This season’s trends are all about being bold and daring. Runway shows brightened up with fluorescent colors and strong architectural silhouettes.

The key in making any one of these looks work lies in creating a balance between the bold pieces and with something more subtle.

Feathers have become very popular in the accessories department. Now they are being incorporated into dresses and other garments.

When wearing feathers, less is more. Remember to keep it minimal. An example of what you do not want to look like is Bjork at the 2001 Academy Awards.

When looking for inspiration for this trend, think Nicole Kidman. The teal Gucci dress she wore to the 2005 Golden Globes was completely on point. Her look worked for so many reasons. The colors of the feathers were perfectly coordinated to the dress, and the number of feathers used was not overwhelming.

To achieve Kidman’s delicate look, add feather pins to any one-shoulder dress. Forever 21 is your one-stop shop when looking for feathers. Forever 21 has pins for only $1.80. Layering a few of these to a one-shoulder dress will have you looking as graceful as Kidman.

If you are courageous enough to wear more than a sleeve full of feathers, try the beige feather dress. This dress is fitted like a corset up top, but the bottom has a bell shape to it and is covered in delicate faux feathers.

In footwear, this year’s most popular trend is the over-the-knee boot. When worn correctly, this hot item adds just the right amount of spice to any outfit. Taking it too high, however, may be too risqué.

Knee-high boots should be thought of as another article of clothing. If it does not “match” what you are wearing, it probably doesn’t look right.

If it is too chilly outside, wear the boots over leggings or jeans with a colorful or striped sweater. These boots also look great with wool coats.

Steve Madden currently has a variety of tall boots for under $100.

One thing you do not want to pair a thigh-high boot with is a leather dress. Because a leather dress is already very dramatic, you don’t want to draw attention to just the dress. No one does this better than Angelina Jolie. At the “Inglourious Basterds” premier, she kept it simple by wearing a black Michael Kors leather dress and strappy sandals.

Bebe has a strapless leather dress that will flatter almost any figure. For only $129, this timeless piece is worth the investment.

A great way to add color to a bland outfit is wearing colorful tights. When wearing this, you want to make sure the rest of your outfit compliments the hose.

Dark colors will add contrast to the bright tights and will pull everything together nicely. Do not make the mistake of combining bright with bright.

A little black dress and black booties are a way to play it safe, but do not be afraid to experiment with a dark floral dress.

American Apparel has an array of different colors and designs for $14.

Of all the daring trends this season, the bold shoulder is the most versatile. This season, the bold shoulder comes in a more tailored version than what we saw Madonna wearing in the 80s.

A big shoulder in the form of a jacket looks great with skinny jeans, or even over a mini skirt or dress. To vamp up this trend even more, try a dress with padded shoulders.

Urban Outfitters has a strong shoulder dress for $58. This dress can be worn in various ways all throughout winter.

During the daytime, wear the dress with black flats or heels. At night, wear opaque hose under the black, burgundy, or gray dress.

Since the dress is a few inches above the knee, you can also throw on those great over the knee boots and give the illusion of a long leg. Accessorize with a belt or jewelry.

This season, do not let these trends intimidate you. Ease into them by wearing dark colors and classic pieces.