Wouldn’t you love to buy everything “new in” for fall? Oh the leather, the lace, the leopard! But for most of us, adopting every tantalizing trend is more than our time and budgets allow. Fortunately, this season, there are several sneaky shortcuts that can help you feel on-trend without putting your life and, say, paying the mortgage or feeding the kids, on hold.

1. Cinch it with a belt

Belts can always add oomph to an outfit, but this season their cinching superpowers can enliven almost everything in your closet. Take the back-in-a-big-way belted jacket, shown so irresistibly at & other Stories, Revolve and Intermix. You could buy one. Or you could buy a fabulous belt and transform ten of your current blazers. Veronica Beard’s fall look book is a lesson in how to do this with the leopard Elsy belt - perhaps its cheapest but most versatile item.

2. Leave your mark with lug-soled boots

Lug-soled boots are the fashion equivalent of a night in watching your favorite TV show (ahh…Poldark) - easy, comfy and always appealing. For us ladies on the go, chunky boots are a one-item way to be ready for anything. They make work outfits look edgier, weekend looks more current. And they ensure you’re ready to play tag at a moment’s notice. Sam Edelman, DVF and, of course, DMs, do butt-kicking versions.

3. Add some ooh la la with a scarf

Silk scarves have somehow gone from classic to contemporary. Perhaps we should thank cool-gal Euros like Claudie Pierlot and All Saints whose leopard and floral numbers look edgier than you’d ever expect from this fabric. Throw on a generously sized square to make work blazers look more interesting or weekend dresses and sweaters feel more chic. Mixing patterns, as everywhere right now, is A-OK.

4. Hit the spot with leopard

Leopard print has been hot, on and off, since Josephine Baker. So even though its trendy this season, it’s a pretty safe place to spend a spot of cash. Plus, those spots can an outfit make - be they in boot, belt, bomber or blouse form. If you like your shoes sustainable or take style cues from Megan Markle, Rothy’s makes a gorgeous (and washable!) pair. These ensure you won’t cry over spilled…whatever your kids drop on you.

5. Go green

Green, whether emerald, mint or army, can add a little freshness to many an outfit this autumn. And with so many hues to choose from, you can find the one that flatters your skin tone - since all greens are not created equal. Outerwear pieces yield good return on investment because you wear them a lot in the fall. But finding a sweater your adore or boots you love can also put a spring in the step of your existing wardrobe.

Any sneaky steps you’re taking to feel like you’ve got fall down? Please share with a comment!