Spring Preview: Bold Color on a Budget

We've been spending a lot of time lately previewing the big trends for spring, from popular colors to specific pieces you're going to crave as soon as the warmer weather kicks in. If one thing's for certain, it's that buying a whole new Spring wardrobe to experience all of these hot new trends could get awfully expensive. So, when Kohl's challenged me to hit my local Kohl's store with a $100 gift card and a Spring-tastic mission -- snag this year's super hot bold color trend on a budget -- I jumped on the chance. The amazing new diffusion labels and store staple brands carried at Kohl's are a perfect way to demonstrate that snapping up the best trends doesn't have to cost a ton of money.

When I arrived at my neighborhood Kohl's I knew exactly what I was looking for to satisfy my bold color needs. I wanted to find smart separates that would allow me to indulge in the dramatic color block look when worn together, but could be pulled apart and worn with other pieces in my closet to create a more subtle vibe with just a sprinkle of color. Luckily, Kohl's was stocked full of single-color separates in some of Spring's most popular bold colors, perfect for mixing and matching into a color blocked look. The Apt. 9 label in particular was a great source for solid color items in a range of styles and colors. Check out my final look:

I decided to go ultra dramatic in my color blocking by pairing true-blue cropped trousers from Apt. 9 with a rich orange tee, also from the Apt. 9 label. I topped the look off with a contrasting bright yellow enamel bangle bracelet from Croft & Barrow. The overall look is super dramatic together, but taken separately the pieces could be mixed into less fashion-forward looks that could go to work.

I'd pair the bright tee -- a stellar, super soft find that is available in a huge range of rich colors -- with chocolate brown or pale beige trousers for a workday look. The classically tailored bright blue cropped pants, which are also available in 4 other less-bright colors, could be toned down with a neutral top for work or play. And that adorable bangle? I'll be wearing it all Spring long for a dose of sunshine happiness with any outfit. Total cost? Insanely affordable.

→ Buy the Apt. 9 Modern Fit Straight-Leg Capris, $31.99 (was $48.00), at kohls.com.

→ Buy the Apt. 9 Essential Tee, $11.99 (was $20.00), at kohls.com.

→ Buy the Croft & Barrow Bracelet at your local Kohl's, or browse Croft & Barrow bracelets online at kohls.com.

Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.