You don't have to switch over s2 to use tags. You just won't be able to view the entries of said tags in one nice page.

You could switch to Flexible Squares and change all the color to white with a black border and add a header above your layout. Same goes with Component and most of the layout. I'm just familiar with Flexible Squares and Component so if you chose either one, I might be able to walk you through - if I don't confused you. And I can point to tutorials to the other s2styles if you decided on them.