We’re almost in October, and that means that fall fashion is officially here. For most of us college students, shopping has turned into a luxury…not so much a necessity (Don’t you miss your parents paying for everything? I know I do). But this season has recycled and revamped fall classics, and introduced some new goodies for everyone’s wardrobe, and since there isn’t anything I love more than fall fashion (maybe cupcakes), I have found some great ways to wear this fall’s trends on the frugal side.

Now, picking a favorite trend is impossible: much like a parent picking a favorite child. But since I hate kids and don’t know what that decision would be like, I’ve narrowed down 10 must-have fall trends for under $25 that you must have!

initiating the gallery...

[This post comes hot off the Internet presses from our friends at CollegeFashion !]

When multiple designers (namely Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang & Roberto Cavalli), paired tailored jackets and coats with furry arms in their F/W 11 collections, the pieces were received with raised eyebrows. One can’t be expected to immediately fall in love with the trend dubbed “Gorilla Arms,” but might it be an acquired taste?

Curious as to what Gorilla Arms look like? Check it out here!

I’m sure, like me, you have no desire to look like an extra on the set of Mad Men. While Banana Republic has introduced an inspired collection to do just that, the price tags associated with it are not meant for college girls on a budget. While you could wait until there’s a good sale at BR, there are lots of 60s-inspired pieces at more reasonable prices.

The Swinging Sixties are a fun decade to draw fashion inspiration from, partially because there were two distinct styles present during the time. Though the time period marks the birth of the mini-skirt, there was also a large focus on lady-like attire, inspired by Jackie O. Some of my favorite sixty-inspired pieces are peter pan collars, shift dresses and swing coats.

The key to any good retro-inspired outfit is moderation. Unless you are going to a 60s theme party, stick to one or two inspired pieces; and really, only one if you’re going for something that looks like it truly is from the 60s. Below are just a few inspired pieces to get you thinking about the sixties.

Product Details (Clockwise from top): Striped top – Topshop $76, Green scarf – Ruche $18.99, Pearl Necklace – American Eagle $15.34, Jackie O sunglasses – Fred Flare $12, Blue shift dress – ModCloth $49.99, Plaid Jacket – H&M $29.95, T-strap shoes – Forever 21 $26.80, Blue tie shirt – Kohls $31.20, Boucle Skirt – Forever 21 $15.80

[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like college Rachel Zoe (with a little extra meat on their bones). Have you checked them out yet?!]

One of the best ways to battle the cold and look perfectly seasonal during winter is to wear a cozy, cold weather vest. Before you say anything, hear me out: There are ways to do so without a) looking like you’re about to go skiing, b) evoking images of the Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters, or c) having people ask why you’re wearing a life preserver, like Marty McFly in Back to the Future. All it takes is a little creative styling.

So next time you’re having the dreaded “sweatpant” battle (my roommate keeps the house at 68 degrees, so I grapple with this decision on a daily basis) reach instead for a fuzzy pair of socks, the softest thermal top you own, and a warm winter vest. They come in tons of styles and materials, so you’re bound to find one you like.

Tips and Tricks for Pulling off a Winter Vest

Pull out your down vest! These can be worn places other than the slopes, as long as you keep other things in your outfit cute, simple, and girly. Go for the belted variety if you’re worried about too much bulk.

Try out a fleece or Sherpa version. They’ll go with any long sleeved shirt and pair of jeans you have in your closet. Here in Oklahoma, the boys LOVE pairing their fleece Columbia vests with a button-down Polo dress shirt (oh, frat boys) but for a girl, they’re most often paired with a v-neck or circle neck shirt or turtleneck.

Don’t be afraid of getting creative. The right vest could look great with a dress or skirt – try out different combos and experiment!

Add style with accessories. Throw on a necklace, headband, ring, or hat with your vest for added flair.

Wear them on fickle weather days. Vests are the perfect way to balance out sunny-yet-windy days. They’ll block your chest from the chill (and keep you from getting cold) but allow your arms to breathe so you can avoid awkward sweat stains.

The Knit Sweater Debate. Unless you’re going for a Rachel Berry look (or attending a tacky Christmas sweater party) it’s generally best to avoid vests with appliques or pictures knit into them. (Obviously, if you have great style and want to rock one of these for a challenge, more power to you!) On the other hand, a chunky knit vest can look chic if it’s simple and styled just right.

Alrighty then. You’ve got all the rules, now it’s time for some winter vest style inspiration. Click here for some great outfit ideas!

