The $4000 Budget

Three InStyle staffers give us the lowdown on what they're craving for spring. The catch? Each one has a limited amount to spend ($400, $2,000, $4,000). Over the next four months, you'll see just how they strategize to round out their wardrobes.

I'm going modern with solids, as opposed to the fussy look of prints. I'm a new mom, so in the morning I want simple, flattering items.

From top to bottom:
One of my favorite shows was 3.1 Phillip Lim. The pastel combos on his runway felt so new-such a pretty trend.

I have loved Audrey Tautou ever since I saw her in Amélie 11 years ago. Her style is classic French: minimal yet ultrafeminine.

The Spanish island of Formentera, in the Mediterranean, is like Ibiza but more relaxed.

-Dana Avidan-Cohn, Market Editor

You can wear this shirtdress buttoned up or open, layered over a slip.

Polyester crêpe dress, Jason Wu for Target, $40;

target.com

I hate delicate sandals and feeling like my feet have no support. I like to pair feminine clothing with chunky platforms.

Suede, leather, and cotton sandals, H&M, $60;

HM.COM for stores

A sleeveless trench is surprisingly versatile. You can create many looks depending on your underpinnings. I'd try a long-sleeve striped T or a lace blouse with this.

Polyester-cotton trenchcoat, Forever21, $25;

forever21.com for stores.

Neon jewelry is one of my spring musts.

Glass and metal necklace, Ann Taylor, $78;

anntaylor.com for stores.

All-white frames don’t look great with my olive complexion. This pair hasa golden hue that warms up my skin’s undertones.

Plastic sunglasses, Gap, $25;

gap.com.

This print looks luxe and sophisticated, and the price is amazing. Also, the lightweight canvas has the feel of a weekend bag, but the structuredshape is perfect for the office.

Canvas shoulder bag, Rachel Roy, $79;

rachelyroy.com.

I add little bracelets to my wrists throughout the summer. The more texturesyou mix?sparkle, beaded, woven?the better it looks.

Faux-leather and metal bracelets, American Eagle Outfitters, $10/set;

ae.com.

Buy this lightweight sweater one size larger so that it's slouchy.

Cotton sweater, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, $50;

victoriassecret.com.

This bikini's retro style is what caught my eye.

Nylon-spandex bikini, Joe Fresh, $16/$14; 212-764-1730