¢ Belts: Neiman Marcus recommends a canvas Fendi belt with a gold buckle. But Genevieve Yraola, senior fashion market editor at Shop Etc. magazine, says you can find great inexpensive belts at places such as Forever 21, Target and Club Monaco.

¢ Black dress (with bubble or blouson accents): This is the season of the dress. A sweater dress is the best choice, but all sorts of dresses will do. Layer your dress with a chunky knit sweater, belt it around the middle, and voila, instant chic.

¢ Leggings: It sounds scary, but it really isn’t. Cover your bum with a long sweater or tunic and wear those leggings with pride. If not, “there’s plenty of options to choose from in terms of what’s trendy,” says Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman for TJ Maxx. “So the legging might not be for you, but maybe you’d look great in a pair of wide-leg trousers.”

¢ Gold chain necklace: Gold is back in a big way, on handbag hardware, shoe details and especially around your neck.

¢ Boots: Boots of all styles are in for fall. Most women already have a stable of boots, so freshen your footwear this fall by trying a slouchy boot or a cuffed boot, says Hope Greenberg of Lucky magazine.

¢ Sweaters: Neiman Marcus’ top pick is a sexy fine-gauge knit tunic from TSE, worn over skinny pants. Less-expensive options include Urban Outfitters and the George line at Wal-Mart, Yraola says.

¢ Menswear-inspired trousers: Pants are pretty this season in plaids and pinstripes. Wear them wide-leg or in a long Bermuda short-style.

¢ White blouses: There’s no need to break the bank for this staple. You can find a great white blouse just about anywhere. Yraola’s suggestion for style on a budget: Bebe.

¢ Skinny pants: With so much volume on top, you want your bottoms slim, slim, slim. Try a velvet pant in a slim silhouette.

¢ Red accents: “Red is the No. 1 accent color for the season,” says Gregg Andrews, a fashion director at Nordstrom. Buy a red coat, or a red handbag. Wear red lips.