There is nothing like the first few cool days of autumn to bring out one's inner fashionista.  Cozy sweaters, chunky boots, sweet little dresses...they're enough to make you seriously consider dining on Ramen noodles for a couple of months just to pay for it all.  And this especially holds true for Fall 2006.  There is so much great gear out in the stores that by December, visions of slouchy boots are more likely to be dancing in your head than sugar plums. 

But lucky for you, shopping for a new fall wardrobe (or even just a few key items) doesn't mean running up your credit cards or taking out a second mortgage.  Because much of what is popular this season is very readily available in vintage.  And what's great about vintage is that it comes with a cheaper price tag and best of all, you'll have great pieces no one else has.  Plus, you'll have bragging rights.  When some chic chick wannabe says to you, "Great dress" she'll be extremely impressed (and green with envy) when you say, "It's vintage". 

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Key Fall Styles to Look For in Vintage

1. Black is the new black.  Not that it ever really went away, but this season, head-to-toe black complete with black accessories look surprisingly fresh and not at all morbid.  It's easy to pull off too.  Got a black dress?  Add some opaque tights.  Black suit?  Put a black button down shirt underneath.  Audrey Hepburn's beatnik cool in "Funny Face" is a fab reference point.  Needless to say, black was quite popular in the 60's and also the 80's so check out those eBay categories.  Who showed it:  Calvin Klein, Blumarine, Burberry Prorsum, Chanel.

2. Chunky Sweaters are BIG NEWS.  Longer versions can be worn with a big belt as a dress or shorter and sported with trousers.  Great details are key, like cowl necks and cable knits.  Slouchy asymmetrical fits are rad too.  These were big in the 80's, when everyone wore them with leggings and strirrup pants, so the 1977-89 (Punk, New Wave, 80's)>Sweaters  listings are very useful here.  Who showed them:  Stella McCartney, Versace, Marni, Derek Lam.

3. High neck blouses come in and out of fashion every other year or so but for 2006, they are back in full force.  But to get the best of this look, you need all the bells and whistles.  Puff shoulder sleeves, tuxedo ruffles, tie neck collars and ascot detailing...the more dandy, the better (if you're lucky, you may even find some cute frilly secretary dresses, too).  This is a style that is most readily available in the late 70's and early 80's (think Janet from "Three's Company").    Who showed them: Zac Posen, D&G, Andrew Gn.

4. If you find yourself inexplicably yelling "I want my MTV!" and are not sure why, then you've been reading too many fashion magazines as the early years of the music video channel (that sorely lacks in music these days) are ripe for the style picking.  For inspiration, check out Classic Vh-1 for old school videos of Pat Benatar, Blondie, and Scandal.  Get yourself some black ankle boots (but refrain from pairing them with a poufy dress like Paris Hilton unless it's Halloween), a big belt, and a super short skinny dress.  Then start belting "The Warrior" to anyone who'll listen.  Who showed it: Versace, Max Mara, Alessandro Del' Acqua, Blumarine.