By Alison Agosti

Living in southern California, sometimes it’s hard to tell that the seasons have changed but apparently it’s spring. The snow (whatever that is) has begun its retreat, the sun has returned and flowers are in bloom. It’s a time where we shed out warm, bulky layers for a lighter, frillier option. Spring just has a carefree, breezy feel to it and spring fashion always seems to reflect that. Much like the flowers they draw their inspiration from, floral prints are beginning to sprout up. Flow light, loose tops to flowing dresses, this trend is back in bloom and I, for one, happily welcome its return.

Floral prints are vibrant, feminine and sexy while seeming effortless: a perfect casual date choice. The print has countless variations and can be found in almost any color and pattern imaginable. From small ditsy print flowers for that laid-back boho feel to larger, more intricate floral patters for a more elegant look, this trend has something for every taste.

This is a very easy manageable look. Like all patterns, the trick to pulling it off is to not overdo it. As beautiful and fun as floral print can be, it will take over if you let it. For example, if you’re wearing a floral print maxi dress, try pairing it with a solid scarf in a complimentary color. This works the opposite way, too. A pretty floral scarf or top can make an otherwise ordinary outfit pop.

Here in Los Angeles, we’ve already had weather in the nineties. I’m not trying to rub it in for the people still trapped in winter’s clutches but it has been fun to start pulling my spring and summer wardrobe out of the back of my closet. I have two pieces in particular; a brown and white silk floral scarf and a knee-length blue ditsy print dress that I was excited to find. It was like meeting up with old friends.

That’s the thing about prints, floral or otherwise: they’re memorable and they’re fun to wear. So much of our wardrobe can seem like a joyless necessity, especially in winter. It’s nice to have something you look forward to wearing, something that can lift your mood or make you feel better. Hey, sometimes we need that little extra boost.

That blue dress of mine, I’ve had it for years; longer than I can remember. Yet, somehow, it never feels out of date to me. I love the way it feels and I love how I feel when I wear it. Maybe it’s cliché or trite to say that, but there aren’t enough pieces in my wardrobe that make me feel like that, like a second skin. Especially with my itchy, bulky wool coats still strewn around my apartment as a reminder of the cold weather I’m finally rid of.

I remember wearing that dress on one of the best dates of my life, where we walked to this little taqueria and ate tacos off paper plates while we watched the sunset. So few things in life are like that. I wish life was always so simple and fun.