting we forego milk for the kids so that we can get a new sweater, but when our budgets are tapped, we need to be more deliberate in our wardrobe purchases. We need to think about what we are spending our clothing budget on, and make sure that we’re making wise decisions on things that will last.

Skip The Trends

• Because trends are just that “trends”, pass on them this season. Make your fashion statement by concentrating on classic pieces, things that never go out of style. You can add some trendy-vibes by simply buying classic pieces in trendy colors; this season, add some purple – it is THE hot color of the season. If you must add some trendy things, do it with accessories.

Enrich Your Bones

• The bones of your ensemble are those pieces you invent in. Things like suits, jeans, a white blouse. The basics. Bones could also be a great winter coat, leather boots, a ladylike leather handbag. You will wear the bones for years to come. Invest in your bones. Without the bones, you have nothing to hang the trends on! Really think about your lifestyle, and what you typically wear. If you are a stay-at-home – er, I mean domestic engineer, investing in a great pair of jeans would be a smart buy for you. If you are one who is constantly running here and there, think about investing in a beautiful wool winter coat.

Resist Buying Several Inexpensive Things

• Consider this…you spend $200 and get a pair of pants, 3 t-shirts and a sweater. All are cute trendy pieces. Is this a good buy? Or, you spend $200 and get a great jean and a crisp timeless white blouse. Which would you say is the better buy? The jeans and blouse are. Those inexpensive things are of a lesser quality, and will not stand the test of time. Likewise, you will not be wearing those uber-trendy pieces next season, or next year. Jeans and a white blouse are things you can wear all year round, for years to come. The “cost per wear” equation should creep into your psyche. Those trendy pieces you might wear once a week for 3 months – the jeans you could wear several times a week, for years. The “cost per wear” makes the jeans and blouse a better choice.

The Rule Of 5′s

• When I consider investing in a piece of clothing, I sit back and come up with 5 ways I can wear that one item. OK, truth be told, sometimes I only come up with 3 ways – but the point is, if you can wear a piece of clothing a few different ways, it is a good buy. Especially if you can create a dressy and casual look with the piece. An example would be this great pseudo-trendy blouse I just got. It has some whispers of new trends (touch of lace, some frill). I can wear it alone with jeans or trousers, it has an interesting sleeve that would look great under a short sleeve sweater, I can wear it under a sleeveless black dress I have, with a suit would be devine, or I can tie it up and layer over a colored cami.

Build Your Wardrobe, Don’t Invent It

• Now isn’t best time to invent a signature look, or try out a new style. Unless you are a recent college grad, and in need of all work and no play clothes – don’t reinvent what is in your closet. Now is the time to build on what is there. Create outfit capsules within your closet. Shop within a color scheme, and within a style theme. Take one bottom – maybe a pair of trousers or a skirt. Find all the tops you have in your closet that go with that one bottom. You will be surprised how much you really have…right there in your own closet. In doing this, you might see that if you added some simple basics, you could expand your options.

Got other ideas on how to bring in the new fashion season?  Kathy share’s more of hers on her blog at FashionAnswers

PHOTO 1  CREDITS: cottoninc

PHOTO 2 CREDITS: compiled image.  Jacket – Leifsottir from Anthropologie, shirt – Brooks Brothers, Bag - Tarina Taratino from Flourish Boutique, jeans – David Kahn from Nordstrom, shoe – Nanette Lepore from Nordstrom