How to wear four spring fashion staples, two ways

One piece, two ways

Lace dress

Lingerie-inspired fabrics are so right now. For a modern take on lace, choose a simple shift shape.

Cocktails: Go glam with matching strappy sandals.

Dress, $159, Moon. Kate & Mel shoes, $115, Town Shoes. Belt, $94, Ring, $58, BCBG.

Lace dress

Brunch: The new rules: It's cool to pair a pretty dress with sneakers.

Dress, $159, Moon. Jacket, $525, J.Crew. Converse shoes, $60, Town Shoes.

Pyjama pants

What could be more appealing than a pair of silky trousers? From sporty to dressy, look for masculine patterns and must-have pockets.

Work: Balance a slouchy silhouette with structured pieces like a suit jacket.

Joie pants, $380, Simms Sigal & Co. Vince Camuto blazer, $200, The Bay. Cara Accessories bracelet, $390, Elle Hardware. Shoes, $345, Stuart Weitzman. Top, $28, Banana Republic. Necklace, $50, Holt Renfrew.

Pyjama pants

Play: Add athletic edge with a colour-blocked tee.

Joie pants, $380, Simms Sigal & Co. Top, $275, Pink Tartan. Watch, $950, Swarovski. Bracelet, $49, Alden Rae. Shoes, $70, Gap.

Tuxedo shirt

A pleat-front shirt is essential this season. Good news: It's a classic that will never go out of style.

Downtown: Dress down a tailored shirt by loosening a few buttons and rolling up the sleeves.

Top, $95, Banana Republic. Belt, $30, Gap. Shorts, $25, Old Navy. Shoes, $55, Gap.

Tuxedo shirt

Uptown: Trend alert: Black and white is the colour pairing for spring—and we just love this updated take on an evening suit.

Top, $95, Banana Republic. Blazer, $169, Jacob. Bracelet, $290, Swarovski. Ring, $370, Elle Hardware. Skirt, $295, Pink Tartan.

Beauty note: Top it off with eye-cating accessories and a bold red lip.

Cropped jacket

If you're investing in a jacket, pick a neutral shade and look for designer details like raw edges, patch pockets or exposed zippers—no collar required.

Night: Layer a cardigan-style jacket over a sleek evening outfit.

Smythe jacket, $695, Holt Renfrew. Alan Anderson necklace, Holt Renfrew. Rachel Rachel Roy jumpsuit, $129, The Bay.

Cropped jacket

Day: Opposites attract! Mix a ladylike piece with relaxed boyfriend jeans.

Smythe jacket, $695, Holt Renfrew. Jeans, $240, Fidelity. Steve Madden shoes, $130, Town Shoes. Top, $65, Lilla P.