Flower Power

"Florals in the spring. How original." When Meryl Streep venemously uttered those words in The Devil Wears Prada, her fashion director shrunk back from the clear disdain for such an unoriginal trend. But here we are again: it's May, and flowers are back in a BIG way.

If the thought of wearing a blossom or two makes you feel like you're crashing someone's wedding, don't worry: there are a few ways to wear the floral trend without appearing dated, matronly, or like a pair of your grandmother's curtains. The secret is in making sure the print stays fresh and, more important, young. A classic horticultural pattern in an unexpected neon color, like the Pins and Needles dress, above, amps up the wow factor for those who want to test out the trend. If bold, full-frontal fashion is more your taste, head-to-toe mixed blooms is another way to ensure the look is current:

But allover prints aren't the only way to incorporate a little efflorescence into your wardrobe. Madonna might have been rocking them in 1986 (and Lady Gaga is definitely taking fashion cues from the Material Girl, as evidenced by this picture), but flowery leggings with understated accessories scream sweet-girl-gone-sinful. They can also be easily worn with solid summer jackets and metallic sandals that you already own, as most florids utilize warm weather nuetrals like pink, white, and blue.

You can easily pick up items in your neighborhood retail shops: H&M boasts an entire Garden Collection, including dresses, skirts, tunics, and jewelry. And flowered rings, headbands, and necklaces are also always in season once the warm weather comes, if you're worried about hopping on a trend you'll never wear again. Be abloom... Spring has sprung!