8 cheap ways to update your look for 2011

Are you ready for the new year? Here are some simple and affordable ways to update your look. We translate the 2011 runway trends, taking only the most flattering and comfortable. With just a few key pieces (and small changes) and you can stay fashionable while still being true to your personal style. Best of all, you won’t spend a fortune on something that you’ll only wear for a few months.

1. Hot color: lavender

Please don’t go out and buy tons of lavender clothes. Your most versatile bet: a lavender scarf or sweater you can pair with your classic whites, or maybe one shirt in a style that you can take from day to night, if properly accessorized.

2. Makeup

This year it’s all about pale and pretty eyeshadow. No need to buy new makeup: just use the lightest shade in your current eyeshadow quad. (Read our tips for applying eyeshadow.)

Your only makeup investment: good mascara! It’s all about high volume eyelashes. Use an eyelash curler (professional tip: heat it with your blowdryer before crimping) then coat, coat, coat! Remove clumps with an old mascara wand or an eyelash comb.

As for lipstick, the trend is turning back to matte. But forget the very dry matte from the early 1990s; new formulas still have a subtle reflective sheen, and still feel moist on the lips. Frugal fashionistas can get this look without even buying new lipstick: just use your favorite color, and lightly tap your lips with your finger. This mutes the gloss and leaves just a stain of color.

3. Hair

The new trend is to part the hair in the center, leaving a few loose strands so you don’t look like a stiff schoolteacher. It’s relaxed and universally flattering!

4. Nails

After swinging from two extreme trends (black nailpolish, then cotton candy pinks) style gurus have finally found a happy medium: elegant gray. But just so you don’t look like you got ashes on your hands, get a really glossy top coat. The best shades are so shiny that they practically look wet.

5. Accessories

Get a few metal geometric bangles with clean and sleek lines and a lot of shine. Bracelets are a good bet—a big, gold or silver cuff can add instant elegance to a simple white shirt.

6. Shoes

Here’s one simple way to ‘step’ into 2011: high-heeled loafers. They’re a great addition to your work wardrobe: very professional, and with amazing ankle support when you’re on your feet the whole day.

7. Jeans and Slacks

Finally, a jeans trend that doesn’t assume that you’ve got perfect thighs: trouser jeans. This flattering cut has a higher waist (hiding the belly bulge) and can help your legs look thinner and longer. But, you have to wear heels with them.

8. Skirts

Another flattering trend: A-line, which gets fuller and longer this year. It’s very feminine and grown-up. The only downside? You also have to wear heels. (Just pamper your tired feet with a spa-quality foot treatment when you get home.)

Photo from mojansami.com