Do you wonder whether your summer clothes will work this fall? Here is a first look at fashions that work as the weather turns chilly.

The look

The cheapest, fastest way to update your look is with accessories. If you can't afford a new wardrobe at the turn of every season, a few well-chosen items will make it seem as though you have. This fall big belts, long strands of beads, and comfortable footwear is in.

Belts are worn low on the hips and are shown with tassels or strips of material for decoration. Beads are back. Necklaces, earrings and rings all are sporting gems with different sizes and colors. Layers are the look for jewelry. Some necklaces come with different length strands attached, or you can layer your own for a unique look. Cocktail rings are back, the bigger the better! Earrings are dangling and dazzling. And after several seasons of silver, gold is making a comeback.

For footwear, comfort is key. Flats or low heels are in this fall. So even if you plan on going out all night, your feet can keep up. Knee-high boots are back, but in a flat healed variety. For nighttime flare, try a metallic purse. The purses come in gold, copper, pink and silver tones. Most come in clutch, over the shoulder, or wrist variety.

Rubee's Closet

Rubee's Closet at 720 Monroe St. in Hoboken has cutting-edge fashion. Beverly Alonzo, owner of Rubee's Closet, spends time going to all the trade shows and reading up on fashion. The result is the very latest wear for accessories and clothing from established designers and some new labels. The designs come from New York, L.A., and Miami.

According to Alonzo, velvet blazers, bolero jackets, beaded necklaces, metallic bags and shrugs are new for fall. For the change of season, shrugs are the way to get more mileage out of a summer tank or tube top. Alonzo has wool hand knit shrugs by Gretchen Comly, which looks great paired with a tube top, vintage beads, jeans and a low slung belt. (Outfit pictured on the cover.)

Another look for fall is denim. Pair dark jeans and a Victorian lace blouse with a fitted denim blazer, and you have a look that is comfortable and looks polished. Add a chunky necklace, like the Polynesian brown nut from spring, and a matching purse to look fabulous.

The comfortable long sweater wraps were popular last fall. This year, the look is fitted and more feminine. Alonzo features a hand-knit black sweater jacket by Cue & Emm that hugs the body and has a scalloped edge. It can be left open to billow out behind you or closed with a pretty brooch on a chillier night. Wear the jacket over a tube top and jeans and add jewelry and you are ready for a night on the town. Alonzo gets her one-of-a-kind jewelry from local designers. For fall, she has cocktail rings, vintage beads, and gold.

Rubee's Closet is open Tuesday through Friday 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. The store is located in the Monroe Art Center, 720 Monroe Street, Loft E209, in Hoboken. For more information call: (201) 653-3445.

Tia's Place

Tia's Place at 277 Grove St. in Jersey City features clothing for men and women. According to Megan O'Sullivan, owner of Tia's Place, this fall earth tones are the colors that are hot. Anything brown, beige, coral, or dark yellow are popular but any color will work as long as it is not neon or bright. Another trend is comfortable clothes that can easily make the transition from work to play.

For women

Tia's Place has velvet and corduroy blazers. The denim is dressier this fall with darker colors and fitted cut so that with the right accessories this denim can be worn anywhere. The dresses for fall are shorter with a full skirted bottom and a low cut front. Most are adorned with jewels and beads or gold embellishment.

The store also has accessories to update your look including: purses, ponchos and shoes. "Accessories are the greatest way to try a new look," said O'Sullivan.

For men

The trend for menswear is fitted clothing. According to O'Sullivan, one of the more popular items is the fitted shirt that can be worn to work and then worn un-tucked later.

Wear a fitted dress shirt with a zippered sweater with jeans and you are ready to go out. Guys have accessories too. Tia's Place offers some jewelry and hats for men. Tia's Place at 277 Grove St. in Jersey City is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. For more information call (201) 451-9358 or visit www.tiasplace.biz.

Vintage

Hala at 326 Fifth St. in Jersey City has vintage clothing for women and men. According to Hala Schlub, owner of the boutique, this fall blue, green, and brown are in and patent leather is new for purses. Most of the clothes at Hala are from 1930 through 1980, so it is no problem finding vintage beads or Victorian lace. The store carries dresses, suits, handbags, shoes, and costume jewelry. Hala is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. For more information please call: (201) 653-8877.

The Shops:

AARAA, accessories, (201) 386-0101
Down To Earth, men and women, (201) 656-7766
Etti Fashion Design, women, (201) 683-0653
Hala, men and women, (201) 653-8877
Rubee's Closet, women, (201) 653-3445
Tia's Place, men and women, (201) 451-9358