Hot Little Numbers

Where to splurge—and where to skimp—when buying into trends for spring.

By Rachel Baker

Bright-hued extras pack a lot of punch. Avoid an overdose by rotating a selection of cheapies. Scarf, $58, French Connection; sunglasses, $14, Urban Outfitters; belt, $85, Reiss; earrings, $4.90, H&M; wallet, $38, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Hats and headbands lend an of-the-moment twist. But since the moment won't last, don't spend too much on them. Eugenia Kim fedora, $240, and Jennifer Behr headband, $70, both Intermix.

Jeans in a range of shades can go much dressier than blue. Ksubi teal jeans, $220, Riccardi; Red Engine white jeans, $158, Injeanius; Raven Denim gray jeans, $208, Mint Julep.

A chestnut or tan carry-all brings earthy flavor to the season's bright palette and transitions easily into autumn. Leather tote, $650, Barneys New York.

More sophisticated than your old denim, a shrunken jacket in a vibrant hue will serve as a layering mainstay through fall. Lida Baday jacket, $795, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Worn with flat sandals for day or strappy heels for evening, floral and geometric patterned dresses are flattering and modern. In other words, these are not Mrs. Roper's muumuus. C. P. Company dot dress, $525, Tess & Carlos; Vena Cava hexagon-print silk dress, $415, Dress.

Gladiator sandals and open-toe booties provide cool, if fleeting, edge. Sandals, $79, and booties, $89, both Nine West.

Originally published in Boston magazine, April 2008