Sheers, lace, polka dots, and pastels…everywhere you look this season, femininity is center stage. Violet is a staple color and white on white should definitely be your go-to look.

It’s all very glamorous, chic, and super easy to pull off…said no mom ever.

Runway models and Vogue pages are meant to be works of art. They are couture masterpieces admired by many and successfully replicated by few. Let’s face it, as a stay-at-home mom who lives in the mountains and homeschools her boys, washable markers and crayons (if  I’m feeling brave) are more my speed when it comes to creating art. Unfortunately, my wardrobe tends to follow suit.

That being said, I still want to look and feel like I belong in a Renoir…just on a Crayola budget. So, is it possible for an every-day-woman to stay on trend without breaking the bank or suffering the stress of staying immaculately crisp and tidy? The answer: Absolutely. And I’m going to tell you how.

(Seriously though, white on white?? There is not enough Oxi Clean in the world.)

INTEGRATING PIECES INTO YOUR WARDROBE

Good news! You do not have to buy an entirely new wardrobe every time the seasons change…despite what most magazines tell you.

One of the keys to staying trendy on a budget is integrating voguish pieces into the wardrobe you already own. If you love all of the sheer dusters and mesh tops that are popular right now, get one!

Throw it on over a pair of jeans and cami or pair it with a cute dress from your closet. Wear it as a show-stopping coverup at the beach. You don’t have to buy that runway, floor length, sheer-lace dress to pull off the look.

Go ahead and get that adorable blush tank. If you are not really comfortable in pink but love the color, (I totally refused to wear pink, until recently) then layer it under a cardi, pullover or other staple until you feel you’re ready to rock the whole soft-color vibe.

GET CREATIVE

If you don’t have a lot of money or time to spend on staying trendy, stick with something conversant and versatile.

Buy a fabulous violet or elegant scarf and use it multiple ways. Wrap it around your head. Tie it around your waist. Create a chic knot or bow and add it to your handbag.

The trick, sometimes, is to think outside of the box. Use your accessory, or trend piece, in multiple ways to get the most out of your seasonal purchase. I have even seen scarfs wrapped around flip flops to create a wonderfully unique gladiator sandal. Don’t be afraid to be the trend-setter!

FIND YOUR INSPIRATION

Explore a company, brand, or magazine that resonates with your inner fashion diva. If you feel your look is a bit stale, draw inspiration from them.

One of my favorite clothing companies I rely on, to keep me fashionably up to date, is Agnes & Dora. They are always on top of the latest trends. Their pieces are affordable, wearable, and made with real women in mind. They provide the key elements to building a staple wardrobe and then generously sprinkle in trendy goodness to keep you looking swank.

MODERATION IS YOUR FRIEND

To top off the ultra-fem look, velvet and sequins are popping up all over. These may be a bit much together, but when added to the right outfit, these fashion elements can be striking. I, for one, would never turn down a sequin top. (I know…this coming from a girl who refused to wear pink.)

A bit of fashion advice: DO NOT wear it head-to-toe. Nobody wants to be mistaken for a walking disco ball or 70’s pimp.

The idea is to achieve an effortlessly stylish look. Don’t try too hard. Just incorporate pieces here and there.

If it catches your eye, try it! If you have never worn velvet or you’re worried that a sheer top (even over a modest tank top) is too risqué or “young” for you, try it.

The great thing about adding small elements of trend each season is that there is very little commitment. You don’t have to change who you are and what you feel comfortable in. You won’t waste a ton of money on a wardrobe you’ll only wear once.

So, the next time you open that high-end fashion magazine and feel discouraged because that will never be you…remember this: It is not supposed to be you. Showing up at to the office, a play date, or even a date night in that attire would just look plain ridiculous!

Instead, go after the piece that drew your attention (was it the color? bit of sparkle? the material?) and integrate that into your collection. Subtly and balance is the goal. Always looking fashionably chic is the reward.