The New Black Is: Floral

Floral for spring -- it's hardly fashion's most imaginative leap ever. It's not a never-been-seen look that will make people gasp and swoon when you walk into the room. But it's pretty, and a sprinkling of other spring trends adds a fresh twist to this season's flowers.

Floral prints cropped up all over the spring '08 runways, not least in Stella McCartney's collection. The stars were quick to pick up on the prints -- whether in a floor-length maxi dress like Carrie, Molly, and Diane, or a fun and flirty mini like the Missoni version Cameron Diaz wore to the Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday.

How can you wear floral fabrics without looking like your grandma's drapes? Combine these prints with another of your favorite spring trends for a contemporary look. Pastels can make you feel like a wallflower, but this season's bright colors make any dress pop. Delias.com, Forever 21, Miss Sixty, and Lilly Pulitzer all have options that will make your forget Laura Ashley even existed.

So next time you go shopping, don't fear floral. It might grow on you.

Will you be picking some floral prints for spring?