Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

Ready, Set, Go | Fall Shopping

Believe it or not, cashmere sweaters and coats are about to fill the racks at Bergdorf’s and Barneys. Fall shopping is upon us, and like a well-organized student, preparation is the key to a successful season. Even if you’re part of the über-prepared Moda Operandi posse and have already pre-ordered your must-haves from the runway, we bet you still have some loose ends. Our tip sheet from the shopping experts should help you get a jump on fall. “If all purchases are spontaneous and simply driven by what is seen and loved, there is a high risk of ending up with 10 cocktail dresses and no outfits for work,”says Aslaug Magnusdottir, a co-founder of Moda Operandi, which allows its members to shop right from the runway. Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, a founding member of Gilt Group, adds that a well-thought-out plan eliminates scrambling in the middle of the season, “when many of the best-selling pieces are already sold out.”

Some women, like Margherita Missoni, favor Moda Operandi because of its layaway setup: put down a 50-percent deposit with your order and pay the remaining balance when your items arrive. Others prefer putting money aside each month until the clothes hit the stores. And, of course, there’s always the option (a bad one) of credit-card debt.

Budgeting 101 “The best approach is to split your budget into two parts,” Magnusdottir says. “Part of the budget should be used to purchase the items that you really need, such as a new coat or boots. Part of the budget should then be set aside to buy things you fall in love with and can’t live without.”

No matter what the budget plan is, make sure that you set realistic goals about how much you can afford to spend. “You can find perfectly great things at J. Crew, Zara and other online sites,” says Alexandra Lebenthal, author of “The Recessionistas.” “If you have a few high-end items and can mix them in with lower-end items, people will assume everything is high-end.”

It’s helpful to be on the lookout for deals on eBay, Etsy, theoutnet.com and designer consignment shops like Fisch for the Hip (153 West 18th Street; (212) 633-9053).

Know What Trend Fits You “Don’t fall for a trend because it’s a trend,” Wilson implores. “Fall for something because you love it, will wear it and it will make you feel amazing.” Marc Jacobs’s polka dots are great for those that can wear them, but not everyone is that girl. Give your favorite designers (and some new ones, for good measure) a good looking over. Those spots might not work, but perhaps Céline’s minimalist trilby will?

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