How to Pull Off Spring's Best Fashion Trends on Any Budget

Adam's Bright Ideas for the Color Shy

Think Simple
Start by adding one bold thing: Put a green belt with a denim shirtdress, and voilà—you're color-mixing! Pick brights or patterns, not both. To look taller and leaner, go monochromatic.

White is Right
Gray, khaki, and white especially help unite diverse shades. (I have an aversion to black with brights; you always end up looking like a bumblebee, or the Great Pumpkin.)

Mix It Up
I love patterned heels or a matches-nothing handbag—in an instant, they can give an otherwise simple outfit a hit of personality.

Peep-toe pump, Enzo Angiolini, $89. Snakeskin belt, Beirn, $265. Chain-strap purse, Tory Burch, $265. Beaded necklace, Circa Sixty Three, $725. Dip-dyed cotton scarf, Express, $35.