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Old Navy's selection is like a bowl of hearty chicken noodle soup. It's dependable, always a crowd favorite, satisfying and affordable. In fashion speak, we rely on Old Navy for essential casual apparel, with trendy styles that we can still wear for seasons to come. They've been around for quite awhile, which attests to their knowledge about what the budget-conscious shoppers look for: longevity and comfort are keys in this store. They still know what's going on in the fashion world -- we've spotted very current styles like the quilted vest and the corduroy blazer. The beauty is that the vest and the blazer will never entirely lose relevance, so feel free to wear them three autumns from now. Their selection of denim is reliable and doesn't change very much year to year, but we're impressed by their new collection. Check out our picks and start brainstorming your fall wardrobe:

-The military jacket is a timeless look -- get it in black or brown for $49.50.

-For a more laidback light jacket, the thermal-lined hoodie is soft and warm. $39.50.

-Argyle is a versatile print--heighten this argyle sweater with khakis, or dial it down to casual with jeans and sneakers. It comes in heather gray, heather green or black. $29.50.

-Here's another example of Old Navy getting in on the trends--this tartan plaid shirt is on sale for $11.99.

-These patterned trousers piqued our interest--we like the subtle use of herringbone, plaid or pinstripe. $29.50.

-Invest in these raglan V-neck sweaters--their simplicity will carry you for several seasons to come. $15.00.

Whether it's in his lyrics or style, Lil Wayne is always making a statement. The rapper recently won MTV's Best Hip Hop Video Award for "Lollipop" ... (ohhh, I know you just got that song stuck in your head) ... and rapped with Kid Rock. He bounced on stage with a bold look -- check out the patterns and colors. Lil Wayne's not afraid to spice it up and stand out -- are you? If you're ready, read on. Just pull up your pants …

The hat: Kangol's black fedora from Shoebuy, $47.95, or a cheaper option: Docker's Corduroy Fedora, on sale $15, Kohl's.

The shirt: White stretch short-sleeve cotton t-shirt from the Gap, $18.

The vest: Two options -- a pricier plaid front, black satin back vest from Guess for $98 or a plaid tweed vest with a seven-button closure from Heritage 1981 for $19.90.

The pants: Kill City red stretch twill straight leg jeans from Tobi, $66.

The belt: Chrome skull barbwire black belt from Yellow Rat Bastard, $15.

The sneakers (and this is the splurge): Nike Dunk High Tops, Urban Outfitters, $85.

Picture from MTV.

What: Dare to stand out in colored pants? We dare you.

What we say: Denim and the standard colors step aside -- we're seriously considering getting edgy with fitted colored pants. So we've got fitted and colorful in the same sentence -- tricky? A bit, but it's an achievable look. Hues along with a slim fit make the pants look tailored -- let's avoid a colorful mess. Pair it retro with high tops and a patterned top or prep it up with loafers and....

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Japanese retailer Uniqlo is known for there affordable cashmere sweaters but the chain is also full of casual basics -- with appealing prices. Uniqlo doesn't have many locations outside of Japan, so we look to their UK site for what's new on their racks. We spotted a few trends you're already in the know about -- black denim and slim vests -- and picked out a few other on the cheap finds to get you going.

Black and navy fleece lined reversible....

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Let's face it -- the bow tie (outside of formalwear, of course) is as prep school, natty, upper crust-ish as it gets. See Jack Shop recently featured a Lova bow tie as a "worthy splurge," but it doesn't have to be pricey either. You see it around on certain celebrities (like Kanye West) who have a cool quotient high enough to carry off just about whatever they want, but for the everyday guy? We actually still kinda like it. That being said,....

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What: Warming up to corduroy blazers.

What we say: Fall brings out the corduroy pants from the back of our closets. But we've been seeing corduroy move on up in the world -- to blazers. As long as you don’t wear corduroy top to bottom, we're all about these blazers. They're solid transitional jackets and the corduroy material makes the blazer style more casual to wear over hoodies and cardigans.

Get the look:

Pictured: Two-button corduroy....

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What: Add hardware to your step with a pair of buckled boots.

What we say: Sure, when you think buckles and boots – motorcycles come to mind. But buckles don't necessarily have to give you stocky leather footwear. Buckled boots are trimming down with thinner soles and we're even seeing some extra detail with added straps. Switch up your casual boots and buckle up with some of our finds.

Get the look:

Pictured: Kenneth Cole Reaction....

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Yes, there is a difference between the scarves you were rocking this summer and the following fall picks. The material is thicker than the sheer fabrics of summer, so these will actually keep you warm. Also, the colors are richer for a fall ready accessory.

How to wear it this season? David Colman of the New York Times recently wrote that scarves “…can be added to a dressed-down look like a V-neck T-shirt and jeans to give it a dressed-up....

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What: Layer on a quilted vest sans the puff.

What we say: The perfect fall day with your favorite sweater is sometimes just not enough. For an extra layer, the quilted vest is an alternative to a light jacket. We like how they’re not bulky, so you can keep them past the fall and wear them under a winter coat. We're also spotting them in a variety of ways: solids, corduroy details and our favorite two-for-one trend – reversible.

Get the....

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The Upgrader suggests that the knit cap is one of the essential style elements this fall, and while we hadn't yet pegged this as a major fall trend (though we might be a bit slow on the stick, as we are currently still holding on to our summer fedora, reluctant to let the season pass) they might be right. It is, after all, practical, cheap and easy to wear. Our concern? Some guys could look super fly in an orange knit hat, while others might....

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