{Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Target, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. But as always, the content is 100% my opinion, which I’m never shy about sharing.} 

Mossimo Supply Co. denim button down, $18 / Mossimo ankle-fit pant in bright coral, $28 / Gold charm bib necklace, $17 / Merona floral laptop tote, $30 / Merona Emma scrunch flat, $40

Pastels are a tricky business. Every year, they ply us out of our winter funk, making us dream of  flowers and sunshine and shaking off all of that grey and black we’ve been wearing for 6 months. But while they look so sweet and innocent, they can wreak havoc in your closet, making you look less effortless and more Easter egg in a snap.

My styling secret is to be bold about mixing pastels with brighter hues to get a palette that sings of spring without conjuring chicks and ducks. Plenty of pastels play well with brights, and combining the two shows gives you that sunny edge you’re looking for, minus the saccharine sweetness. Butter yellow, for instance, loves a bright cherry red or fuchsia. And as you might have noticed above, mint and coral play awfully well together.

A bright coral ankle-length pant and a mint leather (honest-to-goodness leather!) ballet flat is perfection, especially if you add a cheery statement necklace that helps tie the two together. That bold floral in the bag doesn’t hurt either, and I’m always a fan of picking a bright pattern and classic shape when going for the bargain handbag (this one doubles as a laptop tote!). Tone the whole thing down with a dose of denim up top (or sub a white button-town and a crisp navy blazer for the work week), and you have a look that’s just the thing to ring in spring.

It’s Time for Springtime! Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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