Summer Fashion On The Cheap

Compared to fall and winter with their traditionally more tailored looks, summer fashion is all about easy apparel, and as such, doesn't require a heavy investment in your wardrobe. In fact, all you need to update your look are a couple of inexpensive key pieces and you're good to go for the rest of the season. Nice. Here we round up this summer's best and most affordable pieces (everything is priced well under £70) that are guaranteed to inject fresh style into your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Dockers clean khakis 
For Summer 2010, preppy styles ruled the catwalks, so it's time to break out all your American standbys, like white button-downs and boat shoes, and team them with clean lined, flat-front pants like these lightweight cotton khakis from Dockers. With their slim yet comfortable fit, double-welt back pockets, pared down details, and a finished look of herringbone twill, these pants are too sophisticated to be relegated solely to weekend wear. Think of them as an alternative to jeans and use them to polish up your work look. Available in white, sandalwood, brown, and black at a shockingly low price, you may want to consider picking up more than one pair of these go-with-everything pants.
Price: £60

Gap white straight fit jeans
Synonymous with summer, white pants are a good choice. For 2010, however, they're particularly on-trend, having made an appearance in collections inspired by old-world Italy as well as those influenced by classic Americana. To get in on both trends, pick up a pair of Gap's straight fit jeans in white. Next, pair these jeans with a polo shirt and desert boots to take them in a distinctly American direction; or, team them with a brightly hued button-down, sleek leather sandals, a cool carryall, and a luxe-looking watch for a more Italian spin. Though there are infinite ways to style these pants, the best part about them is their price tag and the fact that they're machine washable, both of which mean there's no way you'll feel bad when they inevitably get dirty.
Price: £45

Cheap Monday autobahn unwash jeans
Every guy needs a pair of ultra-dark rinse, mid-rise jeans in his wardrobe. This raw denim pair from Cheap Monday make our gotta-have-it list for summer because not only are they wildly affordable with an amazing fit, but they're the perfect base for showcasing the season's trends. With white trainers and a brightly-hued T-shirt, they’ll capture summer's emphasis on sporty looks and they look equally good teamed with a gingham button-down. Bonus: Come autumn, you'll still be getting plenty of use out of these jeans when you'll swap your T-shirts for dress shirts layered under cardigans and blazers.  Price: £45
 

Gap cropped trench
Simplicity and elegance was the dominant theme for many designers this season. To nail this look, you'll want a trench like this cropped yet classy version from Gap. A double-breasted style, epaulettes and a notch collar give this jacket a smart feel but its shorter length makes it suitable for everyday occasions. Throw this trench on over your faves like dark cuffed denim and a bright crewneck tee and then add some funky shades. Try it also with cuffed denim, boat shoes, a polo shirt, and a pair of aviators.
Price: £30


Topman Smart shorts
At first glance these shorts from Topman are as basic as they come. A pressed front, tailored waistband and back welt pockets give them the feel of traditional dress trousers. Turned on their side, however, these shorts feature a subtle contrasting white striped trim that lends a different and youthful edge, thereby preventing them from looking like something your dad would wear. Continue the sporty vibe of these shorts by mixing them with other summer 2010 athletic-inspired apparel including coloured T-shirts, anoraks and sunglasses.
Price: £30

Gap striped chambray shirt
Slip into the past this summer with this fashion-forward yet utterly wearable button-down from Gap. In 2010 and well into 2011, you'll use pieces like this pinstripe chambray shirt, reminiscent of holidays on the Mediterranean, to recreate old-school Italian looks. Rinsed to be super soft, this lightweight shirt is ideal for the hottest summer days, particularly when paired with crisp white dress pants or linen trousers for smart-casual occasions. Accessorise with a luxe watch, a fedora or a negroni. 
Price: £35

Zara white henley
One of those pieces you know you can depend on year-round, this unfussy 100% cotton henley from Zara can be worn on its own in the hottest, most humid months and as a base layer in the autumn. Mix it with Topman's Smart shorts, white sneakers and sunglasses in a punchy colour for a thoroughly sporty, very summer 2010 look. Or, team it with dark-rinse denim and desert boots to give this piece an American twist. In the fall, continue to pair this shirt with dark denim but swap your desert boots for Chelsea boots and throw on a cropped, tailored zip-up jacket.
Price: £30

Aldo Yoshimori sandals
Kick back and enjoy the good life on the cheap this summer with these dark-brown leather sandals from Aldo. A chic finish to a relaxed yet refined look, these sandals will complement virtually any trousers in your closet, with the exception of suit trousers, of course. With white jeans, chinos or linen trousers, these are eye-catching without being obviously trendy; so, rather than notice what you're wearing, others will only notice how good you look. And happily, you don't have to sacrifice style for function -- a cushioned sole makes these sandals comfortable to wear for long periods, day or night. 
Price: £45

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