With all the hype about eye-popping brights, it's easy to forget that natural neutrals represent the other side of the sartorial Spring fashion coin. But make no mistake - there's no blah beige to speak of. Designers like Abaeté, BCBG Max Azria and Temperley London prove that taupe can be testy, off-white can be engaging and khaki can kick. So breathe easy, ye who fear color in your wardrobe, for Spring fashion is replete with sophisticated, sumptuous, eco-conscious neutrals with a viewpoint that is anything but boring - and will certainly stand as the foundation of every ensemble, even while they act as a counterpoint for those delicious hues on the other side of the spectrum.

Image source: Style.com

Impress friends with your fashion know-how by dropping the word chevron into a conversation, which is just a fancy way to describe those rad V-shaped stripe patterns that are cropping up everywhere for Spring. Vivid and bold, chevron stripes punctuate accessories and fool the eye for your figure's benefit on swimsuits. Get your chev-ron with the budget-friendly finds above.

Clockwise from top: Naughty Monkey Chevron Striped Pump at Lulu's, $72; Jovovich-Hawk for Target Swimsuit, $29.99; Arrowstripe Longsleeve Dolman at Forever21.com, $22.80; Printed Scarf Bag at OldNavy.com, $11.70; Chevron Stripe Onepiece at Topshop.com, £28.00; Background: Chevron Apron at Urbn.com, $14.00

Stella McCartney mix-and-matched fresh florals in her Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection. Recreate the vibe for a whole lot less with carefree, flower-print frocks and lazy-day totes from American Eagle Outfitters.

At left: Looks from the Stella McCartney SS08 runway. (Style.com)
On right: AE Flower Tote in blue or coral $34.50 $24.95; AE Flower Garden Dress in red or purple floral print $69.50 $39.95

Related posts:

• Spring Fashion Trends 2008: Fab Florals


• Look for Less: Etro Floral & Striped Dress


• Deal du Jour: Xhilaration Floral Flats

Give a mod nod to DKNY's upbeat color-block frock with H&M's affordable take on the trend.
Left: DKNY Short Sleeve Colored Blocked Dress at DKNY.com, $525.00
Right: Short Sleeve Color Blocked Dress at H&M stores worldwide, $24.90

Move over arm candy, hello shoe bauble! Ring in Spring with these seven sensational shoe trends—for less.

[1] Prints: Isaac Mizrahi for Target Drew Print Ballet Flats, $29.99
[2] Sculpted Wooden Heels: Bakers Veletta $59.95 $39.99
[3] Citrus brights: Patent Wedges at OldNavy.com, $34.50
[4] Patent Leather: Worthington 'Penelope' Sling, $34.99
[5] Embellished Gladiators: Mia Morocco, $60 at Piperlime
[6] Colorblocking: Gavivi Wedge Sandal at Forever21.com, $16.80
[7] Ombre: Faded Mid Heel Shoe at Topshop.com, £35.00