I saw this dilemma under Sparkle Answers:  How to update your wardrobe every season without spending a ton of cash.  Whether the recession is affecting you or not, most people can't afford a brand new wardrobe every three months.  Luckily, it's possible to keep up with fashion without going broke.

I gave a how-to on easy style and putting together timeless outfits.  Basically, an assortment of quality skinny and/or bootcut jeans and solid colored tanks and tops will last you years.  You can then spend a little or a lot on spicing up your look and indulging in trends....

Nail polish is my favorite way to feel totally trendy and up-to-date.  With even salon-quality polishes available under 10 bucks, you can easily jump on the bandwagon and copy whatever nail shade Victoria Beckham is rolling with this month.  (Popular colors for December: dark blue, pomegranate red, light gray.)

Hit the Thrift.  Secondhand stores have great finds and are a good way to try out trends without commiting a lot of cash.  Alternatives are swapping in your old stuff to secondhand stores, websites like Sparkle*Shelf Swap, or trading with your friends.

The photo below was taken at my local Value Village within the last six months - these scarves were selling at under $2 each.

I am personally obsessed with Scarves.  Some people say that scarves are on their way out, but the truth is, scarves are timeless.  You can switch it up by draping your scarf in different styles and buying scarves in colors to match the seasons.  Mall stores sell cute scarves for $10-20, or you can find deals at second-hand stores.  Handwash and hang to dry, maybe spray with a light perfume.  Sweet-smelling scarves are the essence of femininity.

Give yourself a beauty makeover.  Hair styles and makeup shades have trends just like clothes and accessories.  A hair cut or adding hair extensions can change your entire apperance.  Do a semi-permanent hair color "rinse" to give your strands a pop, or hit the drugstore for the 'now' shade of lip color.  Follow beauty blogs for tutorials on classic makeup looks as well as fads and product reviews.

Trendy textures - It's doubtful you'll get much wear out of a dress done entirely in sequins, so opt for a sequined shrug or something as small as a headband.  Lace is very current, but a Britney Spears lace dress will barely take you into January - Instead, pick up a chic lace tank you can wear for years.

Jump on jewelry trends - Chain necklaces, bangle bracelets...  use pieces to transform the clothes you already have.  Stock up on belts as well, and wrap them in unusual ways to create your own personal style.

Pick up classic staples when they become trendy.  As I've said before, a leather jacket may be worth your money because it truly is timeless.  Simple leggings are likely to pop up in fashion over and over, and can always be worn underneath your jeans or pajamas on cold days.  Tall black boots are at a peak right now, but will never be out of style.

On the other hand, an expensive pair of gladiator sandals isn't likely to be as hot in 2009 as it was in 2008.  Don't feel bad about passing on flash-in-the-pan trends unless they're something you're really excited about and dying to try.

Save your magazines from a few years back or browse online archives of fashion blogs to easily determine what's a super fad and which pieces keep re-emerging.  Above all, figure out what works for you and stick with it, then mix it up with current accessories.