Q. I’m hoping that you can help me as I’ve a big fashion dilemma. Sadly, I’ve just been made redundant, so I have to watch my finances much more than usual. I have always loved fashion and I adore wearing the latest trends but, now that I’m on a tight budget, I have to reassess my spending habits. What wardrobe essentials should I buy this spring that will take me all the way through summer?
A. Here’s how to feel like a million dollars this spring without breaking the bank. The secret to feeling special, even as the credit crunch bites, is snapping up a few key essentials to give your wardrobe an instant update. These are clothes which look great and are guaranteed to make you smile again. It's difficult, in fact impossible, not to feel uplifted by them. The unifying elements are of relaxed, understated style and investment pieces with an overall optimistic and upbeat sense of luxury. Here are my top tips for sassy spring style, even if you are cash strapped. Now all we need is for the sun to come out.
INVEST IN A GREAT PAIR OF JEANS
Denim is one of the key trends for 2011. It's so versatile. Go for some great jeans, a fantastic denim trench coat or even cute shorts. Team jeans up with a patterned scarf worn as a belt to guarantee you're bang on trend. Look out for trinket necklaces and tassels.
NAUTICAL CHIC
Our fashion budgets may have run on to the recessionary rocks - but a nautical theme could turn out to be our fashion salvation this season. The mix-and-match versatility of playing around with navy, white and red separates is evident this season. A handful of sailor stalwarts, such as white cropped trousers, navy and white jacket, and a striped marine tunic work well with affordable basics, including plimsolls, admiral caps and leggings to generate an impressive number of outfit combinations.
BE PATTERN PERFECT
Spring 2011 means lots of gingham, over-sized checks and flowers. There's a return to very romantic looking clothes. It's a trend for comfort and nostalgia. Cotton layers together with jersey and washed down denim creates a pretty, festival vibe.
CHOOSE A CLASSIC YOU'LL WEAR AGAIN AND AGAIN
The economic downturn means people are after a key piece to stand the test of time. Look for classic clothes, the sort of thing you could pass down from mother to daughter. You'll love the Littlewoods ‘Holly’ trench in beige, which will look great dressed down with jeans or shorts. Teamed up with a closely cut white dress it's a season update to create instant glamour. I think this trench is destined to become an instant classic.
LIFT THE MOOD WITH COLOUR
Look out for lots of colour to feel excited about and energise you. When things are difficult it's natural to want to feel uplifted by a splash of colour. Bold cotton sun and shirt dresses, capri pants and fun full skirts translate in to super sized stripes and brightly coloured polka dots. Look out for shades of clean white, yellow, red and the sharpest navy.
GO WILD
A fusion of ethnic patterning, wild animal prints, contrasted with bright, chemical colours are key pieces this season and you can pick up cheap and cheerful versions of this trend in cut price stores such as Penneys and H&M. Animal prints on swimwear, sun dresses, T-shirts and smart dresses will all give your wardrobe an instant update.
