How to get the hottest spring fashions on a budget

With spring finally upon us, fashion connoisseurs everywhere have been clamoring to make sure they’re shopping for the most wearable trends for their 2015 spring wardrobe. Can’t afford the hottest looks fresh off the runway in Paris, New York City and Milan? Worry not (neither can 90% of us teenagers!): I present you with the best of spring 2015’s fashion trends, and where to find them — without breaking the bank.

Shirt dresses:

This classic look has been reimagined by designers this season: asymmetrical hemlines, bold prints, button downs, and the ever popular high slit were incorporated into shirt dress looks on the spring runway. However, they can be found in a more wearable and affordable capacity in your favorite stores. They’re comfortable, cute, and are an easy go-to outfit; pair your shirt dress with tights and chic ankle boots and for a stylish look on a cool spring day.

H&M, $17 vs. Marc Jacobs Spring 2015 Women’s collection on the runway at New York Fashion Week

Polo-style shirts:

Prepare to channel your inner prep this season with a wide range of cute colored polo tops inspired by designers like Alexander Wang and Ralph Lauren. Sporty and fun, they tend to flatter your waistline and are an easy way to spruce up a plain outfit. Pair a polo with your favorite jeans and tie the look together with some sweet and simple flats or tennis shoes.

American Eagle Outfitters, $24.95 vs. Exclusive Optical Mesh Polo for Alexander Wang’s Spring 2015 collection, $625.00

White lace:

This material has been a big hit on the runways this season, especially in the world of bridal couture; but you don’t need to be walking down the aisle to rock this trend. Collections from Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli and Bora Aksu highlighted the wearable and casual side of white lace, without falling into the “bridal white” or “virginal white” trap. Using the season’s best looks for inspiration, mix some white lace into an everyday look to add automatic elegance- even if the only aisle you’re walking down is the school hallway.

Hollister, $15.72 vs. look #12 from Louis Vuitton Women’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Yellow:

Cue the disgusted cries of “yellow is NOT my color.” But rest assured, it IS: There’s a flattering shade of yellow for everyone, and it’s all about finding just the right hue to complement the undertones of your skin, which is exactly what designers (successfully!) experimented with this season. Yellow highlights the warmth and beauty of spring, and it’s a definite head-turner in a sea of grey sweaters. Slip into a runway inspired yellow dress and sandals for a light, flirty look, and complete the outfit with some cute shades.

Forever 21, $19.99 vs. Carolina Herrera Spring 2015 Ready-To-Wear collection

Gingham:

Leave plaid in the fall; gingham is without a doubt the print of spring 2015, and was featured in countless collections from Milan to NYC (see: Altuzarra, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, ect.) Effortlessly all-American and retro, gingham is reminiscent of Beach Blanket Bingo and sunny spring picnics; the nostalgic yet mature print adds a hint of sass without sacrificing class. Dress yourself up in a gingham pencil skirt and pair it with an edgy pair of heels- the contrast of sweet and sassy will draw all eyes to you this season.

ASOS, $12.84 vs. Oscar de La Renta Spring 2015 Women’s collection

Suede:

With so many designers taking inspiration from the retro vibe of the 60’s/70’s for the spring season, it’s no surprise that suede made an appearance in so many collections. The delicate, soft material can be worn well anytime of the year, and that versatility is what makes it so appealing. Designers showed an incredible variety of silhouettes and colors in their incorporations of suede; and whether you dress it up or play it down, suede will always give you that runway-esque vintage look you’ve been searching for.

Forever 21, $12.50 vs. Ralph Lauren Spring 2015 collection, $1995.00

Denim:

Au Jour Le Jour, Marc Jacobs, and Valentino all proved this season that denim can be worn in a multitude of ways- from jeans to gowns to overalls, denim is absolutely universal. This spring, try throwing a simple denim jacket over a floral dress to tie the outfit together, and pair it with lace up boots for an edgier take on a spring classic.

Urban Outfitters, $58 vs. Au Jour Le Jour Women’s Spring 2015 collection

With some savvy shopping skills and a bit of patience, it’s totally possible for teens to achieve a model status spring wardrobe, even on the smallest budget. And as tempting as it may be to blow your whole paycheck on one Michael Kors piece, shop wisely and you’ll have enough money left over to actually go places and show off your cute new clothes over spring break (roadtrip, anyone?). Finally, don’t forget to hit up your favorite stores over holiday weekends to shop the sales and get more bang for your buck- and more Instagrammable #OOTDs!

Amber Wilson is a 16-year-old optimist with a passion for journalism, musical theater, and feminist theory. Her talents include Buffy the Vampire Slayer trivia, binge-watching Netflix, and pretending to know what’s going on in her chemistry class. She’s also a reporter for Tornado Times, her high school’s newspaper; she hopes to build a career as a journalist, but if that doesn’t work out, she’s determined to star as Sharpay in the inevitable remake of High School Musical.

(Images via here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.)