Pick silk/cotton blends like this Love 21 dotted top for breathable summer style that's affordable, too.

Here at The Budget Babe, I often focus on the way things look because the last time I checked, the internet does not yet allow for the sense of "touch" to be explored (or at least, not the way I'd want to explore it as it relates to fashion!) But of course one of the most important aspects of fashion is the way clothing feels against our skin and the way it moves, stretches and breathes when we wear it.

In the winter, I'm drawn to warm wool or cashmere blends for their unique heat-trapping, moisture-wicking properties. And after a few warm days here in New England, including this past Memorial Day, I'm beginning to think silk/cotton blends may just be my favorite type of fabric for warm-weather attire. I have a blouse from H&M that's 70% cotton, 30% silk and it is the lightest, breeziest blouse in my closet right now.

Despite the 3/4 length sleeves, it's cooler than the skimpiest tank top. It's infinitely more sophisticated and dressier than a basic cotton tee (which I also adore but one can't live in t-shirts alone), it washes well (I go for cold water, delicate wash to be on the safe side) and it was excessively affordable at just under $30.

Ladies, my advice to you when shopping for summer tops and blouses:

• Read those tags! Avoid 100% polyester altogether which will make you sweat and just feels icky in hot weather.
  


• Look for silk/cotton blends: I even saw silk/cotton blend tops at Kmart over the weekend! They're out there, even for budget shoppers.
  


• Use your sense of touch: Feel the garment to gauge the softness. Scrunch it (gently) to see how well it resists wrinkles. Another great summer fabric is linen but it wrinkles like mad, so I tend to look for linen/cotton blends which are slightly softer and won't wrinkle as readily as pure linen.
  


• Think silk for day or night: Don't pass up a silk blouse just because you think it's too dressy. This fabric's perfect for work and casual, everyday style too.

Be as selective about how your summer clothing feels as it looks and you'll love each piece that much more. Get started by browsing this small selection of cheap chic silk/cotton blend tops from around the web:

What to Wear: Spring/Summer Graduation by The Budget Babe featuring Old Navy

I've received a few requests from students who are looking for graduation outfit ideas, so here's one fashion formula that might work for you: Start with a smart-casual or semi-formal strapless dress that hits at or just above the knee. Colorblocking is really popular right now, and this particular dress seems to capture this trend in a tasteful, flattering way. Then, top with a lightweight cardigan in a complimentary color. You can wear black to a graduation but I think lighter colors or white are especially fun and celebratory for daytime occasions such as this. If you're suffocating under a gown, keep the cardigan off. When the rents take you out to a nice lunch afterwards, you'll have something to keep your shoulders covered at the restaurant. The strapless dress is sexy enough for saying goodbyes to all the guys, but prim and proper enough for the proud parentals who will be hovering nearby. Cute heels (make sure you can walk in them for a few hours), a clutch and pearls finish the look. And perhaps the most important part, which can't be overlooked, is that all items shown above are guaranteed to fit any graduate's budget.

Like what you see? Click the image for details on any of the items shown.

The right undergarments lay a solid foundation for sexy summer styles.

Summertime means lots of light colors, light fabrics and skin-baring styles, which means you need an entirely different set of underwear for warm-weather fashion than you do for fall and winter. Of course the most cost effective thing to do is always buy quality camis, bras, and panties in a color that matches your skintone which you can wear year round, worry-free. But if you're like me and you love colorful undergarments, just pick up some affordable flesh-tone items at places like Target that you can wear all summer long.

Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll need:

• 
  Flesh-tone bras: Not white, not ivory, not black but flesh-tone bras are a requirement for tank tops, semi-sheer blouses and revealing dresses. Your bra should not be visible. We all slack off from time to time, especially with tank tops (who wants to wear a strapless bra all the time), so at least if your bra-strap slips, it'll "match" your skin.


• 
  Flesh-tone bikini underwear: Whether you're wearing a white dress, skirt, slacks or shorts, you will absolutely need to have flesh-tone panties underneath. Again, the objective is to make sure your panties are invisible. Bikinis have a lower rise, so they won't creep up past your waistline, especially with low-rise jeans.


• 
  Flesh-tone thongs: Seamless bikinis are appropriate for most situations but definitely stock up on flesh-tone thongs for those occasions when you'll be wearing a clingy dress or white trousers. Can't have that panty line showing, ladies!


• 
  Flesh-tone slip: Bet you haven't worn one of these babies in ages! The last time I went looking for one, I couldn't even find a single slip at the mall—thought they had gone extinct—but they are really a necessity. Why? Today's cheap-chic skirts are often unlined and made from cheap fabrics that turn transparent when so much as a light is turned on. A slip will ensure you're not showing the whole world your lady parts and that your skirts drape nicely and don't bunch up (another unfortunate reality with cheaper fabrics). The good news: You can get a simple short slip at Target for under $10 (I saw them on my last visit) that will even fit under minis.


• 
  Breast Petals: When you're going braless, these are essential for keeping people focused on your beautiful face, if you know what I mean.


• 
  Backless Strapless Bra: As the name suggests, these bras defy gravity for those times you are wearing a backless, strapless dress. They're not the most comfortable things in the world but they do work.


• 
  An assortment of white, black and flesh-tone camis, tank tops and tube tops: Look for cotton/spandex blends that breathe and stretch, seamless if possible. You'll be reaching for these all summer long. Plunging sundress? Wear it over a white tank. White blouse? Wear it over a flesh-tone cami. Sheer blouse? Style it over a black tube top. You get the picture.

Photo credit: LuckyMag.com

I recently received an email from a reader who scored a vintage Ralph Lauren navy boyfriend blazer (so jealous!), and she needed some inspiration for ways to wear it that would be appropriate for interning at an art museum this summer. What a fun question! Here's what I came up with... I took the liberty of styling these outfits around a crested blazer but of course, any navy blazer would work equally as well. How would you wear a navy boyfriend blazer?

[1] Pleated cropped-pants with a slouch fit look sharp when paired with a structured crested blazer. A simple yet modern white top and peep-toe ankle boots finish the look.

I have been invited to spend a week this summer at a timeshare in Maui with my Aunt, Uncle, and their two kids (4 and 1). My mom and brother will be going as well. I am 19 and have never been to Hawaii. A luau could possibly be in the itinerary, along with various sightseeing, shopping, and days at the beach/pool. I have no idea what to pack, besides the obvious bikini, of course. I need help packing things that will be a mix of comfort, style, and fit for the occasion. Please help! —Melanie, Lexington, KY

I was fortunate enough to travel to Maui in the summer of '06, so I have a pretty good idea of what you should pack. Our days were sort of split between daytime activities, which included a lot of hiking and high-adventure activities, and our nighttime activities, which included lots of fun fine-dining, dancing and partying at luaus.

Pack loose-fitting cotton tees, distressed-denim shorts and comfortable sandals for taking in Maui's sights in style.