Food, Home and Style

At the End of Your Robe: Spring’s Five Best Buys

Stylist Julie Greene offers expert advice on looking fierce in a financial crisis.

Spring has finally sprung, and the urge to shop for new clothes is almost as strong as the need to find a way to pay for them. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot to look great this season. The biggest looks combine versatility with all-American style, and you only need five must-haves to update your wardrobe. Armed with these lists of essentials for him and her (and where to get them), you can even sneak your look into fall without spending a fortune.

Men
1.    Cool Cardigan
Grandpa’s cardigan isn’t what it used to be; find one that flatters your shape and wear it all year round—the layering trend isn’t going anywhere. H&M, Bannana Republic and The Gap all have great options.

2.    Custom Vans
When’s the last time you bought anything specially made for $50? Vans have been the hot summer shoe since 8th grade and now you can custom build your own, picking colors that will work perfectly with your wardrobe.  Check out their easy to use website.

3.    Ray Bans
Aviators and Wafarers remain current for spring ‘09. If you can’t afford the original, knock-offs are everywhere.

4.    White Jeans
I know, it sounds crazy in many ways. But the old rules about white no longer apply, and the 80’s are back in full force. So boldly put aside those dark jeans and find a pale pair to wear with a polo (or new cardigan and Vans). You don’t have to go farther than your local Gap.

5.    Anything John Varvatos
If designer clothing is not your budget right now, check out Varvatos’ website for inspiration on injecting some Rock ‘n Roll flavor into your look.

Women
1.    The Shawl
Every Recessionista needs one of these versatile, functional, go-anywhere pieces. Use it to add color to a black dress, wear it as a sarong on the beach, or throw it over your shoulders in an air-conditioned theater. I love the oversized seasonless choices from Virginia Johnson.

2.    The Funky Sandal
If you’re not jumping up and down about the Gladiator look, there are a ton of equally cool styles to choose from. Colored leather, metallics, and strappy wovens are on the shoes du jour. Urban Outfitters has one of the best selections of fun sandals for under $40.

3.    The Boyfriend Blazer
Picking up one of these in a neutral color will take you straight through ‘til fall. Wear it over a girly dress, short shorts or any of these season’s skinny pants and you have a look that is not only modern, but can translate from work to evening (or from interview to cocktail hour!) Check out Club Monaco’s selection and try and snag one from their back-room sale section.

4.    The Wrap Dress
When it comes to versatility, you can’t beat a classic wrap dress. Doll it up with heels and strong accessories for evening, or dress it down with flip-flops and a scarf for brunch. It flatters so many shapes, and packs like a dream. Diane von Furstenberg does it best, but you can find great versions just about anywhere. Check out these options at Bluefly.

5.    Shorts
From short and baggy to long and lean, this spring shorts are a fun and sexy addition to any wardrobe. Take them from casual to dressy with a simple shoe change. J. Crew has a great selection but if you can’t justify new ones, cut off last year’s jeans or khakis and make your own.

And if you really don’t want to indulge? Work the neutrals in your closet and add a pop of color in your accessories for a look that’s both functional and fresh.

Julie Greene is an independent fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and writer. She lives in New York City.

Tags: At the End of Your Robe, Food, Home and Style, shopping, spending, style