Summer fashion 2009: What's hot now

No need to think too hard about all the advantages of summer after-dinner walks and weekend getaways are a good start but what about all the uncomfortable fashion questions of the season?

Office air conditioning leaves you wondering what to wear to stay warm at your desk and cool out of doors. A forthcoming trip to the beach has you obsessing over which swimsuit will elongate your legs, and your head is spinning over that party invitation you just received from your COO requesting that you wear "summer chic" clothes.

The good news is that updating your look this summer and solving those time-honored summer wardrobe crises couldn't be easier. Designers and retailers have adapted a back-to-basics approach that broadcasts a "don't worry, be happy" message.

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Here are some tips to follow for an updated summer wardrobe that won't break your budget.

Shop Your Closet

These days, it's more practical to turn to your overstuffed closet than a local boutique for your core pieces this season. "There is a sense of guilt associated with conspicuous consumption in this economy," says Kim Bates, a director at the Kaplan Thaler Group, a New York-based trend forecasting firm. But "shopping" in your closet should be done with a plan. Think white and classic. Pull out your white pants, oxford shirts, cotton sheath dresses and light-wash jean jackets. Keep all your black basics leggings, pencil skirts and stilettos off to the side.

When it comes to shoes, it's all about platforms. Luckily, most women own a pair or two (or five), so you probably won't need to buy a new pair to be on trend. Opt for a round-toe sling-back for work and a strappy wedge with lots of buckles for summer weekends.

'Women are getting dressed for battle in tough times.' Kim Bates, Kaplan Thaler Group

Kate Ciepluch, fashion director of online retailer Shopbop.com, says that this summer is all about the "looks from the '90s," including two of the hottest trends this season jean cut-offs and distressed acid-wash jeans inspired by Balmain's out-of-reach $2,000 pair that was worn by Victoria Beckham. Ciepluch says J Brand's tie-dyed, ripped skinny jean is Shopbop's top-selling item of the season so far.

The good news is that this look can easily be made into a DIY home project. Turn outdated denims into a pair of cut-off shorts simply by using your sharpest scissors and making sure you measure precisely where you make the cut on each leg. Another home-design remedy is to bleach a pair of inexpensive skinny jeans.

Know the trends and how to wear them

Designers such as those at Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Junya Watanabe have set off the Africana trend this summer, with tribal prints, silver metal chokers and bangles as arm candy. While this isn't the easiest or most appropriate look to wear to the office, it's certainly possible to add a couple of wood and animal-print bangles to accessorize a summer work dress.

A new "it" item this summer is the jumpsuit, a staple on Stella McCartney's and Proenza Schouler's runways. Jumpsuits this season range from Studio 54-ready looks to utilitarian rompers. While they can feel intimidating to wear, jumpsuits can be layered over T-shirts or under jackets and are easy to pack for a vacation. If you're not brave enough to wear a jumpsuit, try harem pants for a similar look.

Another key trend this season is the metal revival. Just about everything can be studded and spiked this season from belts to heels to blazers. "Women are getting dressed for battle in tough times," says trend-forecaster Bates. Motorcycle jackets in cotton and denim and studded gladiator sandals are best paired with tailored basics if you want a little edge but need to project a professional demeanor.

Update your look for work

"Summer fashion is all about doing things in a fresh way, and the easiest way to do that is to incorporate color, especially with accessories," says Kwesi Blair, a senior associate at New York fashion-consulting firm Robert Burke Associates. Blair suggests adding fun, chunky necklaces and colorful shoes to your basic work clothes. Shopbop.com's Ciepluch says that if you can get away with it at the office, opt for pops of neon like a fuchsia camisole under a jacket.

For those who want to (or can) be more of a fashion risk taker, the best way is to try a new take on the suit. Trade in traditional skirts and slacks for Bermuda shorts or slouchy pants with a satin sheen with a jacket. The pajama pant was all the rage on the Dolce & Gabbana runway. Slip on a silken T-shirt and add the graphic punch of a scarf, and you have the softer side of the season.

Cocktail Hour

Dressing for a work cocktail event or a family wedding during the summer is particularly daunting, especially since your staple little black dress seems out of touch this season. Luckily, the laidback bohemian look is just as popular as it is easy to pull off. Try a long maxi gown in jersey. They're available at virtually every retailer and every price point. Another possibility is a short flirty chiffon or crochet cocktail dress for that summer evening event. Trade your heels for jeweled or patent leather flat sandals if it's an outdoor affair.

Getting Beach Ready

Finally, good news for anyone who doesn't have a Pamela Anderson beach body. The one-piece bathing suit is back. Sport a retro one-piece style or a one-piece number with a bit of extra detailing, like beading on the straps, to hit the beach or the pool this summer.

Also, follow the stars' fashion do's and sport some jewelry with your beach outfit, like pieces from Erickson Beamon's well-priced capsule collection for Target. Don't forget to pack a straw hat (J.Crew and Gap both have well-priced options) and retro shades to complete your beach look.