Trend alert: Flowers are the new skulls

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Not sure about you, but the whole skull trend always made me retch. It lost its edge early on and nothing depressed me more than seeing middle-aged dads wearing bedazzled skull hoodies. If you have to advertise that you’re a bad ass, you’re probably more of a pompous ass.

Anyway, I am thrilled to report that designers have abandoned their faux macabre ways for spring. In other words, a flower hath bloomed out of the empty eye socket of every skull we saw in past seasons. Gaultier (left), Armani, and Christian Dior showed floral concoctions at the recent couture shows in Paris. Prada, Balenciaga and Marni are using flora in various forms.

Burying skulls and unearthing flowers makes me wholly optimistic. Maybe the Democrats will even win this election? Perhaps I will lose a few pounds and be able to wear pants again? Peace in the Middle East? OK, I’ll stop.

But seriously, the trend is easy to access. This jersey dress from Tibi (right) at netaporter.com is a veritable garden on your sleeve ($420). The cut is modern and flattering; the color will buoy any spirit.

If you want to ease into the look at a smaller price point and less fanfare, check out this cute purse from J.Crew.com ($58). It has a Marni feel to it with the chunky block print and it reminds me of Bermuda bags that I carried back before I incurred major sun damage.

Finally, this floral silk scarf imported from Japan at UrbanOutfitters.com at $28 makes the perfect blooming accent to jeans and a tee. Contrast the feminine element with a tomboy-ish get-up. Now, use your head and get rid of all those skull-emblazoned bags, shoes and sweaters.

Photo credits: Gaultier, style.com; dog hoodie, fuzzytogs.com