Designer clothes at mall prices?

Reality isn’t just the hottest genre on television; it’s also the inspiration behind some of fashion’s newest lines.

With a fresh crop of affordably priced collections – termed “better” in the industry – American labels from Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein to Perry Ellis and Isaac Mizrahi are reaching out to the “real American woman” – one who rarely bares her belly button and doesn’t wear denim to the office.

In the process, they’re bringing big names in American fashion back to the forefront and shoppers back to big-name department stores. They’re also fueling lagging U.S. apparel sales – expected to rise 2.6 percent this year, according to the Wall Street Journal, which would be the first increase in three years.

“I’ve become extremely Americanized,” Mizrahi says. “It seems like in the past in this country, clothes were much more accessible.

“There was a broad range of clothes, and expensive clothes were very special. And I think that’s really returned now.”

So whether you’re a career woman or a fresh-faced teen, here are some of the newest designer labels, now available at a shopping mall near you:

Isaac Mizrahi for Target

Isaac Mizrahi would design an affordable fashion line only if he could do it with design-conscious discount retailer Target. “Honestly,” he says, “it has to do with image. If a woman relates to the image of a store – whether she’s a multimillionaire or has no money, she’s going to shop there.”

Mizrahi says his Target customer could be anyone from a busy woman buying motor oil to a woman who could care less about trends and fashion. “And they are just as valid as anyone,” he adds.

Since signing the deal last February, Mizrahi has been creating modern, everyday wardrobe staples, from $10.99 racer-back tanks to $19.99 matte jersey dresses.

What: Affordable, accessible separates from sizes 2 to 16. For spring, seersucker blazers with matching skirts and trousers, sleeveless polo dresses, full floral skirts, Jackie-O sunglasses and short khaki shorts are all priced less than $50. The line also includes classic pieces such as driving moccasins and trendy accessories such as chandelier earrings.

Why: Who doesn’t love Isaac Mizrahi? “I really live for the American woman,” says the magnetic designer, who also has his own show on the Oxygen Network. “And that’s what sets me apart.”

Prices: Jackets $29.99, skirts $24.99, tanks $9.99, outerwear $39.99 to $69.99

H Hilfiger

“A bit more tailored, a bit more sophisticated” is how designer Tommy Hilfiger describes his new H line. In other words, Hilfiger is taking it up a notch, evolving to meet the needs of a maturing customer.

What: Casual career looks such as silk paisley skirts, knee-length floral dresses and fitted cotton blazers and pants are ideal for women who work, but relaxed pieces such as satin pencil skirts go easily into the weekend. For men, it’s all about the details – suits are hand-tailored, and a wool herringbone overcoat features a zip-out nylon lining.

Why: Just like David Bowie and Iman, who appear together in the H Hilfiger ad campaign, Tommy is growing older and wiser. Better fabrics and grown-up cuts on easy pieces make the line ideal for work and play.

Prices: $65 for a women’s sweater to $595 for a men’s suit

Perry Ellis

Designer Patrick Robinson is having “a moment.” In his two seasons at the classic American sportswear label Perry Ellis, the 37-year-old has been praised by the industry for his wearable, affordable designs that are right on track with high fashion. His retro ‘50s collection was a hit at the New York Fashion Week, winning him rave reviews from everyone from WWD to Vogue (having a wife who is a senior editor at the latter certainly doesn’t hurt).

What: Girly, ‘50s-inspired houndstooth skirts and coats, silk charmeuse blouses in pastel pinks and blues, washed angora sweater sets and faux fur shawls. Robinson says he doesn’t design outfits but individual pieces that can be mixed and worn separately. For inspiration, he scoured eBay for vintage Perry Ellis, taking a button print he found on an original Ellis scarf and applying it to knee-length skirts and coat linings.

Why: This guy is on it. Robinson described his fall collection as optimistic, which quickly became the catchword of the season. Perry Ellis hasn’t seen this much action since a 23-year-old Marc Jacobs designed a grunge collection for the label in 1993.

Prices: $38 to $228

Calvin Klein

Of all the bridge lines being released by designers, none comes closer in look and feel to the signature collection than the new line from Calvin Klein. The line debuted this spring, with price as the drawing point. But that’s only in comparison to the high-dollar items in the Calvin Klein Collection line seen on the runways.

What: Pieces are minimal and luxe – drawstring satin skirts, heather gray T-shirts and loose, washed silk jackets.

Why: Because you love the minimal, clean Calvin aesthetic but can’t pay thousands for one outfit.

Prices: Knit tops start at $65, skirts at $125, and suede and leather pieces at $495.