Dress the Rainbow: Green

Green is my favorite color, but spring greens have a lighter and fresher feel than the emeralds and forest greens I've been wearing all winter. Add some mint green, apple green, and avocado green to freshen up your spring wardrobe!

This demure LC Lauren Conrad tie front ruffled V-neck shell ($35 at Kohl's) in valor green features shirred cap sleeves and a front notch neckline with long ribbon ties, and the subtle polka dot print adds texture and visual interest. The print is so subtle you could pair it with a striped skirt or stick with solid colored crop pants. 

A good dressy basic, this jewel-button satin blouse ($50 at Appleseed's) in jolly green works with pale tones like mint green, ivory, or white, but also with prints involving darker greens and blues. Wear tucked into suit pants or loose over a fitted above-the-knee skirt or longer, fuller skirt. 

These cute and casual satin eyelet hem culottes ($35 at Chico's) in verdant green feature a v-shaped waistband and flared legs ending at mid-calf with cut floral details. Wear with casual sandals, kitten-heel slingbacks, or slip-on sneakers. 

This Alexia Admor Hadley pull-on midi skirt ($75 at Kohl's) in green geometric features a darker, tighter print across the fitted hips and wide pleats falling to a fuller skirt in a lighter print. Pair with a solid top in slightly darker green, an ivory short-sleeve sweater, or a dusty rose blouse. 

Go casual in these Liz Claiborne Sara mid rise capris ($39 at JC Penney) in dark forest. Pair with ballet flats or flat sandals and a striped or floral tee. 

A great basic, this St. John's Bay V-neck 3/4-sleeve t-shirt ($8 at JC Penney) in cascade green works with straight-leg jeans or a short print skirt. The unusual color may be hard to match, so look for a print with darker blues and other greens that coordinates rather than matches. 

I love the mix of horizontal and vertical stripes in this Ciebon Vivienne maxi sundress ($39 at Nordstrom Rack) in green multi. Wear it to work with a fitted pullover sweater, a buttoned-up cardigan (see below), or a suit jacket, or for a more casual outing, add a simple shrug or even a plain darker green or denim blue button-down shirt with the tails tied at the waist. 

This lightweight Sonoma Goods for Life open knit cardigan ($35 at Kohl's) in lime kiss can add a splash of fresh color to any casual look, from a jersey and jeans to a t-shirt and a knee-length jersey skirt. Wear it open or closed, or even tied over your shoulders for a retro preppie look. 

Throw your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and whatever else you can't live without into this AmeriLeather casual leather tote bag ($59 at Kohl's) in lime. You'll be prepared for anything, AND you'll be fashionable and springy!

These T-strap sandals ($40 at Chico's) in green mix the casual look of simple flat sandals with the pizzazz of sparkle beading to add a splash of pep to a simple, casual outfit like a t-shirt and skinny jeans or even a nautical jersey and long shorts.