This fall has so many amazing fashion trends, it can be quite overwhelming. If you try to update your wardrobe to keep up with them, you could be in the poorhouse by the start of October.

I find the easiest (and most frugal!) way to update your closet each season is with a few choice accessories. While accessory updates are great for updating the wardrobe for less, they are also awesome because they take up little space. If the trend or your size changes, you can pack them away and bring them back when the fashion or your size returns!

The simple addition of a shoe, bag, or change to your cosmetic routine can completely transform your wardrobe basics, bringing you to the height of fashion for very little money.

Here are my choices for Fall 2011:
A Leopard-print Shoe. Leopard print (as well as cheetah) is always chic, but this season they are everywhere and work with everything! Blouses and bags, skirts and scarves are covered with this iconic camel and black print. A way to get miles of style from this trend is with a leopard print shoe. Leopard is an unexpected neutral that looks amazing with brights and neutrals, casual and more elegant apparel.

I have a pair of leopard pumps I can wear with denim and a black turtleneck on the weekend, or a colorful silk blouse and pencil skirt for work. A pair of leopard flats are equally chic and look adorable peeking out of jeans or even tailored trousers. Since leopard incorporates various shades of browns with black, it will work with most any garment and handbag in your closet.

A Structured Handbag. Mad Men-inspired fashion, the upcoming Margaret Thatcher biopic, and the return of tailored suiting have made the structured bag a must-buy for fall. While slouchy hobos can still work for casual attire, you'll find this ladylike bad silhouette will really make your wardrobe look and feel like Fall 2011.

While brown and black are easy bets, this season is all about color. Consider bright red, the "It" color of the season for a pop of color against black and neutrals, as well as instant color blocking with other hues. Bags of this shape can be found at any price point (saw some adorable ones at Target), shop for the size and shape best for your life and stature, not for the name on the label.

Red Lipstick. Even I, the queen of the brownish-pink lipgloss, am embracing a bright pout this fall. Like the structured handbag, red lips will instantly transform you and your wardrobe. This trend is so hot, even non-cosmetic companies like J. Crew are coming out with their own version.

If scarlet lips terrify you, try a more subtle version. A red lip stain (Tarte has some great colors to choose from) is more subtle, won't smear onto your teeth, and is long lasting. If you're a gloss gal like me, you may like the gloss balms that are on the market. They are not as intense of pigment and give you the shine and liquid feel you crave. I like the CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm, it made me into a red lip convert!

Skinny Belt. I have sung the praises of a skinny belt before, and this fall I continue with a louder voice! Worn over a simple cardigan or straight dress, it gives and automatic hourglass Mad Men effect. Slipped through the belt loops of your work trousers, it adds interest and an elegant feel to your office staples.

I recently purchased two skinny belts: one leopard haircalf, and one red patent leather. They go with so much, and have already earned their price tags. Last Tuesday, I transformed an old dress with the red belt; I wore the leopard belt this past weekend with dark jeans and a tucked-in teal silk blouse. Once you have a skinny belt in your closet and play with it (try it with different garments and locations on your torso), you will wonder how you lived without one!

What additions are you planning to update your wardrobe with for Fall 2011?

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.