Spring is quickly approaching, and we all want to look new and fresh to match the coming season. However, it is difficult for broke college students to buy new clothes for each new season. If you can’t buy everything, just stick to purchasing a few key pieces that you can wear over and over by pairing with different items that you probably already own. Here are four key items that you need in your closet for spring.

A striped top

A striped shirt is a classic item that will never go out of style. This basic top is so easy to work into any outfit. First, try pairing it with a long skirt for an elegant look. Add a pop of color to the outfit by adding a bright pair of pumps that will amp up the basic look of the stripped shirt. Throw on a vest over the stripped top for a casual layered look. Finally, mix up the prints. Pair the stripped shirt with a patterned skirt for a retro look.

A neon skirt

Try pairing the neon skirt with an oversized sweatshirt for a cute, casual look. If the neon skirt is lime green or bright yellow, pair it with other shades of green. For a top, use an emerald or Kelly green for a monochromatic look. Add an oxford button up for a hip but professional look that you could wear to work.

A printed dress

First, add a denim jacket over a printed dress for a classic spring look. Try adding a belt, tights and heels for a fun night out. Pair a tailored blazer with the dress for a pretty work-day look. For a rainy spring day, add a turtleneck underneath the dress for a layered, warm look.

A simple cardigan

Wear a mini skirt with the cardigan for a flirty look without showing too much skin. Pair the cardigan with shorts for those days that are just a little bit colder. Button the cardigan all the way up and tuck into a skirt for a cute, girly, date night look. Finally, pair with jeans and flats for an easy-going layered look.

There are lots of other ways to wear these four great pieces. Mix things up by going through your closet to create your own unique outfits. Fashion is not always about having the latest designer items, but about being smart and having quality items that you can mix and match all year round.

— Lilly

Cardigan photo by Talis Bergmanis | MCT
Other photos by Lilly

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Have something you think deserves a shout out on Editor’s Pick? Leave it in the comments section, then check back next week to see if it made the cut!

We’ve had a pretty weak winter so far, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had to wear our layers and pea coats. I don’t know about you, but for me that means a lot of black and white. Spring is on its way, and this year I’m vowing to mix it up with some bright, standout pieces.

The first piece I’m absolutely obsessed with is this Adia Kibur Silver & Neon Chain Link Necklace. It’s pricey at $144, but looks so fun! Granted, I doubt many of us want to shell out nearly $150 for a necklace, but I can’t find a suitable cheap alternative — if you find one, leave it in the comment section below! I also found this neon and chain bracelet, also by Adia Kibur, for a much more affordable $42!

I’m hoping chain link necklaces are going to become more popular this spring. Shefinds.com did a feature on chain link necklaces for spring, so they have an even larger selection (although none are much cheaper).

Some of my other picks are these H&M neon jeans for only $24.95. H&M happens to be one of my favorite stores, and these pants come in pink, yellow, green, orange and blue. They also come in a snakeskin pattern, but I’ve never been a fan of snakeskin.

Following this solid-neon trend is Urban Outfitters’ Neon Open Weave Scarf. These lightweight scarves are only $24 and come in neon green and pink. Although winter months are usually scarf weather, I have some lightweight ones that I wear year round. You can never have too many scarves, right?

My next pick is also from Urban Outfitters. The BB Dakota Gail Printed Tank is a little pricey at $69, but it’s really bright, fun and the perfect way to standout this spring. I love wearing loud tank tops with my solid black maxi skirt during spring, and I think this could be a really great pick. It’s usually pretty easy to find colorful, standout tanks as the weather gets warmer, so give them a try!

My final, probably simplest way, to stand out this spring is through your sunglasses. I absolutely love my bright red Ray Bans, and the company has taken the original Wayfarer and turned it into a fun pattern with these multicolor shades. Again, they are $160, but mine have lasted me four years so far, and are worth every penny. However, sunglasses are another item that every store carries, so finding a fun, inexpensive pair should be no problem.

These are just a few of the ways I hope to standout this spring. How do you transition your wardrobe from winter to spring? Leave me a comment below and see if your suggestions make it to our next Editor’s Pick!

—Lindsy

Photo: J Brand jeans courtesy of J Brand/MCT

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