Cheap designer clothes? That is an oxymoron. Or is it?

Every cloud has a silver lining. In this recession filled with doom and gloom, the silver lining is that businesses are so desperate to get people to buy their things that they cut their prices. It is discount galore everywhere. The designer dress you normally would not be able to afford has been discounted now goes at half price -- priced within your reach. This is the time you can get the designer stuff you love at prices you can afford.

Even then, choose carefully. Pick key items which not only update your wardrobe this season, they would stay in style for years to come. Invest in classics. The summer dress is a must. Make it a timeless cut, like a sheath dress or a halter dress. A great pair of shorts is another summer 2009 classic which will be in vogue in future summers too. Get clothes you will actually wear all the time, which will form the backbone of your wardrobe.

The appeal of some of the most expensive designer lines lie in their exclusivity. Hence not all designer brands are willing to offer their clothes at drastically lower prices. At least not this season's clothes anyway. Yet you can get their look by these designers at a much more affordable price.

Enter diffusion lines. These are typically younger lines, by the same designers, but at more affordable prices. This is possible through the use of cheaper fabrics and designs that require less labour. Younger lines made for younger customers who have not reached their earning potential yet. Spin-offs, so to speak. These cheaper lines carry the DNA of the main line, but are priced for the younger crowd. Prada has Miu Miu while Gianni Versacehas Versace Jeans Couture. Most designer lines have cheaper spin-offs that let you taste designer fashion at a fraction of the cost of the main line.

If it is the main line you covet, you can also go for clearance sales, where last season's outfits go at a fraction of the original retail prices. No doubt, these are leftovers in a way, but often, the ones left are the odd sizes that fit few women. If you are one of those few, then you are in luck. You can get a designer wardrobe at a steal.

Go for timeless pieces that are more or less the same year after year. Get the trench coat, classic sunglasses, pencil skirts. You know. The clothes that will always be in vogue. Avoid too trendy colors. Stick to neutrals like black and navy. And colors that make you look fabulous.

If you are slim enough, go for the must-have summer color that is hot this summer and will continue to sizzle for many summers to come. White. Get a little white dress, this season's staple, in a cut that flatters you.

Check out the sales that are going on everywhere and the recession will turn out to the sunniest period for the smart fashionistica.