one trend at a time

Keep up with current fall styles without having to buy an entire new wardrobe.

Here are 5 basic outfits using fundamental articles of clothing that you would have in your closet matched with one article of clothing or accessory that represents Fall 2011.

#1
What you would already have: 

A basic cardigan, a scarf, a pair of (leather) leggings, and your go-to bag (which is, for example, a tote, that is of a "safe" color like black, brown, or white). 

This season's must have: 

Bright warm-colored shoes.
Note--This past summer season was all about neon colors, especially the cool colors, like blue, purple, and green. Don't be disappointed because this fall is all about the brights too--of the warm colors. Of course we all know that the must-have colors of clothing for every autumn season are black, brown, orange, and beige. This year's fall allows you to spice up your earthly colors with brights of that color family. The basics are red, orange, and yellow; including their different shadings. Green can be seen on the runway a lot too, which also includes shades like teal, turquoise, and blue-green. 

Tory Burch Simone boyfriend cardigan; green knit scarf; Haute Hippie paneled leather pants; Giuseppe Zanotti Giuseppe for Christopher Kane GI 0001 heels; MICHAEL Michael Kors "Jenna" medium shoulder bag; Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2011 (bright teal boots)

#2

What you would already have: 

A casual/daytime dress, a basic shoulder bag, and a pair of ankle booties.

This season's must-have: 

A parka/anorak

Note--This fall, look boyish with a hint of a feminine vibe, like wearing this daytime dress under a military-green parka.

Barbed over-size parka; American Vintage oversize t-shirt dress; Ashford Tan Snaffle lace up ankle boots; Alexander McQueen Arron shoulder bag; Vera Wang Fall 2011 (parka)

#3

What you would already have: 

A leather jacket, a tank top, a clutch, and a pair of classic pumps. 

This season's must-have: 

Bright-colored trousers

Note--Make a dark-toned outfit pop with a pair of eye-catching trousers.

Willow Asymmetric leather jacket; Surface To Air knitted tank; Premium wide leg trousers; DSQUARED2 Pump Carrie Vernice Sfumata pumps; Lanvin calf hair wristlet clutch; Hermés Fall 2011 (bright yellow pants)

#4

What you would already have: 

A button-up shirt, jeggings, and a pair of knee-high boots.

This season's must-have: 

Metallic bag

Note--Colorful metallics are not necessarily easy to pull off with just about any outfit, thus if you are worried about the practicality of investing in metallic accessories, go for a neutral toned bag like gold or silver.

Neon Hart suede shirt; Juicy Couture 4990 Georgia Denim jeggings; Ruper Sanderson black leather riding boot; Marc Jacobs Carter metallic leather bag; Jason Wu Fall 2011 (metallic blue clutch)

#5

What you would already have:

A turtle-neck, jeans, a hobo bag, and a pair of flats. 

This season's must-have: 

(Hard-core) metal chokers

Note--A choker is a jewelry that can easily transform a simple, every-day outfit, to a more styled up look without needing other accessories such as bracelets or earrings. 

Atelier Mayer 1970's silver metal choker; Derek Lam cashmere turtle-neck jumper; Dark Mid super skinny jeans; Winifred ruched flats; Givenchy small Tinhan hobo; Michael Kors Fall 2011 (metal choker)