While I’m enjoying summer’s warm weather, there is one thing I’m really excited about for fall: cozy, oversized sweaters. I know, I shouldn’t wish away the summer months, but seeing all those fall clothes out on the racks is getting me super pumped for sipping a hot coffee in my fall wardrobe on the way to class.

Sigh.

Luckily, I don’t have to spend all my money on a new wardrobe to enjoy the latest fall trends; I have a few leftover sweaters from last winter that will work perfectly for this one. Here are a few ideas of how to rock those old looks and turn them into hot, chic new ones.

1. Add a few trendy accessories to update this look. For example, this fall studded belts and ankle boots are hot. Pile on the jewelry as well!

Shopping Info: Rampage Double Buckle Studded Stretch Belt, $32; Bebe Logo Mixed Bangle Set, $39; Express Shaker Stitch Cowl-Neck Sweater, $59; Giuseppe Zanottie Design Ankle Boots, $435 at Yoox.

2. Oversized sweaters look great with a pair of leggings and boots, but this year incorporate another fall trend: beyond basic leggings. Try pairing a sweater with liquid leggings, ripped leggings, or denim leggings for a chic yet comfortable combo. (And don’t worry about those liquid leggings, ladies; they look incredibly chic and flattering when paired with a larger and looser top!)

Shopping Info: Plan B Latex Matte Leggings, $75 at Bloomingdale’s; Pure Jill Cowl-Neck Sweater, $79 at J. Jill.

Adding a belt is one of the easiest ways to update an outfit. Instead of going out and spending your money on an entire new ensemble, pick up a fun, stylish belt that works with something you already own! In the warmer part of the year, a belt can give a new silhouette and add a splash of personal style to dresses. When it cools off, belts are great for emphasizing your curves which are hiding under all those warm layers.

Here are some belt trends to try for under $25:

Wide belts work well with dresses. For example, this wide belt would instantly make a basic, solid colored dress more stylish. Even more, it will cinch you at the waist, adding instant shape to a shapeless dress. It’s pretty much magical.

Woven Cord Waist Belt – $8.99 at Charlotte Russe
Tunic Tee Dress – $29.50 at Express
Georgina Shoes – $50 at Rampage

Bright skinny belts can also be extremely flattering and add a more interesting twist to a very basic look. For a simple, classic look, pair one with a solid cardigan and jeans.

Fab Skinny Braided Belt – $3.50 at Forever 21
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan – $24.50 at Old Navy
Stella Bootcut Jeans – $49.50 at Express

Studded belts have become very popular lately. They can add some edge to a more feminine look, or make something basic more exciting. Whatever you pair this with, your look will be instantly transformed from basic to fierce and who doesn’t want to look fierce?

Pyramid Studded Belt – $9.99 at Charlotte Russe
Bobi Supreme Jersey Pocket Dress – $39 at Revolve Clothing
Woven Platforms – $29.99 at Charlotte Russe

If you’re picking a belt that really stands out, make sure that it remains the focus of your outfit. That means no oversized bling or crazy prints! However, a more basic belt can easily pull together any outfit, simple or super trendy, new or made up of the fabulous things your closet already holds.

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We’re just 8 days away from what will be one of the most historic elections in history, and definitely the most historic in our lifetime. So in the spirit of the impending election my Style Idol of the week is the woman who could very well be our first lady come January: Michelle Obama.

Being touted as the Jackie O of our generation, Michelle combines classic elegance and grace with modern touches, like chunky turquoise necklaces and studded belts. She goes for simple ensembles that aren’t over-accesorized, and she appeals to women across America by wearing clothes that are affordable for the average female. Michelle has the ability to mix it up, still look flawless, and resinspire the American woman’s love for a string of pearls and a tailored suit.

No matter what happens on November 4th, Michelle Obama is a winner on my fashion ballot.