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Mirror, Mirror: Flower-powering a fresh wardrobe

After growing out of my Hawaiian shorts-suit obsession back in the 1980s, I let most of the floral prints in my wardrobe go.

Rosey, orange statement necklace, $72.50; necklace with pink stones, $64.50; yellow rose earrings, $16.50; pastel brace- let, $26.60, all M. Haskell at Macy's; turquoise dress, Imbue, $198, www.shopimbue.com; orange bracelet, M. Haskell, $26, at Macy's.
Rosey, orange statement necklace, $72.50; necklace with pink stones, $64.50; yellow rose earrings, $16.50; pastel brace- let, $26.60, all M. Haskell at Macy's; turquoise dress, Imbue, $198, www.shopimbue.com; orange bracelet, M. Haskell, $26, at Macy's.Read more

After growing out of my Hawaiian shorts-suit obsession back in the 1980s, I let most of the floral prints in my wardrobe go.

The big blooms were just too busy for my burgeoning minimalist tastes. Not only were those flowery designs loud, but they also came with too many rules.

Sheer peony blouses were cheap-girl no-nos. Patterns always matched. Colors never clashed. And after Labor Day, all things hyacinth- and hydrangea-covered were buried in the back of the closet.

It's no wonder I'm a fan of this spring's verdant vibe. Talk about a floral free-for-all! Whether you opt for head-to-toe petals or amass a stack of botanical-themed bracelets in an array of sizes and hues, here are some tips to help you enjoy fashion's current daisy age.

Mix your colors. If you are starting with a monochromatic hue, as in a cute, strapless turquoise sheath, think of yourself as a walking garden. Try a pair of yellow rose studs with an orange gerbera daisy statement necklace for some excitement.

It doesn't have to be dainty. Try a flowery necklace with petals in solid gold, rose gold, or silver. Costume jewelry from M. Haskell to Lagos offers precious-metal pansies and calla lilies on necklaces and cocktail rings with faux stones as sparkling buds.

Play with size. Your body's personal-accessory garden can feature flora of varying sizes. So try a sunflower-shaped bracelet and dangling, petite pansy earrings. And remember, on your climate-controlled bod, a pair of tropical bird-of-paradise-inspired earrings can hang out right next to an Iceland poppy necklace.

Look for balance. That tiny-daffodil-print tea dress might call for an additional floral touch. In this case, pick an accessory that features flowers of a slightly bigger print, like a long necklace fashioned from a band of morning glories in popping turquoise or royal blue.

Let your shoes blossom. Don't limit the floral peep-toe you purchased from Stuart Weitzman or Nine West to a little black dress. Match your multicolored slingbacks with a pastel jumpsuit or even Chanel-inspired plaid. (Note that the more prints you have, the smaller your patterns should be.)

Celebrate all of nature. Ladybug brooches and dangling grasshopper earrings are fun woodland ways to keep your spring florals chic and uniquely green.

215-854-2704 @ewellingtonphl