Designers are looking to Mother Nature for inspiration for 2010 spring and summer fashions — specifically by borrowing the majestic beauty of flowers.
From feminine skirts and dresses to playful sundresses and accessories the season is all about flower power.
Flowers ignite happiness, said Maggie Dosch, assistant manager at Dillard’s Hamilton Place.
“Have you ever seen someone mad because they were sent flowers?” she asked. “Flowers always bring a smile, and designers know that. We’ve been through a rough time with the economy, and floral prints and accessories counteracts the bad mood. It makes us happy.”
The styles range from peasant tops and short skirts to longer cocktail dresses. People like floral prints after a particularly long and cold winter, Ms. Dosch said.
“Wearing something floral lifts spirits,” she said. “You don’t necessarily have to have flowers on everything you wear, a simple touch of one will do.”
You can spice up last summer’s solid-colored dress with floral jewelry or accessories, she said.
“Last year, the florals were more subdued. This year they’re big, bright (and) everywhere,” she said, noting that handbags and pendants accented with flowers are huge this year.
Local model and college student Lorean Mays said she has been a fan of floral prints and accessories since high school.
“I like the larger prints,” she said. “Smaller prints have a tendency to be very busy, especially when the pattern is made up of bright colors.”
H&M, a popular Swedish clothing chain, is carrying a “Garden Collection,” featuring tunics and dresses, many with a 1960s empire-waists and butterfly sleeves.
“Floral is the feel-good look,” said Ms. Dosch. “Some years it’s more trendy, but it never really goes out of style.”