Summer wardrobe makeover (+win)

Stores such as Farmers and Ezibuy send fashion buyers to NY, London and Paris to check out the on-trend summer items. Photos / Michael Craig

It doesn't have to cost a fortune to get the catwalk looks of the summer season

Summer's here and it's time to overhaul the wardrobe - but how do you do it without breaking the bank?

If you love Gucci and Prada's latest styles but don't have the budget to swing their glossy bags, it might be time to get real.

Department stores such as Farmers and clothing store Ezibuy send fashion buyers to New York, London and Paris to check out the on-trend summer items.

Catwalk styles are tweaked for the New Zealand street and workwear market and sold for a fraction of the designer price.

Photo Gallery: Summer fashion

Image 1 of 14: The boxy top look as seen in the Alexander Wang Spring 2015 collection during NY Fashion Week. Photo / AP

Michelle Janke of Farmers said the best wardrobe update was to ban the all-black look and add some bright colour.

"Rose prints, florals and tropical are so popular, right from casual to formal and swimwear resort type wear," Janke said.

"Adding bright colour is the easiest way to update your wardrobe."

Key items include "jogger" pants with an ankle cuff in different fabrics and prints, boxy tops that skim the waistline and palm tree prints.

Cuffed pants could be dressed up with heels or with open-toe sandals or jandals for a more casual look.

Rebecca Hawthorn of Ezibuy said the kimono was one of the biggest trends to hit the catwalk this summer.

Cut off and print shorts, shift dresses and shirt dresses were easy to wear, along with the all-in-one ease of jumpsuits.

"Our team of buyers and designers travel to the US, London and Europe several times a season to gather inspiration from the high street and collections of international designers," Hawthorn said.

"We then filter this information to produce ranges specifically suited to our New Zealand and Australian customer base."

Can you get the catwalk look at a department store? We put it to the test.

Can't afford Oscar de la Renta's floral trend?

• Urban Precinct Cut Out Back Floral Dress, $89.99
• Xcesri Metal Mesh Purse, $24.99 (In store 8 December)
• Simple Strap Stiletto, $99.99

No cash for John Galliano tropical look?

• Urban Precinct Palm Print Crop Shell Top, $49.99
• Urban Precinct Palm Print Jogger Pant, $59.99
• Xcesri Contrast Chain Necklace, $29.99 (In store 10 November)
• Salucci Collection Simple Strap Stiletto, $99.99

Too broke for Gucci?

• Urban Precinct Anglaise Crop Top, $49.99
• Urban Precinct All Over Print Animal Jogger, $59.99
• Salucci Collection Simple Strap Stiletto, $99.99

White on white

• Whistle Pleat Sleeve Top, $34.99 (In store 29 December)
• Whistle Sheer Spot Skirt $59.99 (In store 1 December)
• Salucci Collection Buckled Block Heel, $79.99 (In store 1 December)

Night out

• Harlow Beaded Dress, $179.99
• Salucci Collection Simple Strap Stiletto, $99.99
• Xcesri Chandelier Diamante Earrings, $19.99 (In store 27 November)

Boxy top

• Harlow Sequin Boxy Top, $149.99
• Harlow Chiffon Side Split Pant, $129.99
• Salucci Collection Simple Strap Stiletto, $99.99

Win

The Herald on Sunday and Farmers have 10 $200 Farmers gift cards to make over your summer wardrobe. To enter, visit winwithheraldonsunday.co.nz, and enter your details along with the key word "fashion". Entries close 5pm Thursday October 30. Full terms and conditions are on our website.