Green Goddess

I don't know what the weather's been like in your neighborhood, but it's been too cold and too snowy for too long in mine. At least two months ago, I changed my Gmail background to bright green grass, because, well, I haven't seen any for so long. I'm counting down the days to spring--but I think, before it gets here, I can add a little green to my closet to get my fix.

Fortunately for green lovers, spring fashion offerings include a healthy dose of the color, from one end of its spectrum to the other. Seafoam, celery, turquoise, kelly, hunter--all the greens are available, and they're all easier to work with than you might think. Pair brights with fellow bright colors--purple, blue, raspberry--or pretty pastels. Mix and match pastel greens with brights, but steer clear of multiple pastels. Layered, varied pale colors will date you--or make you look like an Easter egg. If you do want to go all pale, choose coordinated pieces for a monochromatic look.

Today, I've scouted out five spring finds--a cardigan, dress, handbag, pair of rain boots and necklace--and put each together with another piece, along with color inspiration, to help you find your inner green goddess.

Anthropologie From-the-Green Cardi, $128; J. Crew Broken-in boyfriend chino short, $49.50.

A 1950s-inspired cardigan gets a modern boost from loosely fitted, breezy shorts. Add a pair of basic red flats and a slouchy T-shirt for weekend errands and backyard get-togethers.

Kate Spade Nicolina flat, $298 at Nordstrom; Boden Must Have Shift, $148.

A classic dress shape won't compete with brightly colored fabric. A pair of flats with special detail, like this embellished box toe, speak right to the 1960s inspiration.

3.1 Phillip Lim laser-cut scallop edge dress, $425 at LaGarconne; Coach Kristin tote, $1,000.

A ladylike satchel becomes edgy with a kicky little dress; this one from Phillip Lim gets sex appeal from sheer paneling and kitschy scalloping. With a pair of low-heeled Roger Vivier patent pumps, you're off to lunch with the girls.

T by Alexander Wang mini pocket dress, $85 at LaGarconne; Hunter Original tall rain boot, $115 at Nordstrom.

Don't ruin your shoes on rainy days--pop for a classic pair of Hunter wellies and go casual. Add a pair of black leggings, a voluminous scarf, a denim jacket and a pretty umbrella to make weekdays in the rain totally effortless.

Anthropologie Sea Ribbons Necklace, $278; Vanessa Bruno Athe silk empire dress, $140 at the Outnet.

Who says you have to stick to one color at a time? You can mix and match as long as you identify the ensemble's focus and keep the other details minimal. A necklace this striking is a natural centerpiece; a v-neck dress in a solid, bold color frames and showcases it beautifully. Slip on a pair of thin-heeled strappy gold sandals, grab a little gold clutch and head out to the first warm-weather parties on your list.

I'll be searching my closet for bits of green this week, and I'll share what I find with you. In the meantime, I'll be ditching my coat in the car, pretending that 2 on the thermometer has a 7 in front.