Summer fashion: Stay sunny, stylish on a shoestring

Bright colors, such as coral and aqua, and patterns — including polka dots, animal print, floral, geometric and tribal — provide a vivid palette for this summer.

Pencil skirts, other mid-length skirts, and cuffed trousers and shorts also are summer staples this year.

Next, scrutinize existing clothes for characteristics that illustrate current trends. When in doubt, consult the experts. Se

attle’s YouLookFab.com from blogger and fashion consultant Angie Cox provides an online global community where people can post photos of themselves and their clothes and seek feedback from Cox or the some 250,000 monthly visitors to the online community. There is no charge for membership.

• Repurpose.

Maxi skirts, which are long skirts that go to the ankle, had a rare appearance earlier this year. They’re now on their way out, replaced by mid-length skirts known as midis. A shorter hemline means a new skirt isn’t necessary. Some basic sewing skills allow a maxi skirt to easily become a midi. Hem the skirt to just under the kneecap. Another easy sewing project is to add cuffs to existing pants or shorts, Fasilis said.

• Identify wardrobe gaps.

After a wardrobe inventory has been completed and new combinations explored, it’s time to decide whether to buy anything to tie existing garments together.

Make a list of needs and desires.

If you have money for one item, Cox suggested an accessory.

“An accessory is a very good way to change up your look without spending a lot of money,” Cox said.

A scarf like Mercer’s is one example. Fasilis paired Mercer’s scarf with a blue blouse and black pencil skirt.

A scarf can exhibit a trendy print or color, change the look of multiple outfits and provide warmth during chilly mornings and evenings, Fasilis said.

The Pacific Northwest’s climate is a factor to consider when identifying a list of items to buy. Skimpy summer separates or strapless dresses may not be the best investment, Cox said.

Instead, choose clothes that can do double duty.

Some examples are a brightly-hued blouse that can be worn under a sweater in the fall or trousers, which can be worn in any season, Cox said.

• Shop.

When it’s time to buy, start with the lowest-cost options. One of those may be swapping clothes with a friend, or consigning existing clothes and using the credit to purchase “new” items at a consignment store such as Plato’s Closet.

Theresa Curran, 48, a coffee service saleswoman from Boring, Ore., said she sifts through her wardrobe every season and discards items that are outdated, don’t work for her or that she’s bored of. One way she updates her look without spending a lot of money is to sell her unwanted clothes at Plato’s Closet and use the cash to buy items to update her wardrobe. (The Vancouver store is in her sales territory). She said she often finds garments for less than $10 that would cost her more at a department store.

“One time, I found Nike running shoes for $12,” she said.

Fashion experts recommend sticking with classic items that can span multiple seasons or be easily modified. If a trend is appealing, choose a trendy piece from a low-cost store such as Forever 21, Fasilis said. Buy the look for less because it might only last for the season, she said.