Accessories are an essential part of every fashionista's wardrobe. Shoes, purses, scarves and earrings are easy to mix and match with any outfit, and they always fit, even on fat days. So, what better way to keep your look up-to-date than with new accessories?

Now, I know what you're thinking: "The economy is a complete mess right now, why on earth would I want to spend money on a scarf or earrings when they're non-essential?" To a certain extent, this is true - jewelry and other accessories cannot be the backbone of your wardrobe. However, having a variety of interesting accessories can allow you to make a week's worth of outfits out of just a couple of basic wardrobe pieces - and that is priceless!

Scarves are my favorite accessory, for their versatility and ability to completely transform an outfit. Long thin scarves can be worn at your neck, as a headband or even as a belt. If you choose a wide scarf to dress up the lapels of your favorite blazer, it can be repurposed as a wrap on cool evenings, a throat protector in winter weather, a sarong or even a sexy top, depending on how you wrap it. Having scarves in several colors in your wardrobe will allow you to wear the same suit or blazer several times a week without ever looking like you're showing up to work in the same outfit.

Shoes are an equally fabulous way to change up your look. A plain pair of black trousers will look like a completely different pair of pants when worn with ballet flats as opposed to stiletto heels (or leather ankle boots, or Mary Janes - you get the idea). While shoes are a little more costly than some other accessories, they are an essential item, and will last a long time if cared for properly.

Jewelry, bags and hair accessories are also good ways to change up your look and best of all, they're one-size-fits-all -- that means that instead of shopping, you can swap with your friends. Best of all, borrowing and lending is not only economical, it's fun too!

Depending on where you live, you may be subject to everything from gale force blizzards to sweltering summer heat throughout the year. Those who live in more temperate climates may have it a little easier, but even Floridians need to have some "winter" clothes for the rare chilly evening or northern vacation. In essence, many of us have three or four separate wardrobes, one for each season.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to streamline your wardrobe so that most of what you own can be worn in any season. Granted, your snow boots will still sit idle in your closet in July, but by choosing clothing that can be layered and mixed and matched, you'll get a lot more mileage out of your "seasonal" duds - and look fabulous doing it!

For instance, take your basic camisole style tank top. This is a must for your summer wardrobe, but why let it languish in a drawer in the winter? Instead, pair it with an open weave sweater or chunky cardigan. You'll be plenty warm and get some use out of your summer clothes as well. Pairing the same neutral sweater with a variety of colored tanks allows you to create a whole new look for the price of a tank top, which is likely to be much less expensive than buying a whole new sweater!

Repurposing some of your winter clothes for summer can save you some cash as well. Instead of buying a winter coat plus a windbreaker or light jacket for fall and spring, choose a coat that has a zip-out lining or vest - two coats for the price of one! Even your winter hat can be a fashion item in the off-season: go for a felt bowler (in a fun color) instead of a stocking cap, and you can wear it almost year round.

Bathing suits and mittens may always be seasonal, but most of your wardrobe doesn't have to be. Wearing clothes in the "wrong" season has another fashion-forward benefit too - you'll never end up wearing the same outfit as someone else!

Nothing is more annoying than commuting in the rain or snow. Trying to balance your cellphone, handbag and morning coffee is bad enough - add an umbrella into the mix and it's absolute torture. Spending a whole work day in soaking wet clothes or shoes is never fun, and it's also really terrible for your wardrobe. A thorough soaking can ruin delicate shoes, stain pant cuffs and shrink wool sweaters. Even if your shoes aren't destroyed by the rain or snow, you definitely run the risk of creating a smelly situation that renders good shoes unwearable.

The solution? Well, everyone knows not to wear nice shoes in wet weather - so the conventional wisdom is to carry your nice shoes for work and wear an ugly old pair instead. However, no fashionista wants to spend half her day in hideous footwear. So, smart designers have found an alternative solution to the problem that is not only practical but totally fashionable as well: funky, fabulous rubber rain boots.

These protective boots can be found in a variety of price ranges but tend to be quite inexpensive - I picked up a pair recently for under $20. They are available in literally hundreds of colors, patterns and styles, so you can express yourself to your heart's content without breaking the bank. Most styles are wide enough at the top to allow you to stuff your pant legs inside the boot, giving extra protection against salty or muddy sidewalks (this is also a boon for gals with wider-than-average calves).

Invest in a pair of rain boots and umbrella that match both your winter coats and spring/fall jackets, and you're fashionably set for any type of weather. Rain boots are also a great item to borrow and lend if you want to change up your look for a day. Because these boots are somewhat oversized anyway, exact fit isn't really that important, so you can swap with your girlfriends even if they're a half size smaller or larger than you.