When I spied bright-colored laces threaded through the dress shoe displays at Nordstrom, my first thought was what a playful—and cheap—way to add a pop of pizzazz. Even better, a simple switch of lace color changed the entire look of the shoe. Suddenly, one pair became five. Can you really rock orange laces on brown brogues without being pegged as the office dandy? Absolutely. Made of organic cotton dyed with natural pigments.

$19.95 for a seven-pack, at Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand Ave., 312-464-1515 (shown with Cole Haan Air Colton Wingtip Oxfords, $198, at Nordstrom)