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

The Trend: Who's-That-Lady Suits

Adam Says: The new suit isn't buttoned up. It's youthful, nonchalant, even a bit casual, as if you tossed on a jacket over a sexy blouse and then found a coordinating (not matching) skirt. Tweed and bouclé, traditionally fall fabrics, are making an off-season comeback. Sweet colors lighten the mood; lace, appliqué, and floral details provide a romantic finish. These suits fit in at work, dinner, or a special occasion.

The New Rules of Suiting

Instead of: a to-the-knee skirt
Why not try: a short skirt or mini (if you've got the legs)

Instead of: tucking in your blouse
Why not try: leaving its hem intentionally exposed

Instead of: a matched set
Why not try: similar textures (nubby bouclé jacket with a flat-weave tweed skirt)

Instead of: pronounced shoulders
Why not try: a soft knit blazer or cardigan

Instead of: Easter egg pastels
Why not try: grayed-down shades, like dusty rose or mauve

Instead of: predictable pearl strands and button earrings
Why not try: an over-the-top necklace and no earrings

Instead of: matching your bag and shoes
Why not try: a streamlined bag with a fun shoe (or vice versa)

Proper, Not Prim: Put a modern twist on an old classic—softer shapes and a heathered palette help revitalize the tweed suit.

Left: Jacket, Rebecca Taylor, $450. Shell, Herchcovitch; Alexandre, $425. Skirt, New York & Company, $40. Shoes, Edmundo Castillo. Right: Jacket, $1,750, shirt, $475, skirt, $1,350, and belt, Proenza Schouler. Shoes, Pierre Hardy.