by Christina Conner

Created on: September 06, 2009

Back to school often means an all new wardrobe for some and for others on more of a budget, a selection of a few choice fashion forward pieces. As someone who reads fashion magazines nearly religiously and spends far too much time shopping online and in stores, here are some ideas to bring some excitement to your fall wardrobe.

1) The trend of neon colors that is a throwback to 20 years ago is going strong. If it's too much to imagine an all neon outfit, try it with a t-shirt or even with just a belt or your shoelaces. A little bit of bright color goes a long way.

2) If neon is too much for you, go with a jewel toned purple or plum color in your wardrobe. It's the perfect color for fall, and the color looks good on nearly everyone.

3) Lumberjack style with the plaid shirts, baggy fit jeans and corduroy jackets is another current homage to the style of the '80s. It's comfy and stylish, and you can easily combine this trend with the purple color trend. If you're budget is used up, check in the closet of an older male family member and see if you can borrow an old (read retro) plaid shirt. Put a belt over the shirt and wear it with leggings or skinny jeans.

4) Leggings came in a few seasons ago and they are still going strong. Pair them with an oversized t-shirt or a skirt. What's not in style is wearing leggings as pants; cover up! If it's too cold for leggings, the skinny jean is still very much in style. Straight leg jeans can be a bit more forgiving then the narrow and tapered bottoms, but either style is very much in for the fall.

5) Pair your leggings or skinny jeans with a pair of Oxfords. Oxford style shoes and lace-up flats are trying to take over the ballet flat trend. Buy just one pair, and you've instantly updated your wardrobe.

6) Add some glamour to your wardrobe with a bright metallic. In the past, it was only silver or gold; generally they weren't worn together. But this season, bring gold and silver together for a modern and beautiful look. Buy a set of chunky gold and silver bracelets. Wear t-shirts with metallic screen print or a pair of gold or silver patent leather shoes.

7) Speaking of leather, the ubiquitous fall staple, the leather jacket, is still around. You don't have to buy real leather to get the look of the real thing. You can also get leather (or leather look) purses and skirts. Pair a leather skirt with a white t-shirt and some layered gold and silver chains.

8) If you don't want the leather jacket, and you're very fashion forward, get one with shoulder pads. The Dynasty style (again '80s) look of big shoulders has regained a place on the runways. If shoulder pads are too much for you, look for anything with shoulder detail: patches, studs, print, etc.

None of these are hard and fast rules. Combine all the trends, wear none of them. The best way to be really fashionable is to wear what you feel comfortable and beautiful in, and to be confident in yourself.

Learn more about this author, Christina Conner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.