Not sure if you want to spend $3.99 on this month’s Vogue? The Frisky team weighs in on this month’s crop of lady mags to tell you what’s up in fashion, sex, love, and all the rest.

September is upon us, which naturally means that it’s fall fashion madness. It’s the biggest month for the lady mags, and the one readers anticipate the most as well. Read on to find out what style advice the glossies offered up.

If it were up to me, I would wear a totally fashionable, totally new outfit everyday. I would have a pair of hot heels or cute flats for everyday of the year and I would have at least one brand new, lust-worthy piece on every time I changed outfits. Alas, we can’t all be a tall, rich, bottle-blonde socialite, but we can still look fashionable everyday! Saturated colors, higher hems and edgy details like zippers, chains and asymmetry are still going to be hot in the Fall season. That’s good news for those of us that have a budget and are actually going to try and follow it this time! Instead of going out to buy a whole new wardrobe to suit the cooler weather and blow our meager savings account at the same time, a few basic and affordable pieces are all that’s needed to add a little warmth into our favorite summer ensembles! Add a pair of funky leggings to a mini-skirt for an uber-trendy Fall look, or keep it classic with a cardigan and some great boots that go along with that sundress you wore all summer! Leggings, boots, sweaters, tights… the possibilities are endless! Check out the slideshow for more ideas on versatile basics to help transition your favorite summer looks into the coming season.

Along with harem pants, bubble shorts (also known as balloon, puff, and in some extreme cases, bloomer shorts) emerged as a major spring/summer trend. Circus pants, you say? Anne of Green Gables calling? Enough of that, and hear out our defense:

1. As a summer item, bubble shorts are going on sale to make room for the fall merch, so you’ll find some good deals on designer versions (check out some picks after the jump).
2. They are a bit of a statement item, but easily lend a sort of Chloe Sevigny-esque sensibility to an outfit (if you’re into that).
3. A pair will make your legs look thinner. Believe us, we’ve witnessed the magic firsthand. However, these shorts might not be for the butt-conscious.
4. Best of all, they’ll take you into fall. For a chic Parisian look, pair them with plum tights and a nice, suede booties. With a set of thick enough tights, they could even take you through winter.

Click through to see some choices, then you tell us if you’re feeling bubble shorts (errmmm, borts?)!

Blazers are perfect for any season, and this lovely, tailored one is no exception. Pair it with jeans, dresses, skirts – whatever the occasion calls for! The sleeves can be rolled up for a laid-back look or kept long for a sleeker one. The price tag is smaller than that of any other stylish schoolboy blazer we’ve come across, so you don’t need to feel guilty about making this (so worth it) purchase. Plus, with its versatility, we can promise you this jacket won’t be hiding in the back of your closet. You know you want one. [$98, Gap]

When the harem pant trend came along this spring, many were reluctant to jump on the baggy-bottomed train. And with good reason—why go all gypsy-ass when you know people are going to stare at you, or think you’re smuggling produce or drugs in your crotch region?

True, true, the garment is one tricky trend. But, there are some wonderful things about them, too. Consider the following, and you may find yourself having a big old pants party before you know it.

I enjoy perusing the Alloy catalog, but I often find that I’m a tad too ... let’s say ... mature for the clothes. I don’t think my belly button should make an appearance unless I’m sunbathing, and my life isn’t as happy-go-lucky as the models try to project. But I was pleasantly surprised by Alloy’s autumn offerings because they’re not only appropriate for teens and twenty-somethings, but also thirty-somethings. I’m loving the military details, blouse shapes, and full skirts. Take a peek at the super-affordable garments after the jump.

We’ve noticed Ombré fashion everywhere this season. Ombré is a French term meaning “shaded.” Have you ever noticed a shirt or something else that gradiates from a light color to a darker color? Well that’s ombré. Since wearing bands of color is difficult for some people, you can also find ombré accessories. Gloves, handbags and even shoes, basically anything you can think of. So after the jump check out our picks for this season’s best ombré finds.

Normally, we wouldn’t suggest J.Crew for a “Cheapskate” because the retailer can be a little pricey at times. But since the annual fall sale is going on now, this is the perfect time to stock up on basics. A lot of the sale items are more suited for summer, but we found quite a few items that can be worn in the fall and winter. Seeing as J. Crew is Michelle Obama approved, get there quick before everything sells out.

As Tim Gunn would say on his “Guide To Stye”, a trench coats is one of the 10 essential items every woman needs in her closet. Personally, I think a trench coast IS the perfect coat because you can dress it up and dress it down and it’s always totally timeless and classic. Think about it—Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn were wearing the same kind of trenches you can buy now back in their hey day. Anyhoo, after the jump, some classic and not-so-classic trenches that belong in your closet.

This is just one of those bags that perfectly epitomizes the season, from its fallish color palette to its sturdy structure and roomy interior for that extra layer you may need later in the evening. Plus, the faux leather Fall Furlough Bag easily doubles as a carry-on for your weekend vacation to pick apples. Wow, what a charmed life you live. [$75, Modcloth]

To tell you the truth, I’m not so into pants. I wear jeans and I wear dresses whenever I possibly can. But sometimes pants are necessary—on freezing days, on corporate meeting days, and on days when you haven’t done laundry. After the jump, seven pairs of pants I would totally not mind wearing. In fact, I would ever wearing them on warm days, casual Fridays, and the day after picking up my laundry from the cleaners.

Fall is what I like to call pantyhose season.  Nothing makes me feel more ladylike than silk, er synthetic, stockings.  When it gets cold enough to wear them, they give me flawlessly smooth gams which in turn let’s me wear even shorter skirts. You know the fabulous woman in this totally 80’s No Nonsense commercial agrees, ho(se) are in style no matter the decade!

***Sorry the site was MIA for a while there…our servers were positively overwhelmed by your powerful love.

When it’s gloomy and cold outside, I crave color. One of the best ways to spice up any winter outfit—from a dress with tights to your important business woman’s suit—is a pair of bright, colorful, punchy pumps. No longer should you relegate your footwear to black and brown! Jewel tones are especially in this season—after the jump, 10 pairs of pumps in a dizzying array of pinks, reds, purples, and blues. Oh, and one yellow, just cause.

Unless if you’re in training to become a Vegas showgirl, it’s probably not wise to make feathers your fashion staple. Adding some subtle plumage to your Fall look, however, will have you just ahead of the trend curve. These attention-grabbing accessories should have you flying high in fashion.

This is the first week of fall, which means it’s time to bring out your hats, scarves, gloves, and, most importantly, your warm coat. If you’re sick of the usual gloomy grays and blacks, just think how bright and cheery this yellow peacoat will make you feel, even on days when the thermometer reads -10 degrees F. [$119.50, American Eagle Outfitters]

Floral prints don’t have the greatest fashion reputation. Stuffy garden party outfits, your grandmother’s bedspread, every dress Elaine ever wore on Seinfeld—these are the stuff of fashion nightmares. This fall, flowery fabrics are cropping up all over the place. Even though spring is generally thought of as the flower power season, pair these looks with autumnal colors like rust, orange, and gold, and you’ll be in the roses.