Miu Miu floral topstitched leather sandals, left, with an elaborately carved wood heel ($550) and Sergio Rossi patent leather pumps with a splash of red.

The Washington Post/ Julia EWAN

This spring, fashion types are buzzing about neon, florals, sculptural details and transparency. But donning a stoplight-yellow jacket or a splashy, peony-covered frock has plenty of fashion-victim potential. Our solution? Stick to small-scale doses. A trendy pair of pumps will get you in step with the season without turning you into a fashion don’t.

Sure, some of these high-design shoes are a major investment, but they’re still less expensive than a head-to-toe designer look. And opting for an edgy Lucite sandal is a lot smarter than showing up to work in a sheer Prada pantsuit, right?

Nine West “Get It Girl 2” Slides

If you’re hesitant to take the plunge into head-to-toe color, try these South Beach-ready slip-ons, which combine spring’s punchy hues with a classic silhouette. $83 at www.zappos.com.

Guess by Marciano “Carrie8” Floral Pumps

These satin heels are a more wearable incarnation of the over-the-top florals seen at the Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten shows. $94 at www.zappos.com; $90 at Nordstrom stores and www.nordstrom.com.

Sergio Rossi Patent Leather Pumps

Dolce & Gabbana’s spring runway gowns featured surges of splashed-on color, but if you want a scaled-down approach to splatter-patter, opt for these glossy stilettos. $464 at www.zappos.com; $460 at Sergio Rossi’s New York City flagship, (212) 956-3304.

Stella McCartney Lucite Heel Sandals

Transparency is one trend where accessories add just the right touch. McCartney’s bottle-green sandals marry a tough gladiator feel with a Lucite heel. $1,195 at www.net-a-porter.com.

Miu Miu Floral Carved Sandals

With these crafty-chic platforms, Miu Miu puts a Carly Simon-esque spin on the sculptural trend. Sky-high heels get an earthy vibe from topstitched leather paired with an elaborately carved wood heel. $550 at www.saksfifthavenue.com.