Fall is a great time for updating your look. There are new trends and options for celebrating and enhancing your style. It’s a wonderful season for shopping, but you don’t have break the bank.

INC International Concepts® Woman Leather Vest, Tunic Shirt & Knit Legging from Macy’s

Adding a few pieces and changing your accessories and color choices are simple and affordable options for creating a fresh and updated look this fall.

Before you run out to the mall, inventory your wardrobe, you might be surprised to find that you have most of what you need already in your closet. This fall combines the look of comfort, luxury and a hint of 80’s flair—belts, big sweaters and leggings—offering something for every woman. Here are six of the top style trends for the season, culled from leading women’s style and fashion sources.  
 
1. Plaid It Down. It’s all about plaid this fall. Plaid is the featured pattern for many of this season’s hottest looks. If you’re afraid of plaid, no worry, it has been updated with a modern flair. You’ll find it in muted tones and patterns or bold, look at me roar colors and designs. It is on everything from swingy skirts, wrap dresses suits, capes, evening wear, leggings and handbags. Style Tip: Pair a plaid skirt with a white collared shirt.

2. Dress it Up. Sweater dresses are timeless fall pieces that are in vogue this season. They are comfortable, all-in-one outfits that work well both day and night. Style Tip: Have fun. Sport a long or short sweater dress with a big belt, leggings and pumps or with tall boots.  

3. Layer and Pump it Up. Turn up the volume with chunky knit sweaters, bubbly blouses and oversized pants. The key trend in fashion this fall is volume, says Tanika White of the Baltimore Sun. “It is what will separate fall 2006 — a season of richness and femininity — from 2004 and 2005, which were nothing if not rich and feminine,” she adds. The key to the layered look is to keep things in proportion. If you go big on top, keep it slim on the bottom or vice versa. Style Tip: Layer a tunic-length top with a shorter length jacket and fitted jeans or leggings.
 
4. Bag It. Keeping with the luxe theme of the season, big, oversized bags are in, especially satchels. The bags are available in bold colors, rich and exotic skins like ostrich or velvet and everyday materials like leather and vinyl. Style Tip: Choose leather in a classic color like black, brown or red.  

5. Go Hip to Waist.Belts are moving from the hips to the waist. They are appearing at the waist of everything from evening dresses to suits. Belts come in varying widths and adorned with metal and gold buckles, in patent leather and wrap styles. Style Tip:  A belt worn over a sweater or blouse is a classy and sophisticated way to show off your figure.
 

6. Red is Hot. If you haven’t figured it out, red is a favored Heart and Style color. It conveys power and is one of this season’s favored accent colors. The attention grabbing color offers a lively contrast to the subdued colors most associated with fall. Style Tip:  Work red in your wardrobe with accessories like a belt, scarf or handbag.