Cheap and Chic: Summer Bargains to Stock up on Now

By: Sharon Mosley

With summer sales in full swing, it’s time to step away from the grill and peek inside your closet. Don’t scream. Take deep breaths and take stock. Make a quick list of what you need to replace or add in your wardrobe. You may even want to take a fashion magazine with you to the beach to get some inspiration. Then take a day off to go shopping.

Now is the perfect time to find bargains galore. You can pick up the savings since stores have marked down their spring and summer merchandise. And remember style doesn’t have to be expensive. Cheap chic is very much “in style” these days. Here’s where to spend your money:

— Costume jewelry. There are lots of ways to add some fun to your wardrobe with a few new baubles. I mean, huge and plastic is all the rage now. Scope out giant cuff bracelets, disc necklaces, chandelier earrings and sparkling cocktail rings. Think about what you already own, especially in necklaces, so you can add more layers with new bargains you find.

— Shoes. Chunky high-heel sandals are another trendy fashion bargain that will continue to be around for fall. Check out summer sales on these shoes, especially those in darker colors that you can easily wear now and then team with tights later when the weather cools down.

— Denim. This year-round basic is always something you need to replenish in your closet, so why not pick up a pair of your favorite jeans if you can find them on sale. You may also want to experiment with a new cut (“jeggings” or slim-cut legging jeans are the newest look) or “wash” when they’re sale-priced.

— Legwear. Leggings also promise to be around this fall, and what better time than summer to stock up on a few new pairs in lightweight knits to layer under long tunic sweaters and skirts later. I personally prefer the softer knits of warmer seasons than the heavier ones offered during the cooler months.

— Printed dresses. Every summer wardrobe needs at least one. And one of this summer’s fashion favorites (and that of first lady Michelle Obama), the patterned dress — in a frilly silk, rayon or chiffon — is a great buy at bargain prices. Add some fun to your closet with a colorful floral print or a sophisticated geometric design.

— Outerwear. Whether it’s a hot pink trench coat or a shiny black patent parka, you know you can never have enough “cover-ups” to wear during the year. And if you can snatch them up for a deal, it is so much better. Choose a style that is “classic,” and you will be wearing your bargains forever.

— Handbags. Steer clear of the white ones on the sale table, and you’ll find styles that will get you through the toughest winter in style. Black or brown is your best bet in large satchel or hobo shapes, but colored bags are fun additions to your accessory wardrobe, too.

— Party clothes. Don’t skip the evening wear section of the store when you’re out shopping the sales this summer. Special occasion dressing often transcends the seasons, especially when it comes to dressy separates. A flippy, black chiffon skirt might be the perfect piece to layer under your favorite sequined tunic top for that office party in December. Think ahead and save your money for that little fur shrug you’ll want to buy during the holidays!

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