By Maria Athanasopoulos

This year’s fall 2008 York Fashion Week unleashed some serious trends that we were all dying to try but couldn’t due to the warmer months. Thankfully autumn has finally kicked in and now its time to figure out how to bring our most coveted runway looks to the streets. Unless you are Carrie Bradshaw, wearing a feather on your head and walking down Madison Avenue is bound to get you on Blackwell’s worst dressed list. Luckily this season’s looks are sexy yet sophisticated and can easily be incorporated into any wardrobe with a couple of adjustments of course.

The economy has drastically reduced the spending power of most Americans, however this has not stopped fashionistas and trend setters from shopping. Budgeting your money wisely is key to making ends meet and still looking trendy chic. We may be in a recession, but that does not mean you can’t achieve your perfect look for every occasion without breaking the bank. The secret is to buy a few investment pieces and a few trendy pieces which will complement the other clothes you already possess. Head to department stores such as Macy’s or Bloomindales during their sale days and purchase a well tailored and timeless investment piece, such as a knee length black skirt. Stores like H&M have the latest looks at the lowest prices, which is perfect for this season’s essential items. Besides, you don’t want to spend too much money on clothes that you may not be able to wear again.

It is important to remember to not over do it and wear all of the latest trends at the same exact time. This will more or less make you look like a Christmas tree or like a rejected model from Heatherette’s runway show. Speaking of Heatherette, they sadly were not part of this year’s New York Fashion Week line up, citing financial restraints according to the New York Daily News. Many other Fashion houses may have also felt the economic strain this year because even the usually extravagant designers unveiled more structured pieces and simpler lines. Even though many designers debuted very commercial fall lines, others such as Thakoon and Rodarte, remained dedicated to the art of creative fashion and painted the runway with vibrant citrus hues and rich purples. Bill Blass, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and Zac Posen were just a few designers that featured a fine balance of femininity and androgynous fall/winter looks.

Recreating these top designer looks and others is easier than you think! To get the men’s inspired Zac Posen look, simply buy a military jacket and wear it over a t-shirt you already own and your favorite pair of skinny jeans and voila - a fresh look right off the runway without having to purchase an entire outfit.

Here are the Top 10 Fall 2008 Runway Trends that you can actually wear and look great in without purchasing a completely new wardrobe. Simply mix the new with the old and you will 100% stylish without becoming 100% broke.

1. Ankle Booties

these are great worn with tights and skinny jeans but also can be rocked with pencil skirts and mini dresses. They are available everywhere in every price range and nearly every color and material.

2. Menswear-Inspired Clothing

tweed wide legged pants, vests and military jackets are just a few items you can mix into your wardrobe to get this look. Ladies it’s time to raid your man’s closet!

3. Gray & Purple

are without a doubt the two hottest colors this fall season. They can be worn for any occasion and in a variety of hues. Gray will be perfect as your neutral color for nearly any clothing combination.

4. High Waisted Skirts

a knee-length body hugging skirt paired with high heeled boots is a very sexy yet polished and posh look that can be seen in Chanel and Louis Vuitton’s fall lines. Think sexy secretary.

5. Bows, Feathers, Lace and Ruffles

these “cutesy” looks were all over Prada’s catwalk show and now are quickly becoming a huge fashion statement. These accents can be seen embellishing everything from shoes to bags and dresses to headbands.

6. Gothic
this medieval inspired look became instantly popular, luckily you don’t have to run to Hot Topic to purchase this trend. Nearly all stores are carrying dramatic velvet clothing and dresses with silver studs and metal hardware. You can instantly make an outfit you already own look “gothic” by accessorizing with a silver studded belt, layered neck chains and high heeled ankle biker booties.

7. Oversized Knits

big, oversized sweaters and cable knits are the huge craze. You won’t only look incredibly stylish wearing this trend, but will also be extremely warm and cozy! These are great worn over long sleeved t-shirts and in layers.

8. Architectural
the tailored, sculptural coat is a very important piece this fall. Pick a bold colored coat with a geometric shape with a 60’s/70’s swing feel. Belted coats nicely define your silhouette while still giving the appearance of a molded form. The coat designer I personally adore at the moment is Mackage, they have great statement coats that are beautifully embellished with leather accents and are not very pricey.

9. Country Look

tweed, fur, animal and plaid prints are slowly becoming another one of this season’s hottest trends. And yes you can wear plaid! Try wearing a button down plaid shirt cinched with a skinny black belt over your favorite jeans and a pair of faded flat brown leather boots.

10. Monochromatic

for a slimmer, elongated silhouette rock this 70’s inspired look by wearing a dark color from head to toe and adding a different colored scarf or some glamorous gold jewelry which has also made a huge comeback. Not only will you look long and lean, but you will also immediately look posh and even a bit mysterious. Just ensure you don’t over do it by wearing heavy fabrics and layering them, this will make you look frumpy. Think Audrey Hepburn and you will be on the right path.