Seven spring fashion must-haves to buy now and wear later under $100

The first step is setting the clocks forward. Leaving the office before sunset sparks that delicious first-taste-of-spring feeling that only gets better as we get closer to the goal: summer. Boots get stored away, sweaters move to higher shelves. Closets are assessed; does your wardrobe need a spring awakening? The following are seven very important pieces to invest in, inspired by the Spring 2011 runways. If you're super impatient, like I am, you can incorporate them into your rotation now using the styling below, or just wait 'til the weather finally turns, like the more civilized members of our society.


White lace mini dress

Wear it now with: a chunky cardigan layered under a military or leather jacket
and crocheted black tights. Finish with leather ankle boots.



Wear it later with: metallic platform espadrilles, shoulder-dusting earrings and a
swipe of watermelon-hued lipstick.






Statement patterned skirt

Wear it now with: a cropped black sweater, black tights, and strappy velvet
stilettos.

Wear it later with: a slim-fitting, tucked-in striped tank in a contrast color like hot
pink or orange-y red (trust me! mixing patterns and colors is HUGE for spring --
you're so Prada, darling!), and finish with structured heels in a similar color family.







Bold color shift

Wear it now with: over-the-knee socks and brown leather
oxfords, and a 60's-inspired patterned swing coat.

Wear it later with: a pair of worn-leather flat sandals and an over-sized pair of
sunglasses.








Light wash high-waisted flare denim

Wear them now with: a silk button-down top, suede platform boots, a trench and
a structured handbag.

Wear them later with: a featherweight tank, a long gold necklace, bright platform sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat.








Chunky platform sandals

Wear them now with: tights, a belted, printed dress, and a great leather
motorcycle jacket.

Wear them later with: high-waisted shorts, a tucked-in, printed silk top, and a
stack of resin bangles on each arm.





Slouchy, lightweight menswear blazer

Wear it now with: low-slung, slouchy black trousers and a brown leather belt, a
silky tank and skinny heels.

Wear it later with: a super-girly floral mini dress and the same skinny heels.









Japanese-inspired Obi belt

Wear it now with: a long-sleeve, scoop-neck maxi dress, light brown stiletto boots,
and a cropped leather jacket.

Wear it later with: a summer-weight shirt dress and wedges.