Outfit Under $50: Wet Seal by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

For a limited time only, take an additional 30% off all clearance at Wet Seal! That means you can get the entire outfit shown above for under $50 (if my math is correct, haha). This deal ends on 7/31, so act fast.

Every weekend I go through the same routine: What will I wear to dinner? What will I wear out dancing? And every weekend I end up wearing the same outfit: Jeans and a tank top with a black blazer. I don't feel cute or dressed up when I go out. Most of what I wear, I can get away with wearing during the day on a nice summer afternoon. I'm in need of serious fashion advice and tips on cute, classy, and trendy ideas on night life outfits and tops. What are some good outfits and where can I buy them? —JK

Ah yes, the jeans/tank top rut. Been there, done that (and still do it on occasion!) There's no harm wearing the tried-and-true if it makes you feel great, but you've admitted to feeling uncute, so, here are three completely new party outfits to help you break away from the boring. Consider this part one of my answer; in part two, I'll cover cute going-out tops that will breathe new life into your old jeans. And for more great outfit ideas, definitely check out the celebrity style section of my blog; I feature celebs mostly to show how their stylists piece together simple yet stylish ensembles, then I break it down for the budget-babe set.

Now, on to the outfits!

1. Dresses. One piece and you're done. Well, almost. You will of course need to shave and you will need shoes—possibly jewelry and a matching handbag—but other than that: One piece, and you're done.

2. Short shorts. Swap your jeans for chic black shorts and add a loose-fitting top that covers the waist, yet still allows you to see the shorts underneath, lest onlookers wonder, "Is she wearing any pants?"

3. Skirt + tank top. There's a skirt shape to flatter every figure; pick yours in a bright hue or stylish print and pair it with a simple, solid tank (or tee if you'd prefer to cover some arm).

Where to shop for "going-out" clothes on a budget:

• 
  Aldo
  


• 
  Arden B.
  


• 
  Charlotte Russe
  


• 
  Express
  


• 
  Forever 21
  


• 
  GoJane.com
  


• 
  Lulus.com
  


• 
  Target
  


• 
  Torrid
  


• 
  Wet Seal
  

I am relocating this month to San Francisco from Washington, DC. Can you suggest what a young, mid-20-something girl needs to survive in the Bay Area for the upcoming climate change. I'm at a loss! —Hal

In San Francisco, as in any large city, you'll need comfortable walking shoes especially with all the steep hills. They are no joke! I'd recommend a comfortable cross-body bag or messenger bag for this reason, too.

Say bye-bye to the heat and humidity of D.C. (something I got experience during a summer-long internship). I've never lived in San Francisco but I remember the weather was beautiful in the summertime, albeit a tad unpredictable and much cooler than I had expected. Layering is essential, so always carry a cardigan, jean jacket, or blazer, especially in the evenings.

The whole San Francisco vibe is more conservative than say, L.A., but equally stylish in its own way. Lots of earth tones and comfortable urban trekkers who look smart and chic because they match their environment, so to speak. In a sense, this is good because you're moving from D.C. so with a few tweaks, you'll be blending-in in no time.

Below are 3 affordable outfit ideas to inspire you. Now I'll turn it over to my savvy readers: What will Hal need in her wardrobe for her move to San Francisco? If you live in SF, we'd love to hear your input.

Bring summer into the office with light and airy pieces.

A relaxed yet pulled-together look for dinner at a nice-ish restaurant.

A cute and sporty look for running errands around the city.

I have a dress similar to this one (at right). Almost exact same color (called currant) and the material is cotton/sateen. I really need help with what color shoes and what types of accessories to go with this dress. —Adri

From fire-engine red to burgundy, all shades of red dresses look smashing with black accessories. You could pair your dress with this season's fierce, strappy heels for a modern look or find some elegant D'Orsay heels or peep-toe pumps to play up the ladylike feel of your dress. The choice is yours. Add a black clutch or small shoulder bag, a piece or two of jewelry in either gold or silver (match the hardware on the purse for foolproof coordination), and you're all set. Try adding further contrast with ebony onyx or black-lacquer jewelry.

Here are some hand-picked accessories that I'd consider pairing with your dress; everything's $45 or less!