Crop tops are in - as worn by Abelle Berrabah

 

So, summer's on the way and you're stuck with a wardrobe of thick jumpers and chunky tights and your purse is more credit crunch than couture chic, how can you ooze summer style on a tiny budget?

Get those pointy elbows out and attend a swishing event. Simply turn up with an item of unwanted clothing and swap it for something you do want. Events are held up and down the country and are often free or very cheap to enter. Hit up the charity shops and you'll find summer trends for mere pennies, are you brave enough to rock the crop top look this summer? Find yourself a cool top hanging on the rails of your local charity shop, turn all Blue Peter and lop the bottom off with kitchen scissors. Pair this with a 'body' from a supermarket's fashion range and this season's wide legged trousers which you can pick up in your local charity shop for around £3.50.

Words by A Thrifty Mrs

Bright colour block trousers - as worn by Fearne Cotton

 

The catwalks were full of neon block colours for spring/summer 2011, so it's time to empty that wardrobe of winter sludge and inject some colour without making your bank manager raise so much as an eyebrow. Bright shades, such as those seen on the catwalks of Gucci and Victoria Beckham, can be scary to wear so experiment without splurging by rummaging through the rails in your local charity shop. There are bargains to be had and these places rarely smell like an old people's home anymore. Found a light coloured pencil skirt for £1? Dye it a bright turquoise colour for around £3 and team with a neon orange t-shirt to be bang on the bright trend for summer 2011. I'm currently sporting a bright green jacket that was clearly part of a mother-of-the-bride outfit circa 1987 but without the hideous skirt and hat, it's so on trend it practically hurts.

Words by A Thrifty Mrs

Colour blocking with Sarah Jessica Parker

 

If you can't afford a whole new wardrobe but want to rock the colour block this summer, here are three nifty tricks from SFB:

1. Accessorize with chunky stacked bangles in rainbow brights, or add a kick-ass coloured bag. Instant happiness!
2. Bright Basics; A tangerine strap-top or some emerald shorts won't break the bank, but can bring your existing wardrobe up to date and be accessorised to make it look more Prada than Primarni
3. Make-up; Paint your nails yellow, apply a flick of electric blue eyeliner or some hot pink lippy- who says summer fashion trends only apply to clothes! Dare to bare your summer brights and wear your hair in a top-knot too.

Words by Stacey Barnes from Student Fashion Blog