Transformation is what keeps celebrities hot and fresh and sells TV viewers on shows like What Not to Wear and Extreme Makeover.  Whether you were the girl on the receiving end (always me) or the girl readily doling out makeovers at slumber parties, women learn early that superficial change can do wonders not only for our looks, but for revamping self-esteem and even relationships as well.  Fall is notorious for back-to-school and fresh starts, so why not work your personal style in a way that's not so fresh & so clean at all....  This season is all about ditching the fresh-faced sweetheart to become someone more vampy, more dramatic, more edgy.

Whether you have a hipster sorta Kate Moss just-don't-give-a attitude or are more goth glam like Rihanna, there is a way to take it dark and gritty that will work for you.  Let your summer highlights grow out, take some makeup tips for fall, and read on for drool-worthy items that will make even the beachiest blond Hollister types reach for the kohl liner.

Take Your Texture to the Floor

Dark textured tights are in and these Scout L.A. Lace Tights are so hot they would even work with a white tee and trainers.  I'd prefer them with a little black dress, and really prefer them with heels.  Paint fingers and toes a poppin' purple or bright yellow and stack on a heap of necklaces to avoid looking just pretty.  'Cause, well, who wants to look just pretty.

I'm a fan of tattoo tights too, but these are probably my favorite of fall's dark, textured tights:

Note also the jacket & feathers - both timeless & trendy!

Bootie Crush

I'm pretty sure I love everything from Oak, but these are one of my fave boots - the Jeffrey Campbell Crushed Heeled Bootie.  The toes are just pointed enough and fairly certain it's impossible not to feel sexy while you're lacing these up.

Better get your Nikes, bro

I'm not a Nikes kind of girl but if I were, this would be my shoe.  The Nike Heavy Metal Pack Terminator shoe is available from Kendo in-store only.  The look is mostly urban, but the studs at the back of the heel give it undeniable rocker appeal.  Perfect for fans of skurban style like myself.

Must-Haves for Your Bad Girl Fall Wardrobe:

Black skinnies.  If you think you are too big a gal for skinnies, a black pair is the perfect solution.  Shop around for a fit that is comfortable - not too loose or too tight.  If you're built like Kate Moss you can get away with a look that appears painted on, but if you're thicker you should aim for a skinny leg, but one with enough room that you could still roll your pants up to at least mid-calf if you tried.  Skinny jean recommendations:  Element brand jeans, or Old Navy's The Sweetheart jean.

If you are slim and confident, you can also rock out the shiny black leggings fad.  Find pairs at American Apparel or KarmaLoop -- let me know if you know of anything cheaper!

A Studded Belt.  I wrote about my love for them and so did the Budget Fashionista, but I was still unable to convince my friends it was a good look for me.  I still disagree, and watching the Sex and the City movie on DVD further proves the belt is hot  - Carrie can be spotted rocking her fave studs with four separate outfits.

Here Jordy rocks a studded belt in my fave new way, making me wish I had bought a longer belt to twist into a pretzel.  She also showcases a fabulous bag in her Rock & Mode studs & zippers post.

Major necklaces.  Layers of chains and pendants are so in for fall, so tone down your bracelets and earrings in exchange for necklaces reflective of your personality.  Make your own chains or shop Etsy for unique pieces.

Further reading:  How to Dress Like Georgina Sparks, How to Pull Off the Corset Trend... Tastefully

Photos from: People Mag, Refinery29