I was wondering if you can do like a few back to school looks on a budget? Any outfits that are cute for the fall because I'm starting college in like 2 weeks and I want to know what to wear on the first day of school. Everyone wants to look cute when they start college with a good first impression. Please help! —Anonymous

On just about any college campus, you'll discover the uber-cool, ultra creative fashion crowd (watch these style mavens and take notes) to the just-rolled-out-of-bed in my VS PINK sweats crew—and everything in between. So your best bet is to start out with some simple yet stylish basics, then add in the occasional new piece as your style evolves and you figure out what works best with your routine and your unique personality.

Get a kick-start with these three mix-and-match outfit ideas, all featuring items well under $100 (click any set for details on all items shown):

[1] Simple yet cool basics create a foolproof foundation for back-to-school style.

[2] Put your stamp on this basic party look with fun makeup and accessories. Swap the heels for boots and you're ready for class.

[3] Look cute and comfy while you pay down those tuition bills in a versatile plaid shirt-dress and ballet flats.

And here's a FALL FASHION 2009 Checklist for the College Bound:

• Dark-wash bootcut jeans
  


• Dark-wash skinny jeans (distressed, if you care for the latest trends)
  


• Long sleeve flyaway cardigans in black, gray (buy best you can afford for warmth, longevity)
  


• Black leggings
  


• Long plaid shirt/ Plaid shirt-dress
  


• Oversized scoop-neck pocket tees in gray, black, white (rayon cotton blends won't wrinkle)
  


• Low-heel knee-high leather boots
  


• Mid-heel ankle boots
  


• A couple soft, warm scarves
  


• One great coat, preferably wool-blend trench coat in red, gray, black, etc.
  


• One sexy bomber, preferably (p)leather
  


• One pair "fierce" heels
  


• One pair "cool" kicks
  


• One pair leather ballet flats
  


• Boyfriend watch (don't want to be late for class!)
  


• Tiny purse with strap (for partying)
  


• Oversized handbag or tote for notebooks, pens, lipgloss, keys, phone, wallet, lap top
  


• Comfy jersey drawstring pants and tee for lounging, sleeping
  
  Readers: What did I miss?
  
  

And the winners are…

• 
  #28 Alexandra, "I've definitely been loving statement jewelry and mixing soft, feminine clothes with metal studded/chain accessories this summer. Fun!"
  
  


• 
  #12 Christina, "I gotta say, I've really embraced the 'borrowed from the boys' look, living in my Hanes and comfy jeans. This is a huge change for me, I usually live in dresses and skirts."
  
  


• 
  #62 Puja, "By far, i have been, and still am, obsessed with boyfriend blazers. their versatility and ability to completely transform (in the best way possible) a dress or a casual outfit into something more sophisticated is unbelievable."
  
  


• 
  #72 l i s a, "I love gladiator sandals!"
  
  


• 
  #87 jasmine, "Gotta love pairing summer dresses with boots. Its so chic!"

Congrats to our winners and thanks to everyone who entered!




Please note: This contest is now closed.

Don't give up on summer just yet! We've teamed up with Avon to offer FIVE (5) lucky readers the chance to win a gorgeous Avon Fold Over Hobo, stuffed with all of the stylish essentials that they'll need for a Labor Day getaway - a Bright Bangle Watch, versatile Dip Dye Scarves, a Bold Cluster Ring and Clear Bangle Bracelet!

Here are the deets for the giveaway:

The prize: Five (5) Labor Day Essentials goodie bags containing one (1) each Avon Fold Over Hobo ($29.99), Bright Bangle Watch ($19.99), Dip Dye Scarf ($24.99), Bold Cluster Ring ($7.99), and Clear Bangle Bracelet ($14.99) (actual prize may vary from sample images shown above). Value: $98

How to enter: Visit the Avon website, then tell us your favorite summer trend from 2009 in the comments below.

Good luck!!!

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Email addresses will not be shared and will only be used to notify you if you're the winner for this giveaway. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Monday August 31 to be eligible to win. Five lucky winners will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Tuesday September 1. Giveaway is open to residents living in the continental United States only.

Need proof that plaid can be sexy? Check out Kettle Black's Long Sleeve Flannel Dress, which retails for $115 at Madison LA.


Saving is sexy, too! Get this fall-ready look for less with this Snap Button Gingham Dress instead, just $22.80 at Forever 21.

click to enlarge

Time to pick up your Clinique Bonus at Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers! A $60 value, this gift is yours free* with any Clinique purchase of $21.50 or more.

Here's what your bonus includes:
Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Different Lipstick in Angelic
Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Strawberry Fudge
Cosmetics Bag Set

Offer available through September 6th at Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers. *Quantities are limited. One Bonus to a client per event. While supplies last.

This strapless dress by Mason by Michelle Mason features a single yet highly effective zipper front detail and retails for $374 at Shopbop.


To get this smoking look for less, try Aqua's zip front tube dress instead, available for a more reasonable $88 at Bloomingdales.