Cheap chic; Perk up your wardrobe without giving your poor purse a pounding this season CREDIT CRUNCH CRISIS.

Byline: BY AMBER MORALES

THE shops are filling up with all the new season collections and your GWL (greedy want list) is getting longer by the second.

But most of us don't have a penny to spare - even for a trip to Primark. However, there are lots of clever ways to make sure you keep up to date with the fashions - and you'll only need a couple of quid to do it.

Celebrities have been shopping in second-hand stores for years, customising their outfits and swapping clothes with friends.

So what's stopping the rest of us from becoming one of the feted "frugalistas"? Here's how you can...

DON'T CHUCK IT OUT.. RECYCLE IT

WHEN the going gets tough, the greedy get crafty, and you'd be surprised what a few minor alterations can do to bring your wardrobe up to date.

You don't need to be good at sewing and you'll be in stylish company because even Victoria Beckham adapts her own clothes.

She was seen wearing a grey pinstripe waistcoat under her blazer and admitted it was David's, resized for her. Try this:

Army coats were all over the catwalk but you don't need to fork out for a new one. Some military style buttons are all you need to update an old jacket. John Lewis has a great selection starting at 40p, or raid your nearest army surplus store for some originals.

Supersize Carrie Bradshaw-style corsages are the easiest way to transform a boring dress. Freedom at Topshop has a range of sizes. There's no sewing involved and you can take it off when you're bored.

Making your own pussy-bow blouse couldn't be easier. All you need is an old blouse with a scarf tied around the neck and you're away. Tie Rack has a scarf in every colour and fabric from as little as pounds 5 but if you have an old one, even better.

Another way to hit this year's trends bang on is to take up an old pair of trousers. The fashion mags are writing about the new ankle-skimming length and all you need is a tape measure, some pins and a needle and thread.

Invest in some black Dylon dye (pounds 4.08 John Lewis and other department stores) for your old worn out grey jeans. This season's Goth trend is going to be huge.

CHARITY SHOP HUNTER

KATE Moss loves vintage and secondhand clothes and there's nothing that says "individual style" like a brilliant charity shop find.

The supermodel often steps out in dresses she's discovered at the back of the rack.

And now Oxfam is opening new boutique-style stores with clothes made from recycled materials. The first is in West London and there will be more next year.

You can even get clothes delivered from www.oxfam.org.uk.

And if you donate M&S clothes to Oxfam, you get a pounds 5 voucher for Marks's.

THE CLICK CLACK KNACK

IT'S not just your Nana who's into knitting these days, celebrities Geri Halliwell and Madonna are said to be hooked on the old-fashioned art.

And Stitch n Bitch groups aimed at younger women are springing up - see www.stitchnbitch.co.uk

But let's face it, grandma does usually know best, which is why pals at Age Concern in Brighton have started knitting again to beat rising fuel bills this winter.

Muriel Styles, 65, says: "I feel the cold a lot so I'm making a blanket to cover my legs and feet." We think it's a great idea.

SWAP TILL YOU DROP

THE biggest buzzword in fashion right now is "swapping".

The concept is simple... you offer up your fashion mistakes and swap them for something of a similar value. Sounds straightforward enough.

The best thing on offer when we tried www.whatsmineisyours.com was a pounds 400 Louis Vuitton bag. A fashion insider would call it an investment piece.

But there is still the small issue of the swap to consider. You would need to find something at the back of your wardrobe that you don't want, which happens to be worth 400 big ones. Suddenly it's not looking so simple. Thankfully there are some gems on www.bigwardrobe.com

A Laura Lee for Topshop top at pounds 32 looked good for this winter's deluxe hippy trend. There was also a black and white bo-ho style scarf for pounds 3, and a pair of silver peep toes valued at pounds 12. But best was a French Connection black and cream cut-out dress, (as worn by Cat Deeley, no less) valued at pounds 45.

Celeb swap backers include Lindsay Lohan, who said: "The concept of swapping clothes, getting something for nothing and refreshing your wardrobe appeals to everyone." Bang on Lo.

IF YOU SIMPLY MUST BUY IT NEW..

THIS season you could get away with investing in a few key classics that won't date and will withstand the test of time.

That old stand-by, the Little Black Dress, is a very clever buy that you can accessorise to work with most trends. A pair of colourful opaque tights is also a great cheap way to instantly update your look.

And what about a leather biker jacket, which will work over dresses, as well as jeans and skirts? You'll end up getting plenty of wear for your cash.

After that, well the rest is down to you.

But with so many cheap alternatives available to you, lack of money is the last thing getting in your way.

Where to buy: www.debenhams.com ; Freedom @ Topshop 01277 844476 ; www.johnlewis.com ; www.topshop.com The Button Queen 020 7935 1505; www.tkmaxx.com

CAPTION(S):

Cost.. 40p ON THE BUTTON The military look; Cost.. pounds 5 HAVE SOME FRONT With pussy bow; Cost.. pounds 0 IT'S A SNIP Take up your trousers; HIS 'N' HERS Posh in David's waistcoat; SECOND SENSE Kate; FLOWER POWER Transform that old frock; Cost.. pounds 5 SIZE MATTERS Carrie in Sex And The City movie; WOOLLY FOR HER Halliwell; Cost.. =pounds 45 CAT'LL DO NICELY Deeley's dress; Cost.. =pounds 32 BARGAIN Topshop top looks good; Cost.. =pounds 3 HAVING A SCARF Knock-down price; LO YES! Linds loves a swap