The beauty of fall fashion is in the ability to layer and the ease with which one can affordably add splashes of color. While summer style is summed up with a simple sundress and sandals, a change in foliage marks a significantly more fun fashion season. And, while everyone can use essentials like schoolboy blazers and designer denim, there’s nothing like a good cheap fix.

Considering NYC has had a significant impact on fall fashion (think '80s punk rock meets the tribes of the village people), we’ve looked to our own stomping grounds for the coolest and most affordable accessories. Here, six reasons why you can’t go wrong with color (the brighter the better), punk, and patterned textiles:

Zara Silk Scarf ($39-$59) We all want the Balenciaga scarf this season, but who can afford it? So, look to Zara instead. Their line of silk scarves features vibrant gem tones and tassel details; each one promises to give any outfit a more refined look. These scarves, which could easily pass as something you picked up while traveling to an exotic destination, are definitely an accessory worth holding on to.

Color's Tights ($8 and up) and Urban Outfitters Tights (2 for $20)
Tights are a staple for any gal's fall wardrobe. So, why not add some color this season? Everyone is showing bright tights this fall... Pucci, Moschino, Balenciaga, but figuring out how incorporate them into your every day look can be a bit confusing. So, we say: use tights to perk-up a black dress, create a monochromatic look or update a dress from last season. And Welovecolors.com has an array of 45 colors to choose from! They also have varying weights, patterns and fantastic prices, which also means no need to panic when you get a run.

H&M Belt ($14.90) Belts are the perfect way to dress things up, and to look a few pounds thinner at the same time. Our favorite for this season? This cutesy H&M version. Transform your summer dresses and tops into a fall look with it (layer them over super-lean jeans, tights or trousers for a sleeker silhouette), or use it to embellish vintage dresses. Whatever the look, this shiny apple red accessory will perk any outfit up.

Trash and Vaudeville Cuffs ($9 and up)
Studs and spikes are everywhere this season; even lines like Christian Louboutin and Burberry have toughened-up with a bit of a rock-n-roll edge. So, why not add some East Village flair with a stud cuff? For cuffs in a variety of widths, colors and metallics, we recommend heading to Trash and Vaudville on St. Marks, where you can land style tips from owner Jimmy Webb, who has sold garb to every punk prince and princess under the sun.

Patricia Field Leather Gloves ($32)
These finger gloves (sold in white, black, nude and red) are not only hot; they’re perfect for the transitional months. They can add a glamorous touch to a day or evening look, and act as the perfect adornment when you need to head outside for a smoke... very Audrey Hepburn-meets-Blondie. Or, for when it gets really cold, look to Banana Republic for great long cashmere gloves for under $50.

Twelve By Twelve Patent Pumps at Forever 21 ($19.95)
If you’re a real penny-pincher, check out Forever 21's selection of pumps. One step inside and you’ll be asking yourself, "why drop a few hundred bucks for an upgraded version at Sigerson Morrison or Dolce & Gabbana?" An easy way to dress up jeans and a T-shirt and great for dingy clubs and shows, these pumps are perfect, because you can just wipe them down at the end of the night. Besides, at this price, they’re a deal even if you only wear them a few times.

~Joanna Kunze