I feel about florals the same way I feel about animal prints: they look best on straightforward, unfussy silhouettes, like the one on this cute sleeveless shirt.

This has a slightly psychedelic feel that I can get behind.

And this blouse is so pleasingly graphic.

A floral shirtdress with subtle western details: genius.

This red and white dress looks like the kind of piece I could kick around in all summer long.

A flouncy (but not too flouncy) yellow and black skirt that would work well right now with tights, a sweater, and boots, and later on with a simple white tee.

The color combination on this top is both appealing and unexpected.

A micro-pleated skirt that just hangs really nicely.

A pretty silk dress with a particularly gorgeous print.

I like how figure-hugging this shirtdress is on top, but that it’s more of an A-line below the waist.

This blouse looks like it came right out of my closet, circa 1979.

I’d wear this as a beach cover-up, or pair it with a slip for wearing out on the street.

This twist-front top would be perfect with higher-waisted trousers or jeans.

The blue on this dreamy top is just delightful.

And the ruching here is covertly sexy.

I really love the combination of the crocheted top and floral body of this smart little top.

Just the perfect, flirty lipstick red dress.

Floral embroidery might be too twee for me on a fussier top, but on this button-down it totally works.

Just a sweet, feminine, well-cut dress.

Usually puffy sleeves like this would be too fussy for me, but on this dress they’re kind of sculptural.

I do love a quilted jacket, and this one is a winning combination of floral and patchwork.

This dress is more retroish than I typically go for, but I think it’s really pretty.

A feminine, flattering wrap dress.

It’ll be a good month or so (at least) before the weather starts truly to cooperate with my desire to dress in bright, spring-y tones, although over the weekend, we got some glimpses of what life will be like when it’s nicer out again here in New York. I, for one, can not wait to wear pieces like this crisp silk red and black striped button-down.

I’d never think of combining a pastel like lavender with bright orange, but on this sweater, it really works.

A fun blazer that feels ever-so-slightly English schoolboy.

A simple pocket tee at a nice price.

A shirtdress that is slightly utilitarian in feel.

This is just a really good red striped tee that I can see wearing under a V-neck sweater now, and with cropped jeans or a skirt later on.

I do love a slouchy polo shirt—so preppy-cool—and the rainbow stripes here are subtle but statement-y.

And I’m a complete sucker for a red, white, and blue sweater.

The ruffle sleeve on this top is unexpected and feminine.

A flattering, poppy skirt that’s dirt cheap.

The faded-out stripes on this top give it a vintage vibe.

This top reminds me of pricier ones by the brand Ace & Jig.

I could see wearing this breezy linen shirtdress (the stripes are there; they’re just eensy) constantly once it’s hot out.

This excellently loud skirt has a touch of metallic woven into the fabric, which is fun.

A blue-on-blue striped button-down that can be dressed way up or down.

And of course, who can ever resist the adorable Play Comme des Garcons heart on this long-sleeved tee?

It would be impossible to wear these sandals and remain in a bad mood.

The burnt orange on this tee reminds me of the University of Texas colors, which I’ve liked since I was a kid, and I always like a really fat stripe—so tomboy chic.

A cute and casual sweater, perfect for kicking around.

And finally: these jeans are so fabulously new wave 80s that I had to include them.