TREND: Patterned trench coats

WHO'S WEARING IT: Selena Gomez, Willa Holland and America Ferrera

HOW TO WEAR IT: Forget boring beige. This fall, the timeless trench gets a fresh makeover with eye-catching patterns, like houndstooth and tonal polka dots. Wear the printed coat with something simple and chic underneath—think sweaterdress, tights and knee-high boots. Also, make sure the hem of your skirt or dress doesn't go past the length of the jacket to ensure a tailored look.

Shop the steal 'n' splurge below!

Things we want to buy today…

1. Rock Star It: Shop4Sparkles pyramid-studded headband, for some metallic flair; $6.

2. Keepsake It: Twisted Silver Elizabeth bracelet, for an heirloom-like accessory; $60.

3. Waist It: Forever 21 bow-front belt, for feminine styling; $7.80.

4. Yoga It: A Lot to Say "Om" tank, for a peaceful practice; $33.  

5. Feather It: ModCloth peacock tights, so our legs can take flight; $29.99.

6. Silk It: J.Crew pleated posy top, 'cause it can take us from work to a date; $89.50.

7. Wedge It: Steve Madden Antana boot, 'cause the deep red leather is unique; $188.97.

8. Menswear It: MM Couture by Miss Me boyfriend tuxedo vest, as an alternative to the jacket; $97.

9. Dressy It: Mossimo satin wrap trench, for an evening coat steal; $39.99.

10. Beet It: Susana Monaco bell-sleeve dress, for some '60s flare; $158.

What fall essentials should I own?
—Evelyn G., Sunrise, Fla.

Well, there is a recession going on, so how about we go with one piece, but we make that piece so killer, it's homicidal? Deal? Deal.

"A waterproof, silk, shantung, tailor-made trench coat is a must-have this season," says couture designer Roberto de Villacis, who has dressed stars such as Carrie Underwood. Shantung, for the record, is a heavy, nubby Chinese silk, but if you have to go corduroy, no one will start a war with you on Twitter. Not even Demi Moore.

TREND: Leather jackets

WHO'S WEARING IT: Michelle Trachtenberg, Jessica Lowndes (For Joseph), Nicky Hilton

HOW TO WEAR IT: Run with the tough-as-nails look by pairing a leather jacket with skinny jeans, a black top and a chain statement necklace—or go for a cool contrast by layering it over airy, feminine frocks.

Shop the steal 'n' splurge below!

TREND: Ruffled jackets

WHO'S WEARING IT: Beyoncé, Amy Poehler and Jessica Biel

HOW TO WEAR IT: When you don't have time to primp, throwing on a ruffled jacket will make you feel pretty instantly. For a full-on feminine look, wear it with a sweet dress. You can also layer it over a simple blouse and wide-leg trousers to look très chic.

Shop steals 'n' splurges in the gallery below!

TREND: Floral print jackets

WHO'S WEARING IT: Katy Perry (Topshop) and Katrina Bowden (Walter)

HOW TO WEAR IT: A blossom topper is an easy way to liven up a neutral outfit. (Leave the neon accessories to wild 'n' crazy Katy!) For a li'l edge, simply roll up the sleeves.

Shop steals 'n' splurges in the gallery below!

TREND: Zebra print

WHO'S WEARING IT: Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian (Tart) & Adrienne Bailon

HOW TO WEAR IT: Keep the rest of your ensemble simple when wearing the flashy pattern. (Adrienne's sheer lace top and skintight latex leggings? Total fail!) For a fresh look, incorporate more white into your outfit and accessorize with modern accessories like Kim did. To give off an edgy vibe, pair zebra print with mostly black pieces à la leather-lovin' Nicky.

Shop steals 'n' splurges in the gallery below!

Things we want to buy today...

1. Accessorize It: Made Her Think spike rhinestone ring, for a little cocktail bling; $45.

2. Detail It: Topshop leather zip buckle satchel, to get the look of a Proenza Schouler bag for less; $100. 

3. Lace It: Alloy Bethany heel, ‘cause you'll have to prepare yourself for compliments; $32.90.

4. Color It: Silence & Noise fleece motorcycle jacket, ‘cause it combines soft fabric with a tough silhouette; $58.

5. Kiss It: Labello Star Fruits strawberry lip balm, ‘cause its Europe's best-kept beauty secret; $6.95.

6. Swirl It: Anthropologie Calligrapher's Brush sleep pants, for artful dreamin'; $48.

7. Roar It: Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey glittery tiger and logo T-shirt, ‘cause the circus is in town and there's no greater show on earth; $25.

