Fashion

If you're like us, by the time August rolls around even your go-to sundress seems a bit tired. Although it's tempting to let fall fervor sway you into buying a new wardrobe, the style-savvy (and budget-friendly) approach is to select a few fresh trends to rejuvenate your closet.

Fortunately, we've done the legwork and chosen four hot items to put at the top of your autumn shopping list.

Lace

Where you saw it: Prada revitalized lace's musty image by turning out surprisingly modern full-lace ensembles in brown, nude, orange — and the requisite black. Alexander McQueen and Derek Lam followed suit, and delicate lace became a bona fide trend.

Cool brights

Where you saw it: Cool purples, blues and pinks brightened Alberta Ferretti's runway and added a vivid splash to many an accessory collection, with shoes and handbags showing up in refreshing blue-toned amethyst and fuchsia. Check out the Sergio Rossi almost-purple patent leather pumps at Zappos.com.

Winter florals

Where you saw it: The design teams at Thakoon, Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors re-imagined spring's cheery florals as dreamy, artsy patterns in dark green, brown and purple.

Leather jacket

Where you saw it: Leather popped up on red carpets, as celebrities paired tough biker jackets with flowy dresses, and runways, as designers including Marc Jacobs and Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci put the leather spin on pieces from minidresses to shorts.