For many of us, it is going to be a bit of a tough one with all the talk of a looming recession and the credit crunch apparently snapping at our heels. But don’t despair, there are ways to look great without having to buy an entire new outfit.

Just follow these simple tips and tricks to make the most out of your existing wardrobe and you’ll feel fabulous without blowing the budget..

LBD
Before you start groaning at me saying, “But you’ve told us it’s all about colour this summer”, (and it is) I’m going to give you some hints on how to update the LBD so it looks sooo this season even you won’t recognise it.

First pull out all your cosmetic jewellery and I mean all of it (you’ll be surprised at the pieces you’ve forgotten) and sort it into piles of colours that work well together. Decide whether you want to wear bracelets or necklaces – the style of your dress will help determine this. Then load on the jewels – simply stack them on. Pile bracelets up your arm or layer necklaces of a similar colour and varying lengths.

For a more feminine and subtle look – pin a collection of brooches to one side of the dress. I used all my Nan’s old gem and diamante brooches of all different shapes and sizes and clustered them together. And believe me they looked fabulous.

Add a black belt if your dress shape allows and a pair of heels (kitten or otherwise). Hair is either up in a loose pony style or chignon. For shorter hair leave it loose with a bit of a tousled wave through it.

Thoroughly modern without being fashion victim.


Pencil skirt
Just because you wear it to work doesn’t mean you can’t wear it out! I have arguments with my girlfriends all the time trying to get them to think of their wardrobe as a entire capsule – not divided into work and weekends. The trick is to utilise your whole wardrobe and make it work double time.

So, pull out that pencil skirt, team it with the prettiest blouse you can find, a pair of heels and then (and this is the key piece) pull it all together with a belt. The wider the better. Alternatively, opt for a coloured belt that co-ordinates with the rest of your ensemble.

If you don’t have a statement belt, now is the time to get one. They are absolutely everywhere this season and have fab buckle details and come in bright bold colours.


Summer dress
So you feel you’ve worn your staple summer dress a gazillion times - and you probably have. But have you worn it with a blouse belted over the top (try a satin style for evening or crisp cotton for day) so it looks like a skirt, or even popped on a cute coloured cardigan and some diamante detailed thongs? No? Well then try it, I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised.


Light-weight jacket
Wear this over a gorgeous skirt or pretty printed dress - belt over top if you want – oversize earrings and a dash of bright lipstick. Slip on some heels and off you go.
 

Kaftan
Ok, so you always think of this as a beach cover-up, but a kaftan is the perfect item for a dressy barbeque or day lunch. Try it over jeans – if it is not too hot – or with lightweight linen trousers. Add beaded thongs or sandals, a stack of bracelets and some oversized dangly earrings for instant exotic appeal.


Spray tan
Not strictly fashion in its purest sense – this is a great way to make you feel fabulous and look absolutely amazing in an instant. Plus you’ll feel skinnier! Make sure you go somewhere reputable though, as there is nothing worse than a bad spray tan. I love Beauty Express in Potts Point for an amazing all-over tan that lasts, but find one close to you for convenience.

Lip-stick
There is a good reason that lipstick sales go up during a recession. The ultimate quick fix, you’ll feel fabulous at a fraction of the cost in no time at all. Select a gorgeous, vibrant colour – red is this season’s pick but you can choose any colour that works with your complexion - and simply apply.

My last and final tip: Spend some time playing with your make-up and hair. Changing either of these, even ever so slightly, will make a big difference and, better still, does not cost a thing.

Hope you all have a great summer with family and friends and I’m sure you’ll wow them with your “new” wardrobe at any occasion.


Lee-Anne