PULLING together a fun, up-to-date fall wardrobe doesn’t necessarily require credit card abuse.

Because so many of the strong trends for fall – ladylike prim, pretty and flirty, equestrian sporty – are created with a mix and match of colorful separates, shopping this season just needs more thought than hard cash.

Instead of buying a new suit, for instance, invest in a cropped, softly tailored and belted jacket (in a splashy orange or green) that is perfectly proportioned to perk up those black or tan pants and skirts already hanging in

your closet. Generate new looks by adding a straight or A-line skirt, skinny or flared pants.

If you’re only going to buy one pair of heels, select round-toed shoes. If you want to look cutting-edge, go for animal print or tweed styles.

Other instant wardrobe updates include a feminine, ruffled shirt; a pair of either plaid or tweed pants; and a

knee-kissing skirt. A slim-fitting cardigan that can double as a sweater is a versatile purchase, as are a pair of knee-high boots and a parka-like faux fur vest.

So we did the legwork for you. With a budget of $1,000, we hit Manhattan’s street-smart stores to scout out the 20 key pieces that will get you through fall – in style.

AT THE OFFICE

Cropped belted jacket, $158, and jeweled brooch, $54 at Express. Polka-dot bow-tie shirt, $69.90, at Club Monaco. Skinny plaid pants, $39.90, at H&M. Leopard grab-bag, $32.97. Tweed round-toe shoes, $39.97, at Century 21 (22 Cortland St.).

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Tweed skirt, $39.90, and thick belt, $9.90 at H&M. Animal-print cardigan, $88, at Banana Republic.

Suede purse, $22.50, at Wet Seal (670 Broadway).

AFTER-WORK DRINKS

Polka-dot bow-tie shirt, $69.90, and pleated skirt, $99, at Club Monaco. Argyle cardi, $68 at Express. Pearl bow-tie belt, $9.97, at Century 21. Isaac Mizrahi stretch to-the-knee boots, $34.99, at Targe

WEEKEND CASUAL

Isaac Mizrahi suede pants, $49.99, at Target. Faux fur vest, $29.97. Floral pin, $6.97, at Century 21.

DATE NIGHT

Ribboned-blouse, $16.90, at H&M. Flirty skirt, $98, at Banana Republic. Charm belt, $9.97, at Century 21.

TOTAL!: $977.80

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PHOTOS: Elizabeth Lippman

(models); Liz Sullivan (still-lifes)

HAIR & MAKE-UP: Antonio Gonzales for the Eva Scrivo Salon

MODEL: Mary Henderson/Click

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10 KEY PIECES:

Tweed round-toe shoes $39.97

Animal-print grab-bag $32.97

Suede pants $49.99

Ribboned blouse $16.90

Flirty skirt $98

Pleated skirt $99

Skinny plaid pants $39.90

Cropped belted jacket $158

To-the-knee boots $34.99

Bow-tie shirt $69.90