Photo: Thinkstock

This past Friday officially marked the beginning of fall—meaning I spent this weekend replacing my sundresses with sweaters, and strappy sandals with boots. But as I started to unpack and jam the bulky coats and heavy knits back into my  closet and drawers, I found that the clothes and shoes I wore to death last year no longer had that sparkle. Instead of heeding to the siren call of the buffalo-checked coat I've had my eye on, I decided to let my financially responsible self take the reigns (for once), over my desire to shop. Here are three ways to give your staple pieces a fashion face lift—and save your bank account in the process:

1. Brighten up your go-to jacket with new buttons. Replace boring plastic ones with military-inspired metal versions or colorful, statement-making enamel styles. Hit your local craft store or check out the different shapes and sizes available at any price point on MJTrim.com.

2. Make that short cocktail dress office-friendly. Layer a longer skirt over top and instantly gain a new blouse. Add a waist-cinching belt to complete the look and create the illusion of a tinier waist.

3. Invest in shoe clips instead of splurging on new a pair of heels or flats. We like the vintage styles available on AbsolutelyAudrey.com. They'll make your favorite shoes feel fresh in a snap.

Would you try these ideas? Have any wardrobe refreshing advice of your own?

Keep reading:

6 more ideas for amping up your fall wardrobe
Adam's easy update for your basic sweater
5 fast ways to extend your summer wardrobe

Men! What are they thinking? We can't always answer that, but we'll be posting our favorite glimpses into their world in this space every Thursday.

Illustration: Thinkstock

* A man goes inside the world of women's fashion and finds that for many women, their wardrobe is "a pastime, a passion, a shared language, a form of self-definition and a temporary escape from the opposite sex, all rolled into one deeply satisfying whole." (Intelligent Life)

* Sir Michael Caine shows off some of his British charm and wit in this thoughtful interview: "I don't get the girl; I get the part." (The Talks)

* Can't wait for Parks and Recreation to come back? Maybe the Ron Swanson Test of Manliness will tide you over. (NBC)

* "I'm not a gay Gandhi. But I hope I've shown that the Internet is a powerful tool. You can use it for porn or you can use it for good." — Dan Savage on his It Gets Better Project (O, The Oprah Magazine)

Courtesy of Lilla P

Creative Director Adam Glassman offers some tips for the straight-and-narrow body type: 

When dressing a more boyish frame, the key is to pick pieces with built-in shape. If they fall flat on the hanger, they'll probably look like that on you, too. 

For Work 
A structured, slim-fitting blazer (no oversize boyfriend jackets!) with light shoulder padding accents the waist; an A-line skirt creates the illusion of a curvier lower half.

On The Weekend

Photo: Courtesy of Target

Love bold, bright patterns? Have high fashion taste, but shop on a budget? Then you're going to want in on the 400-piece collection Missoni just launched at Target, which includes everything from cups to clothing splashed with this Italian fashion house's signature, colorful prints. We're especially excited for the knitwear and home goods that look just as expensive as their pricey counterparts sold in high-end boutiques. We have a feeling that this extensive line—with pieces as attention-grabbing and wallet-friendly as this pair of $30 flats—is going to go faster than you can say "Ciao!"

Keep reading:

See our 6 must-haves from the collection
Check out a bowl that mixes Missoni mystique with a Target price

What would it take to change your life for the better? It may be less than you think—we've got mini-makeovers to help you upgrade everything from your workout to your weekend. #24: Bargain shop in a whole new way.Quit clipping coupons! Thanks to the popularity of sites like Groupon, flash sales (limited edition deals) are oh so of-the-moment. Four sites to suit any shopping style:

Men! What are they thinking? We can't always answer that, but we'll be posting our favorite glimpses into their world in this space every Thursday.

Photo: The Pennsylvania State University Library

* Did young Ernest Hemingway give a porcupine a "wack with an ax?" Vanity Fair shares a treasure trove of the writer’s delightful early correspondence with his parents and childhood friends. (Vanity Fair)

* Watch this: Louis C.K.'s affectionate remembrance of George Carlin, the man who inspired him to become a comedian. (The Daily What/NYPL.org, language NSFW)

* For boys who like bikes, the Barbour Steve McQueen collection. (Barbour)

* Need a place to stay in L.A.? Rent Conan O’Brian’s studio for a night (and it’s cheap, too). (Airbnb)

* "Studies have shown that men who can easily lift heavy objects make better listeners." Over at McSweeney's, "Jenna, Take Me Back, I'm Newly Muscular" is good for a laugh. (McSweeney's)

* "But the power people take from others is nothing next to the power that comes with simple self-acceptance, with being comfortable in your (changing) skin. It’s not just Survival of the Fit-ins. There’s room for something new."—Joss Whedon's advice to teenagers starting high school. (Rookie)

Running shoes—while practical—aren't always the most fashionable footwear.  Adam, however, found a rainbow bright pair from Asics that don't just look good on the treadmill. "I love anything neon—I'm a product of the 80s," he says, "They remind me of hanging out with New York graffiti artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat." The women's version of the Gel-Noosa Tri 6 ($120) are just as eye-catching as the pair Adam's wearing here. He suggests pairing them with white jeans or adding a pop of color to neutrals, like the gray flannel he favors in the fall. The best part about these sneakers (besides their electric color): the heels are lined in memory foam and the gel cushioning system absorb shock, so you can hit your stride in style.



Get more of Adam's great advice:

Try shoes that feel like you're barefoot
Flatter your athletic figure with 4 small alterations
How to dress 10 pounds lighter

Photo: Courtesy of Baggu

O's executive beauty editor, Jenny Bailly, was recently on the hunt for a knapsack after her one-year-old son Henri's daily supplies had outgrown her regular purse. She wanted something sophisticated that would evenly distribute the weight (i.e. no cartoon characters splashed across her back), but not so bulky it looked like she was planning to climb Mount Everest. This bright red satchel by Baggu ($32)—made of recycled cotton—is sleek, light, and there isn't a doodle or kiddy design in site. Meaning Jenny can keep both hands free and schlep her son's stuff in style without looking like she swiped his backpack or regressed back to middle school.

Taking a night class? Need something to carry legal briefs to and from the office? See 11 more grown-up options.

Entertainer extraordinaire Jennifer Lopez helps the O team create some major glamour.
           

Photo: Chris Craymer

When hairstylist Ken Paves (third from left) arrived at the Meatpacking District warehouse turned studio where we shot "Jennifer Lopez Is in the House!", he found our eight makeover candidates relaxing and grazing on fruit and yogurt. But at noon, when Lopez showed up for her stint as surprise stylist, the set suddenly buzzed with excitement.

Lopez's engaging personality helped calm nerves all around. "The ladies never had a chance to be starstruck because Jennifer was warm and laughing," says Paves. "They were like old friends." Her rousing call to the group: "You ready? Come on, baby—let's do this!"

Photo: Philip Friedman/Studio D.

Q: How can I update my basic sweaters for fall?

A: Remember dickeys? True, they have the world's most undignified name, but I can still picture the pulled-together look these wardrobe workhorses gave my mother back in the '70s, and now I see versions that elevate crew-neck and V-neck sweaters in a really modern way. The new line CeCe Toppings includes dozens of lightweight cotton styles that have the crisp effect of a collared shirt without any of the bulk. I love how they give one sweater multiple personalities.

Sweater, $210, whiteandwarren.com. Dickeys, starting at $30 each, cecetoppings.com.

Ask Adam your style questions or follow @TheRealAdamSays on Twitter