[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like college Rachel Zoe (with a little extra meat on their bones). Have you checked them out yet?!]

I know that there are a lot of mixed feelings on fur — personally, I’m an advocate of faux fur. Not only is is cheaper and animal-friendly, but there are incredible plush pieces available that keep you warm and look great. That said, my mom gave me her vintage white rabbit fur coat a couple years ago; I haven’t had the nerve to wear it in public, but it’s a shame that it has just been hanging out in my closet for so long. Although I would never buy a real fur item, I can understand keeping a vintage piece that holds sentimental value.

The other great thing about faux fur is that it is SO warm. There is nothing cozier to wrap around yourself on a windy night than a fuzzy coat. It also carries an air of sophistication and class — pair a coat with a string of pearls and red lipstick for some old Hollywood glamour.

There are many ways to rock faux fur without channeling stuffy old ladies who lunch or looking tacky. Curious to know how?

Tips and Tricks for Working Faux Fur into an Outfit:

Try a faux fur vest. I got mine on sale for $20 at American Eagle last season, so this piece does not have to be a huge splurge. Fur vests look awesome with jeans and a long sleeved shirt, or a simple dress, leggings and boots.

Try small accents. If you’re hesitant about this look, try a faux fur scarf or purse for a hint of the trend. I also love corduroy and wool jackets with fur trimming on the collars and sleeves.

Keep it simple if you’re unsure. I love faux fur with florals and stripes, but my style is all about contrast. For a more conservative approach, try it out with solid colors.

Rock a faux fur jacket or coat. We all loved Carrie Bradshaw’s coat on SATC, and coats like hers are amazingly warm and stylish. Just be careful about wearing one in precipitation — water can make faux fur clump together awkwardly.

Experiment with animal print. I absolutely LOVE my leopard print faux fur jacket, and I’ve seen other great animal prints as well in stores this season. But to avoid looking like Cruella DeVille, seek out subtle, blended prints.

Got all that? Good, it’s time to get some faux fur outfit inspiration, courtesy of the ladies at CollegeFashion.net.

When we saw combat-inspired boots on the runways last year none of us thought that trend would ever take hold. (Doc Martens coming back? Pshaw.) But just like gaucho pants, maternity-style tops and moccasins, boy were we wrong. These toughened up boots are in every store, from designer to discount, and they’re taking over the streets.

It’s like fashion’s nod to our troops.

Much like every other big trend to trickle down, most people aren’t quite sure how to wear combat boots. And while I applaud those people for their earnest attempts and being fashion savvy, the sad reality is that they end up looking more like their rebellious teenager stage has come a few years too late.

The key to making these boots cute is to mix them with both feminine and more boyish pieces. A flirty necklace or lacey top with some ripped jeans and boots makes all the difference so you look more like sweet lady Jane (with some kick ass boots on) than GI Jane.

Here’s one bangin’ boot (for a bargain!) worn two ways:

With Jeans:

Boots, Sweater, Jeans, Shirt, Necklace

If you wanna rock the combat boots with jeans, definitely go with skinnies so you can tuck them in or slouch them around the ankle. Looser jeans with this boot would be too messy. Paired with a simple top and a chunky yet totally femme oversize cardigan and the feminine necklaces strikes the perfect balance between girly and tough.
With a Skirt:

Boots, Skirt, Top, Tights, Bracelet

It’s no secret that I love all things pumpkin so I about died when I saw this “Pumpkin Spice Skirt.” It is the perfect shade of orange, making your booty look more spicy and less like an actual bright orange pumpkin (a look that suits no one – not even kids in Halloween costumes). Pair these boots with brown tights, and a flirty, feminine top. And the gem stone bracelet keeps it chunky but adds just the perfect amount of flair.

Yeah, it might not look like much but this little guy will transform your wardrobe.

The quintessential waist belt was not created to hold anything up. It doesn’t fit into loops, it offers no form of support, it’s not durable and it doesn’t save the world from your plumber’s crack. So what does this basic wardrobe staple do for you?

It works harder for you that you did for your A in Intro to Painting; it creates the illusion of a smokin’ waist.

Your closet (aka the storage bin under your bed) and your body are incomplete without this wardrobe essential.  Nothing gives you that perfect hourglass shape quite like a cinch at the waist. No matter if you have curves or none to claim, a braided belt like this one from American Eagle will not only create them, but let your wallet keep a fat curve of it’s own.

