How to Play Up Pastels

With spring showcasing muted and pale apparel, footwear and accessories have the opportunity to take center stage. Aubrey Plaza, for instance, styled her Oscar de la Renta pastel skirted dress to perfection with a box clutch in a bolder shade and statement shoes. The abstract print pumps added texture to the colorblock gown. The split complementary color scheme promised a harmonious look.

(Moschino Mini Satin Clutch with Crystal,$155; Ted Baker 'Morelle' Dress in Pale Green, $375; Manolo Blahnik BB Floral Print Pumps, $655)

Achieve a comparable look by selecting accessories in a lower value (darker shade) of your dress or blouse. When considering florals, a safe bet for those with a classic style is to choose an analogous palette, like the one above, or mostly similar colors with subtle emphasis, like Aubrey's look. However, if you tend to teeter on the edgy side, dare to add more contrast. In either case, here are some more footwear options (in case Manolos are a wee bit out of your budget):

(Row 1: Mossimo 'Shari' Ankle Strap Heels, $29.99; Ivanka Trump 'Delmar3' Pointed Toe Pumps, $130; GUESS Plasmas Pointed Toe Floral Pumps, $99; Row 2: T.J. Maxx Designer Floral Print Heels, $34.99; Kate Spade New York 'Lillia' Floral Print Silk Bow Pump, $328)