What you need this fall

Skip the booties, over-the-knee boots, studded pants, humongous bags, one-shoulder tops, and Cleopatra neck ornaments. Save it for the runway and spend your money brilliantly this fall.

You will love a pencil skirt in navy, charcoal gray or black. And don't let your less-than-perfect figure deter you. They are more flattering than you think.

You cannot go wrong with a nice white button down blouse. Pair with jeans, khaki cropped pants, pin striped trousers, or your new pencil skirt. Go to Marshall's or Ross and get two or more of these. You will wear them over and over. And break out the iron, if you need to. This one is a polished look.

Grab a scarf that you can wear with almost anything, for almost any reason. Tie it over your head for windy days, wrap around your neck from car to office, pull it over your shoulders while watching a movie, drape it over your shoulder and pin in place for a bold fashion statement as you walk through the halls at your child's school. It doesn't have to be a solid color, or a long, thin style. You can do a lot with the big square scarves. Try thrift stores for these, since women don't yet see their versatility. You should be able to find some fine pieces for next to nothing.

Never underestimate the power of the pump. You don't have to play volleyball in them, but they will make your legs look fabulous and will make you feel very feminine. Pair these with the pencil skirt above and white button down shirt and you have a safari on your hands! Wear with or without hose, and don't shy away from wearing tights with these when the temperatures plunge. You will look fantastic!

If your ensemble doesn't allow for the heels, opt for these Hepburnesque ballet flats. You can run to catch the train or dance up the steps of the Museum of Art in style with these. Get a plain pair and ramp them up with shoe clips. Remember those? Check out Etsy online for very affordable ways to dress up plain flats to coordinate with any outfit.

Accessories? No sweat! We'll keep it short and sweet - you need three things this year:

A gold-tone cuff that you can get a WalMart, Target, or probably a good dollar store. Don't buy the real thing, for goodness sakes! You want to be able to chunk it at the end of the season, guilt free.

Don't go nuts being all matchy-matchy with your belt/bag/shoes. My friend Cindy has a few rules about her handbag purchases that I may just adopt as my own. Single shoulder strap, not too long, body of bag not too bulky, and a zipper top to ensure closure and safety. LOVE it! The one shown here is a very creamy go-with-anything bag that you will be able to carry the entire season.

And don't sweat brands. If you like it and it looks well-made, get it. You are not impressing anyone with a $400 bag, except the executive cashing your check on the other side of the corporate ladder. Don't be a tool by buying a $25 bag for $250 just because it says "Coach". It was still make in China.

A strand of pearls. Again, if you don't have real, don't sweat it. Pearls are delicate and difficult to care for, so get the costume ones. Go to a department store like Kohl's, Dillards, or Belk to get the best selection of costume strands. Get one long strand you can wrap, get a single choker-length, get a multi-strand. Whatever feels right. Just get one, though. Again, we may not wear these again for a few seasons.

Have fun!!