And 5 you kinda might want to shell out for
It’s officially March, which means we’re one month closer to glorious spring. Awesome. What’s not awesome? The ton of cash we all want to drop on a new season’s wardrobe. Luckily, you don’t have to, so long as you shop spring’s most fun trends responsibly, with a little help from our handy guide. Here’s where it’s best to save (and then where it’s actually better to spend).
SINCERELY, JULES
SAVE ON: EMBELLISHED FLAT SANDALS
Pom-poms. Tassels. Fringe. This season is all about crazy-fun footwear. But will you wear them enough to justify taking out a second mortgage? Probably not. Go ahead and add a bright and playful pair to your closet, but look to the wealth of cheap-o options first.
Get the look: ASOS ($48); Aldo ($63); Eathini ($78)
NATALIE OFF DUTY
SAVE ON: SKINNY SCARVES
You don’t have to pair your skinny scarf with a loudly printed suit per se, but it is a great way to inject a little ’70s edge into an everyday ensemble. Plus, since it’s basically just a thin strip of fabric, chances are it won’t break the bank.
Get the look: Topshop ($10); Express ($15); Nasty Gal ($18)
FASHION AGONY
SPLURGE ON: RAW EDGE DENIM
It was a sad day when we discovered that spending more on denim really is worth it--but that’s just because pricey jeans last longer and the fit is far superior. So, OK, not that sad. This season go for those tough raw-hem joints to pair with your dainty heels. Heads will turn.
Get the look: Current/Elliott ($208); Mother ($218); 3x1 ($235)
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SONG OF STYLE
SAVE ON: BELL SLEEVES
What looks great with your fancy new jeans? A statement blouse. You can cut a few corners on this high-trend but casual style because, frankly, every mall store will have one.
Get the look: Forever 21 ($20); Urban Outfitters ($30); Akira ($60)
GARY PEPPER GIRL
SPLURGE ON: OFF-THE-SHOULDER TOPS
Off-the-shoulder tops have been hot for a few seasons (and will be for a few more), so you’re probably going to get a good amount of use out of this bad boy, especially if in a neutral color. It might be worth it to spend a little extra to snag one that will go the distance.
Get the look: Free People ($128); Emerson Thorpe ($245); Tibi ($295)
BISOUS NATASHA
SAVE ON: SNEAKERS
Praise the gods of comfort for this one. Clean white sneakers can be paired with virtually anything, and with many pairs costing under $100, they’re the least expensive shoe statement you can make.
Get the look: Converse ($50); Superga ($65); Adidas ($75)
THE FASHION GUITAR
SPLURGE ON: HEELED MULES
Unlike the embellished flat sandals before, this style requires a bit of quality--mostly for walkability. To get the most bang for your buck, stick to a simpler, more classic pair that you can wear again and again. And we promise you will for a few seasons to come.
Get the look: Tibi ($485); Gucci ($595); Mansur Gavriel ($625)
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THE BLONDE SALAD
SPLURGE ON: BACKPACKS
Material matters, especially when it comes to leather. Spend a little on an on-trend knapsack to ensure that you’ll still love wearing it years down the line.
Get the look: Cambridge Satchel Company ($235); Rebecca Minkoff ($345); Rag & Bone ($595)
WE WORE WHAT
SAVE ON: CHOKERS
Fun, costume-y jewelry is one category where you can pretty much always go cheaper, price-wise. Look for plain metals instead of necklaces with stones--which are usually dead giveaways that a piece is fake. Just be cautious of not going too cheap, lest you’d like a green neck with that.
Get the look: Madewell ($28); Urban Outfitters ($34); Stella Valle for Target ($35)
SONG OF STYLE
SAVE ON: STATEMENT EARRINGS
Same goes for statement earrings, which you can definitely get away with spending less money on.
Get the look: Adia Kibur ($22); Vanessa Mooney ($40); J.Crew ($48)
SPLURGE ON: PAJAMA DRESSING
Paired with jeans or a skirt alike, a pajama top surprisingly looks more chic than slept-in. And it’s one of spring’s most ladylike trends. Since this little number can pull double duty during the day and at night, treat yourself to something in a luxurious, high-quality fabric.