The 5 Accessories You Need This Spring

Switching up your wardrobe this spring will be a head-to-toe transition. But you don’t have to spend a ton of money on new clothes. Update your look using accessories with bright colors, fun embellishments and interesting textures to take your look from bundled-up-boring to fun and flirty just in time for spring.

Joyas

Now that you’re no longer covered up in bulky sweaters, long sleeves and turtlenecks, make the switch to unique, larger bib and choker necklaces, and colorful geometric bangle bracelets like those seen on the Chanel runways. For still-cool days, necklaces and bracelets can be layered over jackets and cuffs. While the desire to pile on the accessories may be tempting, try to stick to one statement piece per look.

Zapatos

Whether you prefer heels or flats, spring shoes are prettying up los pies. Have fun with fringe, feathers and floral footwear designs that work well with a neutral dress, like those seen at Narciso Rodriguez and Candela. For the early days of spring, cutout sandals are a great option for keeping feet semi-covered.

Bolsos

Clutches are a big trend this season, in styles from the envelope clutch to the snap clutch. Look for bright colors or color blocking, as well as prints such as plaid and floral, like those seen at Christian Louboutin. For women in need of a carryall (calling all madres!), soft and squishy oversized bags are a great option for holding everything without feeling weighed down.

Gafas de Sol

The great sunglasses rule: always keep a classic black pair and mix it up with colorful, oversized shades like those seen on the runways of Rachel Zoe and Jeremy Scott. Mirror-like lenses are also definitely trending (and perfect for hiding those late-night circles in a flash).

Scarves

Ditch the heavy wool neck scarves and pick up light headscarves in silk or chiffon. Brightly colored print scarves are a trendy way to update an ordinary hairstyle, as they’re being wrapped in a bun, braided, or worn functionally in a turban -- perfect for shielding hair from el sol.

Five Ways to Spruce Up Your Home This Season

Knee-deep in spring-cleaning? This may be the right time to not only tidy up, but makeover your home too with some spring style. Color changes and unique accessories can make a facelift easy and inexpensive.

Reuse, recycle and rearrange

The most simple and low-cost way to update a room in your home is to rearrange the furniture. Move sofas closer to the windows or place sitting chairs at an angle to give a room new life. Switch up pillows and throws throughout the house by changing what room you use them in and update photo frames with new family pictures from the year. The best part: It’s all free!

Accessorize with pops of color

Swap neutrals and dark tones for lively robin-egg blue, bright yellow or bold red. “One pop of these colors in artwork or a lamp always brightens a room,” says Vanessa De Vargas, owner of the interior design firm Turquoise. Make an old piece new again, such as a side table, with spray-paint. “These personal items become conversation pieces that tell a special story.”

Bring in patterns

Instantly update multiple rooms by swapping heavy, dark linens for light fabrics. “Brighten a sofa with colorful patterned throw pillows; place a patterned blanket over the arm of your sofa or end of the bed; and use colorful striped towels in the bathroom for a clean resort look,” says De Vargas. Lastly, trade dark drapes for bright shades, which will add luz and warmth to a room.

Paint an accent wall

Painting an accent wall in a main room of your home is the perfect statement-making, yet inexpensive update. “If you want to think a little outside the box, stencil a design against the back wall of your dining room.”