There is something about the springtime that makes my spirit come alive. I emerge from my winter blues with newfound creativity for many things, but most often – it is my style that gets revived! I take this time of year to spruce up my wardrobe… after a winter of watching the red carpet and flipping through fashion magazines, I gather inspiration from the latest trends and craft my own tailored versions.

If you’re living the 9-5 life like me, you understand business attire can drain your bank account and totally cramp your chic. So, with all my winter’s research, I’ve got some great tips for sprucing up your office style while staying on budget. These trends are easily created with pieces you probably already have hanging around your closet and if you don’t have the essentials, I am pretty sure I know a great place to find them – Goodwill!

1.) Pastels

“Whether lilac, pink, lemon or duck egg blue, expect to see an array of fashion’s prettiest shades this season,” says Harper’s Bazaar (https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/shows-trends/g38445/spring-summer-…). Pastels are a perfect transition piece to summer’s bold and bright colors. In terms of office fashion, a soft pastel blouse under a light gray suit or a gentle pastel floral will serve your looks well. I like to do a soft floral, like this Banana Republic sheer blouse ($5.99 at Goodwill) or a classic mint like this New York and Company one ($5.99 at Goodwill). Both pairs well with a light gray suit or white cropped trousers and a fun sandal! Speaking of cropped trousers… peep these perfectly trendy Old Navy pixie pants I spotted at the Bowie Goodwill Store for only $5.99. If you’re lucky enough to find a pastel floral piece – scoop it up.

2.) Strappy Shoes

Lace-up flats, heels, and wedges were all over the runways this past fashion week. The best part about this trend is that you can easily play it up or down depending on your office dress code or occasion you’re dressing up for. For a subtle touch, pair them with your favorite dark skinny jeans and blazer on casual Friday. It will give just a peek of fun flare. For a more dramatic incorporation, pair this trend with a fun shirt-dress or skirt and blouse! I scored this camel Vince Camuto lace-ups and black Christian Sirano for Payless laced pumps both for $9.99 at Goodwill. They’ll pair perfectly with a pencil skirt but are still casual enough for jeans Friday! Check out the other lace-ups I spotted during my last visit at Goodwill – you can tell this is going to be an incredibly popular trend.

3.) Sequin and Shine

Say what? The conservative office fashionista inside of me struggled with this trend but after thinking about it – there are many ways to put a little sparkle in your outfit without being too risqué. First, embellished cardigans and blouses are the perfect way to slip a little shine into your office looks. Layer solids underneath for a perfect balance in the office. Or –  you could take the opposite approach! Sequin or metallic blouses underneath a blazer or solid cardi. I found this J Crew Sequin tank years ago at Goodwill for $2.99 and I have worn it many times under a light khaki blazer or a white cardigan. If you feel a little funny about wearing sequins on your clothes, don’t forget about your shoes and accessories. A metallic pump or embellished sandal are fantastic vehicles for this trend. These Tory Burch silver pumps would be a perfect accent to a solid navy dress trouser and chic blouse – another second-hand score for $20.00!

There you have it, frugal fashionistas! A guide to keeping your spirit and your fashion sense feeling ALIVE this spring. Goodwill has so many incredible options for sneaking the hottest looks into your business attire. Subtle touches of color and embellishment will have you feeling fresh and new. But best of all – these high fashion trends can be accomplished for next to nothing!