Affordable Accessories For Fall Wardrobes

If you need to update your look for this fall, the editors at Marie Claire magazine say accessories are the best and easiest way to do it. They're also "in"!

For The Early Show's "Chic on a Shoestring" Wednesday, Marie Claire (www.marieclaire.com) Editor in Chief Joanna Coles brought some great accessories that won't break your budget.

In "Chic on a Shoestring," expensive "splurge" clothing is shown along with much more reasonably priced items, referred to as "steals." It's often hard to tell the difference, but The Early Show co-anchors and an audience member do their best to pick the bargains.

She says that, in fact, this fall, it's really all about the accessories! So, they're the simplest way to tweak your look for autumn without buying a whole new wardrobe.

This season, says Coles, there's a wide variety of trends: silver metallic, patent leather, bright colors (think back to the '80s), messenger-inspired bags, lots of hardware, big bags are back, and much more.

For the show, Coles focused on three of those trends: silver metallic, patent leather, and the messenger-inspired accessories.

FIRST TREND: SILVER METALLIC

Coles paired these with a black dress:

Splurge:

Stuart Weitzman sandals, $255
Versace clutch, $1,385

Grand total: $1,640

Steal:

Carlos by Carlos Santana sandals, $98
Reaction by Kenneth Cole clutch, $68

Grand total: $166

SECOND TREND: PATENT LEATHER

This is a trend that emerged in early spring, and that's very strong this fall. You're not just seeing it in traditional black, but in bold, bright colors, as well. Don't over-do it with patent: One or two bold pieces will be more than enough.

Coles paired the patent look, which can be edgy, with a grey skirt suit, to soften it.

Splurge:

Chanel mary jane, $750
Michael Kors satchel, $1,195

Grand total: $1,945

Steal:

Worthington for JC Penney mary jane, $60
Steven by Steve Madden satchel, $225

Grand total: $285

THIRD TEEND: MESSENGER BAG and OXFORDS

The preppy look started to pop up this spring, but it's very big this fall. It's modified this year, so it's not just your boring old cable-knit sweaters. You'll see this look with oxford shoes, themselves a huge trend this season.

We've paired this with just a simple pair of jeans with a blazer -- the perfect look for casual Fridays!

Splurge:

Alexis Hudson bag: $440
Ralph Lauren oxford heels, $590

Grand total: $1,030

Steal:

Etienne Aigner bag, $88
Bakers oxford heels, $80

Grand total: $168