8. Nautical It: Free People studded striped blazer, ‘cause the metal studs lend a little edge to the preppy look; $138.

9. Khaki It: ASOS high-waisted military skirt, ‘cause we love the trim and button features, $40.68.

10. Poolside It: American Apparel hooded swimsuit; ‘cause it will keep the sun off your face as you look super-glamorous; $48.

Can you recommend some stylish lightweight jackets I can wear this summer?
—Shawna M., Novato, Calif.

Quite a cavernous category you've created for me here, no? If you prefer something more swingy and retro-femme, I'm intrigued by Orvis' beaded jacket, which comes in a cooling blue hue and features summery coconut-shell buttonry.

What are the 10 basics you should have in your closet?
—Guile, Downey, Calif.

What a terrific question! Some pieces never really go out of style or wear out their usefulness. With me on this is stylist Felix Mercado, who suggests:

Things we want to buy today.

1. Rock It: Misfits belt, 'cause we like the geometric shape; $17.99.

2. Bloom It: Popit lavender orchid, for tropical accessorizing; $5.

3. Eat It: French toast stamp from Fred Flare, for a quick Parisian breakfast; $6.

4. Print It: Kimchi Blue ruffle tube dress, to go comfy chic; $58.

5. Button It: Merona Collection twill jacket, to jump on the white blazer trend; $39.99.

6. Lace It: Cheap Monday Katie lace top, to layer over a cami on the weekends; $30.

7. Drop-Waist It: BCBG striped racerback dress, for a sporty nautical look; $88.

8. Manicure It: OPI Done Out in Deco nail polish, 'cause a light lilac is the perfect new neutral; $7.32.

9. Drawstring It: Guess Valerie knit vest, for a draped take on the trend; $69.

10. Jean It: Arden B denim tube jumpsuit, to show off our curves; $68.

It's no wonder Leelee Sobieski, best known for her roles in Joan of Arc and Never Been Kissed (not to mention her striking resemblance to Helen Hunt), has such zany style. Her fashion hero is none other than over-the-top fashion queen, Cher.

"I look up to those old-school crazy women who really went for it like Cher," she told mystyle at the grand opening of D&G's flagship boutique. "I loved the crazy black outfit that she wore with the sparkles."

The 26-year-old actress, who showed up to the event in what looked like her grandmother's nightgown, is the first to admit that she doesn't always get it right on the style front.

"I'm pretty goofy and make big mistakes," she confessed. "Sometimes I'm spot-on and sometimes I'm just terrible. I like to mix everything together."

We would have expected Eva Longoria Parker, as the host of the Hot Tamales Live! VIP screening, to wear the obvious red-hot number. But instead, she pleasantly surprised us with a cheerful yellow shirtdress that was conservative yet sexy, thanks to the belted waist and full skirt's hourglass effect.

For more bang for your buck, try one of the spring trench steals 'n' splurges in the gallery below. They can be worn with jeans on the weekend or over a cotton mini for a similar look to Eva's.

And for more fashionable moments, head over to mystyle's Style Shout-Out gallery.

Watch the clip below of Serena's tiff with her classmates in last night's episode of Gossip Girl, "Remains of the J." Then, click "read more" to shop the scene's colorful coats.

Things we want to buy today…

1. Stack It: Girl Props wide wooden bangle with grommets, 'cause they're cheap enough to buy in every color; $2.99.

2. Pastel It: Go Jane ruffle round-toe flat, for a lovely lilac shoe; $12.

3. Folklore It: T-bags jersey beaded halter-neck top, 'cause we like the macramé and beading; $185.

4. Pinup It: ASOS floral beach playsuit, for a retro day by the sea; $40.45.

5. Foil It: Bleu Dame metallic stretch headband, for a shiny 'do; $4.80. 

6. Swing It: Martin + Osa nylon peacoat, for a lightweight spring jacket; $104.

7. Sheer It: LaROK St. Tropez top, for a breezy blouse to wear from now till fall; $228.

8. Print It: Topshop graphic towers bodycon dress, 'cause it reminds us of the fun mini Joy Bryant wore; $55.

9. Ruffle It: Go International dress, for an affordable take on the nude trend; $39.99.

10. Tier It: Finn ruffle-front tank, 'cause it goes with everything; $38.