Fashionably frugal: get the look for less

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Not long ago Belinda Manalo was planning for an upcoming parent event in "a very cool space." So she did what almost any woman would do. She went shopping for a spring outfit.

She didn't want to spend a lot of money, and she was hoping for something simple "that looks fun," the Mission Hills, Kan., mother said.

The answer was easy: a polished cotton shirt dress on sale at Ann Taylor. She is pleased because she can wear it for many occasions.

With spring's arrival, many women are looking for ways to update their wardrobes. And in a shaky economy, they are also looking for ways to do it with budgets in mind.

Piper Reimer of Mission Hills has a plan for spiffing up when seasons change. She routinely looks through catalogs and peruses favorite stores such as J. Crew and Anthropologie.

"Then I go to thrift shops and second hand stores" for look-alikes, she says. With the help of her sister and friends, she is on a quest for an interesting dress.

Both women are wise to think dresses. After overwhelming the fashion scene a year ago, they remain a quick fix. A dress doesn't require a lot of additional shopping, and they don't have to cost your mortgage money. Slide one on with cork sandals and you're ready to go.

Prints and patterns

Prints in dresses are almost obligatory. Large florals made big news in Paris a year ago, and the oversized icon has been reproduced many times for this season. Bold, graphic patterns have had much attention in dresses. Either of these patterns will give you a certain knowing look. Stripes and abstract graphics also rate highly in the "what's modern" category.

And if one has layers of ruffles or a full skirt, that's OK.

Color blocks (remember Mondrian art?) are back. They will mark you as well-informed.

The dress trends may start to tilt toward separates again in the fall based on the fashion cycle. Choose your dress investments carefully, and hunt down bargains. Remember, too, when fall returns and temperatures drop, you can add black leggings, tights or skinny pants.

Yellow sunshine

Whatever you buy, don't rush back into black, says Charla Krupp, a More magazine columnist and author of "How Not to Look Old."

Kathryn Finney, of the Budget Fashionista Web site (thebudgetfashionista.com), advises a dress in a soft spring color such as tangerine, yellow, emerald green or sea blue. It's good for your psyche as well as your looks.

Yellow is ideal this spring after the long, brutal winter. Color experts say it sends an optimistic, sunshine message. Yellow patent leather pops your whole closet. A big yellow tote to see you through the season is a perfect accessory you can buy on the cheap.

Finney buys silk flowers from a discount store for a few cents and makes her own flower pins.

Remember, the less detail added to a garment, the less expensive it usually is. Although details such as draping, pleats, trims and pockets are designer favorites, a simple cool shift is going to be comfortable, economical and good looking in hot weather.

Cinch it

Considering more of today's trends, a belt is an immediate update, Krupp notes. Wide is chic, but consider your body shape: You don't want look as if your torso is squeezed by alien forces. Metallic belts have a great pop but work best if you don't mind calling attention to your midsection.

A trench coat is a good choice for spring. You can push up the sleeves, tie the belt and wear it as a dress, Krupp says. Another basic on Krupp's list is a shrunken sweater you can wear with tank tops and sun dresses.

Icing on the cake

Fashionable high heels don't have to be expensive. Just make sure they don't damage your feet.

Chunky beads in spring colors work magic. They are available in every hue from yellow to bright red. Inexpensive bangle bracelets, especially in a bold color, are good for cheap thrills.

Only one or two items will give you a spring gloss. A colorful dress in a floral pattern is a good first choice.