This belt is what saved the shirt-dress trend by mercifully adding some shape to an otherwise baggy and unflattering outfit. There are so many shirts and dresses in my own wardrobe that I won’t dare to wear unless I can find a suitable waist belt or I’m left feeling boxy and paunchy. Even if you don’t have a lot of this type of shirt, this belt is so versatile when worn right.

I love this belt because the braided detailing makes it a lot more interesting than any other belt I’ve got. And if I’m going to invest in a nice leather belt, it’s going to be black, so I appreciate that this cheapie option allows for some new color to enter my wardrobe that I don’t have to make above a twenty dollar commitment to.

The key to getting the most out of this belt is twofold, mainly because it will literally fold on top of itself since waists do not come equipped with belt loops. Hint number one: buy it large. It may sound contradictory, but if you can buy this belt large enough to fit your hips as a regular old belt, it will not only double its wearability, but a skinny belt on tailored pants or well fitting jeans also looks so chic. Essential and surprising hint number two you can find in your bookstore – yes, I said your bookstore: double-sided tape.

I’m serious. Since your waist is most likely a lot smaller than your hips, that belt is going to have a very saggy tail outside the buckle that has no loop to be tucked into, which can be a plus or could ruin your outfit. If you’re going for a casual look on your way to class with a baggy shirt or dress that you’re looking to bring some hobo fashion to, then by all means let the tail wag free. But if you’re looking for an added element to a tucked in fitted white blouse or button-up for a meeting with a professor (you need that extension) or a job interview (you need that horribly low-paying campus job), you’re going to need that double-sided tape to make the look professional and polished.

Just beware of a serious fashion don’t: I don’t care how loose your pants are after you join the crew team, if you’re wearing this fabulous waist belt, you will not be wearing another one on your hips. Not even if you convince yourself it’s hidden by that long shirt your wearing. No double belting!

Would you wear combat boots?

Want curls? Try this ceramic iron!

Awesome fall trends you can find in thrift stores.

How to wear leopard print.

Make a sweater dress work.

Face mask obsession.

Shoe giveaway!

Nars Bento Box is all the rage.

Do we like the Croc rain boot?

Rolled chinos are so in right now.

Sigh, aren’t scarves wonderful?

The other essential (and almost magical) item for the girl in a morning rush: a hat! If you’re having an off hair day (or you haven’t washed your hair all week. I get it – midterms are rough) toss on a cap over top, cover up that mess and look super chic. There are lots of styles to choose from this year and that means there’s one for you, no matter what your face shape! And while hats always scare people who think they are so hard to pull off (not literally, of course), but don’t be afraid to take the plunge.

If nothing else, at least you can hit snooze five more times and still end up in class in style.

Below, just a sampling of my favorite scarves and hats of the season. Click each pic for more info!

I survived most of my years in college by borrowing clothes. Most weekends I had another girl’s shirt on my back because I never had any “going out clothes” or the pocket change to spare on them. But some girls had closets and dressers and hampers full of amazing shirts that, after a few drinks, they were always willing to share. And to keep up the barter, I always returned them (sooner or later) back in their original state (after cleaning the spilled beer and cheese sauce).

It wasn’t until I graduated in May that I realized what few pieces of clothing I have. So in honor of populating my closet, I’m sharing this find that will also help you populate yours. Among the many adorable choices on fumblinfoe.net (discovered in the newest Marie Claire) is this going out top that’s weekend perfection.

It’s not just that the sparkles won’t rub off. It’s not just the v-neck or the skinny straps. It’s not just the exposed zipper on the back. And it’s not just that it’s black and slimming while reflective and hot.

It’s all of the above.

The top has a bra-like underwire on top that gives some hidden lift, and it covers juuust enough while still giving a scandalous dip that, in combination with the glittering effect, will be sure to catch everyone’s eye. Better yet – it’ll be sure to catch your eye in the morning when it’s scrunched in the corner of a dorm room, be it yours or someone else’s.

If you can’t wait for the weekend, this top is just as awesome for wearing to class. If paired with a solid, plain cardigan, it can certainly be pulled off for the day-to-day and you won’t have to worry once about leaving a trail of glitter behind you. The shirt on its own is a statement piece, though, so even on the weekends be sure to pair with an understated accessory (a necklace or a black bracelet) and only plain jeans.

Adding this top to your wardrobe will be sure to turn the tables and your friends will be knocking down your door looking for something to borrow. But beware of  who you lend it to- it doesn’t look like the kind of shirt that will easily wash free of spilled beer and cheese fries.

[See what else Julia is jonesing for by clicking right here.]