We asked Mazeau what she would buy to freshen up last year's spring clothes if she had just $100 to spend. Her choice would be bold jewelry. "The woman's version of a man's tie." Other accessories that might do the trick, according to Fischelis, would be any brightly colored shoe or purse, particularly in patent.
An alternative might be something with an unexpected bit of shimmer, said Mazeau, like a blouse with metallic threads or Bermuda shorts with a little shot of shine.
Up the budget to $300, and she would add a trench coat in a bright color (J.Crew has one in persimmon with a ruffle) and a patent leather shoe, either a heel or a ballet flat.
Glover of Frugal-Fashionista, if she had a $100 budget this spring, would focus on a bright jacket or top - one that could be paired with last season's jeans - and a print shift dress that could be dressed up or down.
And $300? "I'd add a ruffled blouse or dress; a thin belt to add polish to sweaters and tops, white pants or jeans; and a safari-inspired khaki or army green skirt to the mix."
On the other hand, Nicole Phelps, executive editor at Style.com, would start with a new pair of jeans because they are such a uniform for so many women. (There's a chance you might have the ones she's talking about in your closet already. )
"It really is a new look," she said, "the wide leg or flare worn with high heels."
Put away the low-rise jeans for now; the trendiest fit is at the waist. You no longer have to go to the department store designer denim bars to find them. Lots of stores have high-waisted, wide-leg jeans by now.
In fact, wide-leg pants of any kind are a savvy fashion purchase this season.
Fischelis, when asked the $100 budget question, chose a jacket with a cropped sleeve - preferably in a bright color.
"An urban safari jacket never goes out of style," she said.
But when we gave her $300 to work with, she said she would add a pretty blouse and wide-leg pants to the mix.
Tom Julian, director of trends at McCann Erickson, a global advertising agency based in New York City, felt $100 should cover a white blouse, shirt dress or coat dress, and an A-line skirt.
"This staple [the shirt or coat dress] can act as a fashion piece inspired by travel, military or safari fashion influences," said Julian. "From Target to Old Navy, the dress is a good investment. Women can also wear it layered with a camisole and jeans."
