1. If you choose to wear leggings, remember this: They're great for layering, but please, only for layering. No subway rider wants to go eye-to-rump with some uninhibited girl reliving her love of the 80s.
Suggested spots: American Apparel and Ralph Lauren.

2. For the love of God, wear something other than black. At least once a week? Plaid is in this fall. You can even pretend it's the '90s and bust out your old Spin Doctors CDs and talk about how all your friends are moving to Seattle and how it might not be a bad idea, y'know, because you have barista experience. Or not. Whatever.
Suggested spots: Alexander McQueen and Burberry.

3. Sure, a bold, wide belt can be a great way to add color to your otherwise I'm-going-to-a-funeral-or-Cure-concert black ensemble, but please, don't let this happen to you.
Suggested spots: Betsey Johnson and H&M.

4. Wear voluminous sweaters. Yes, I know advice like "wear sweaters" doesn't seem too helpful (Thanks Citysearch! I was going to walk outside in 30-degree weather in a tube top, but now I know that outerwear can protect me from the harsh cold!), but there's more to it than that, you sad, cynical person. This year opt for a cute, chunky sweater to balance out all the ginormous bags on the market right now.
Suggested spots: Marc Jacobs and Bergdorf Goodman.

5. Keep it simple. More specifically, your denim. Avoid pre-torn holes, and elaborate washes and embroidery. If you want your jeans to look distressed, it's time to do it the old-fashioned way, by wearing them every single day and never washing them, ever.
Suggested spots: Rogan and Earnest Sewn.