I don’t know about you, but I am oh-so ready for spring and all the trends in clothing and accessories that go with the new season. Vogue covered the latest go-big-or-go-home looks in their spring cheat sheet, with top-trending huge earrings in everything from tough-chick chic chain links to Arte Nouveau-inspired shoulder dusters and only-her-jeweler knows rocks. Bags are bold and out there and there’s no size too large or too small. Stylecaster notes ten trends to watch that cover everything from 60’s groovy to pajama inspired looks, though the 80’s gold leather disco pants honestly look kind of weird, and when we say that orange is the new black, it’s the real thing! Now, if only you could afford it all on a less-than-a-Kardashian budget.
Have no fear! Rather than suffer and sigh as you click through the fashion blogs, there are a few tricks to getting the look without the loot. Here are a few tips on getting that high fashion wardrobe with a lot of savvy, using a little bit of compromise, and still being able to eat something aside from ten for $10 ramen noodles.
Six Spring 2016 Accessory Trends To Add to Your Closet:
Bags - Yes, it’s still all about the bag. And, yes, they’re still a huge cash splash for anyone who’s not pocketing a big paycheck. You can hunt out acceptable look-for-less bags, or temp your bags by renting through BagBorrowSteal – they also sell gently used bags – or even put something on layaway at FashionPhile. Yes, layaway is still a thing, and you won’t have to give it back or pay interest if you don’t need the instant gratification of That Bag. Sometimes a little delayed gratification makes getting your hands on what you want feel ever so good.
Belts - Belts are not bags, and that is a good thing for your wallet. However, there are very few things that pull a look together as definitively as a belt. You do not need to match completely, but coordinated and on point is good! Fashion belts are not as expensive as fine leather goods, and it’s possible to find really good deals in resale boutiques and consignment shops either locally or online. Also look for unique pieces by local leather workers, and rock something unique.
Jewelry - When you’re looking for fine jewelry or costume pieces, a flash sales site such as DailySale can be your best friend for women’s jewelry. In a fast turnover retail world, deals fly by on these sites, so signing up and keeping tabs can put some fun sparkles in your jewelry wardrobe for a lot less than retail. Make the time to browse at least once a day in your favorite categories and pick up that killer piece that puts you over the top.
Scarves - Skinny scarves are the spring thing, in a variety of materials and looks. If you’re crafty, you can make your own signature pieces, but if you’re seeking some runway swank you need to be at peace with parting with that paycheck for not all that much. You might be better off doing look-for-less on these accessories, and save the bucks for a bigger bang item.
Shoes - This would be the bigger bang item. You cannot fake the shoes. You must have the shoes. Now, you can get away with some classics that work with multiple outfits, you can build a whole wardrobe that works with one pair of black pumps, right? That being said, they better be some killer pumps. Unfortunately, most of what you’re going to find on sale is last season. You’re going to have stalk various retailers and other sources, or buy used when the fashionistas recycle their wardrobes.
Sunglasses - Designer sunglasses look-for-less models hit the stores five minutes after the last model leaves the runway. For people without prescriptions or who wear contacts, buying sunglasses is easy; you pick up a pair and put them on your face. For people who need corrective lenses, the cost of frames might not be a deal breaker, but those lenses can put you back in the aforementioned ten for $10 ramen territory. However, to get the look and still be able to navigate, point your browser at ZenniOptical.com, WarbyParker.com, or GlassesUSA.com, and get your glasses and sunglasses made for much less than you’d have to pay at your regular retail optician’s. With the money you save, you can build a wardrobe of glasses, and even have them re-lensed as your prescription changes.
Pulling a look together is all about the accessories, and your personal look-book should be full of fashion fixes that can update your classics, or make your latest and greatest into a WWD-worthy look. Yes, you can do it without busting the budget, or even making much of a dent. You’d be amazed at what you can find online that’s solid quality and at a great price!
So what spring 2016 accessory trends are you desiring this season?

Thanks for this! I’ve been needing to update my wardrobe for spring like Whoah and (as always) not wanting to spend a fortune! This is super helpful!!!
Great post!!! This spring, I’m super into sunglasses. I find cheap $5 that I love! But sometimes I really want to splurge on a designer pair but I can’t afford that right now.
Chelsea recently posted..5 Ways Non-Bloggers Can Support Their Blogging Friends
This is a great post! I feel like every Spring I want to update my entire wardrobe- accessories and all! Love these ideas for saving because I hate spending a ton on trendy items each year!
These are great tips for sprucing up your wardrobe for Spring! I recently picked up some neutral shoes that I can style with everything this spring!
xo Ashley
Accessories definitely have the power to make an outfit - and like you say, they don’t have to cost the earth. I am addicted to sunglasses…I have too many pairs but I love them all!
These are great tips. I love shopping at the beginning of every season for new things and I love the idea of doing it for less.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Allison Jones recently posted..More Than a Wifey
Yes to sunglasses! You can never have too many and they always make you look a bit more polished without breaking the bank.
I love wearing scarves all year round — that’s probably my favorite accessory.
Never heard of BagBorrowSteal! Such a great idea!