Trends always tempt me at the beginning of a new season because they are new and different, but I try to be smart about the way I spend my money on fashion. So instead of buying in-one-season-out-the-next fads, I instead look to classics for lasting value. Fall is the best season to stock up on classics, from fitted jackets (which are so much more flattering than trendy boxy boyfriend blazers) to menswear patterns like plaid.

My favorite season is fall, partly because I like the orange, red and yellow leaves, but mostly because I am crazy about fall clothes. This fall designers sent everything from crazy boho mixes (Diane von Furstenberg) to neons (Marc Jacobs) down the runway, but I was just as drawn to simpler interpretations of the season from BCBG. The BCBG line was all about dresses for fall -- most of them office appropriate -- from simple blocked shifts (left) to dresses in cityscape colors (black, putty). One of the most interesting ideas I got from the show was wearing metallic tights with these easy dresses -- a look you can add yourself with gold, pewter or black metallic tights. (Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

On "Sex and the City" Carrie's outrageous outfits garnered the most attention, but I always loved Charlotte's low-key preppy style. Offscreen, Kristin Davis has been known to try a variety of looks from sparkly glam gowns to sexy bold colors. At a recent red carpet event in Australia, Kristin donned a strapless blue moire dress with a statement necklace. Does it work? You decide. (Photo Credit: Mike Flokis/Getty Images)

Take a cue from First Lady Michelle Obama and swap stiff jackets for a soft, short-sleeve cardigan (and my pick costs less than $30).