We all seem to be short on time and money, so we've decided to make fall shopping a little easier by rounding up 20 of the best things you can buy for $20 or less. We managed to discover some interesting pieces at boutiques and mass market merchants. The goal was to find quality items on the cheap.

There's an adage that you get what you pay for, but we found a number of things than lend themselves to being on your thrifty list.

1. Teal cardigan, long-sleeve ($19.95) at H&M, Chesterfield Mall

Why buy? You'll wash a cardigan less than a shirt because it's typically worn over a shirt or dress. That means you can get more wear out of a less expensive item. This one fits well, has a great vibrant color and it feels silky and soft.

2. Gilligan & O'Malley lace balconette padded push-up bra, dark red ($14.99) and bikini panty in dark red dot ($4) at Target

Why buy? If you don't buy a few lingerie items every couple of months, you're overdue. The bra lends support and lift that will help you look slimmer whether you're wearing clothes or not.

3. Mixit tights in gray circle print ($14) and Worthington control top tights ($14) at J.C. Penney; black bodyshaping Terrific Textured Tights from Assets by Sara Blakely ($16) at Target

Why buy? You need tights in various colors and styles because you don't have enough. Trust us.



4. Merona tuxedo bib shirt, purple with long sleeves trimmed with a tiny ruffle ($17.99) at Target

Why buy? A simple way to shake out of the winter blues. A warm shirt in a great hue with personality.

5. Purple origami flower headband or chunky rhinestone headband, ($16.50 each) at Express

Why buy? Whether you choose to wear your hair down or wrapped into a loose bun, this will give your locks an upgrade without much fuss.

6. Navy and black geometric print wide scarf ($12.95) and chunky knit scarf, blue ($9.95) at H&M, Chesterfield Mall

Why buy? Go bold with your scarves; the skinny wimpy neckwarmers are for summer. This fall and winter, bigger is better. Wrap and fluff with abandon.

7. Sheer, antique pink, sleeveless ruffle blouse flecked with silver ($19.80) at Forever 21 (XXI Forever), West County Mall

Why buy? A great way to go from office to cocktails. Take off your work-friendly button-down and slip this on under a jacket or alone with a black skirt.

8. Sexy basic tank top from Express, in purple, black or jade with studs and crystal embellishment ($19.50) at Express

Why buy? Festive times call for festive attire. Even casual events during the holidays deserve a little sparkle, and these tanks are a great way to elevate jeans and a boyfriend jacket.

9. Route 66 long-sleeve layered tee in gray and turquoise (2 for $14) at Kmart

Why buy? Layers are your friends. Great worn two at a time or peeking out from under a sweater or short-sleeved dress.

10. Dramatic cuff bracelets. Stretch band in gold with beads and lattice work ($20) at J.C. Penney; both bracelets with a trio of huge faceted stones ($19.99 each) at Taste of Luxurie, 364 North Boyle Avenue.

Why buy? These bold wrist accessories will make for a great conversation starter as well as intensify the look of basic holiday looks.

11. Brooches of bead and wire ($14.99) at Taste of Luxurie, 364 North Boyle Avenue

Why buy? Use them to adorn your collar or hold a scarf in place. The brooch is so often underrated or classified as dated, but they can be youthful when they are unexpected.

12. Mixed metal chain necklaces. Jumble of pearl, chain and steel ball ($19.95) at Taste of Luxurie; tiered, metal necklace ($8.99) at Target

Why buy? It's an easy, inexpensive way to adopt something current that's also easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.

13. Earrings. A dangling circle in a rustic bo-ho silver ($18) at J.C. Penney or a hoop of crushed gold-colored nuggets (two for $20) at Francesca's Collections, West County Center

Why buy? Frame your face with a little shine. No diet required.

14. Lippman Collection, Call Me Irresponsible purple and Happy Birthday confetti ($18 each) at Nordstrom, West County Center

Why buy? You need a signature holiday polish. Take it with you for manicures and pedicures or the occasional touch-up at the office.

15. Purple pencil skirt ($19.95) at H&M, Chesterfield Mall

Why buy? The irrefutable hue of the season in a skirt that's contoured to accentuate feminine curves.

16.

Reversible puffy vest in brown with plaid lining ($15) at Target

Why buy? This cold-weather staple is also available in red, gray, black, green and navy. And if you don't have at least one, you should. But please never wear this plaid-side-out.

17. Green, flutter short-sleeve loungewear with long pants ($19.99 for set) at Kmart

Why buy? Mr. Rogers had the right idea. When you come home, you should dress accordingly.

18. Knee socks and above-the-knee socks, including two-pack pair of argyle and black or red stripe and black ($9.95) or brown stripe ($12.95) at DSW, 8502 Eager Road, Brentwood.

Why buy? It's boot season, and this is a cute way to add warmth to your legs and a pop of color or texture to your outfit. A little peek of sock above your boot-line can add just a bit of whimsy to your outfit, whether others can see it or not.

19. Purple metallic clutch ($19.95) DSW, 8502 Eager Road, Brentwood

Why buy? A simple, colorful go-to clutch that's just big enough for your cell phone, cash, keys and lipstick is a must.

20. Fingerless arm warmers, black chunky knit ($6.99) at Kmart and black and gray knit with suede palm pads ($7.95) at H&M, Chesterfield Mall

Why buy? Wear them alone to keep the draft from creeping up your sleeves or over light gloves for added protection. Either way, you'll add a layer of warmth without sacrificing style.