A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. We’ve all heard that quotation, right? But how about this one that I ran across from actor Jim Carrey, “Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.” I think this funny man got it precisely right. As human beings we just need to turn to the “fashion light” to find our true beauty. I mean how can you not love a bright, colorful reminder of the exquisiteness of nature?

There are those who dislike floral looks due to the incorrect association that posy prints are for older or more mature women. Nothing could be further from the truth. Floral prints of all kinds have been in style for centuries. Young and old alike can access the magnificence that the simple flower can bring to any ensemble. The key to finding just the right type of flora for you to wear is what we’ll be getting ideas for this week.

At Goodwill you’ll find a bumper crop of posies prime for the picking. Head-to-toe flowers are not what we’re talking about here, but rather different ways to pull the beauty of nature into your daily wardrobe by shopping at your nearby Goodwill store.

Like all prints, floral can be bold or it can sometimes act as a neutral. For example a tiny calico print done in neutral tones doesn’t scream, “flower” as much as it acts as a textural element. Because the eye sees the small print as a solid, in the same way a small hound’s-tooth pattern becomes a neutral as well. This pattern is for the most timid, but it’s definitely a fine place to start.

Personally, I think making a bold statement is the way to go. Even if you really don’t like literal interpretations of flowers, like a more classic floral pattern, why not look for something a bit more abstract? Think of Monet’s “Water Lilies” or what an impressionist artist would paint a flower to look like. Or, perhaps even something that just has a single flower or two on the textile. There is no right or wrong here, so follow your instincts and what your eye is attracted to, just like the bee looking for nectar. I would suggest that you work your way into your new floral outlook by starting with a jacket, sweater, blouse, skirt, or even a pair of shorts or slacks in a bright and fun print. They’ll mix easily with neutrals you already own and may give you some confidence to branch out into full fashion bloom.

A classic piece in any woman’s wardrobe is a floral print dress. An easy way to do this for a lot of people is to find a flower print that is done in black and white. This provides a bold motif without all the bright colors. The colors of the prints are what really make them work with every individual so keep trying things on until you feel that the dress flatters and fits well.

In order to have even more fun with flowers, you can also add an accessory with a bold floral theme. Floral print silk scarves are a mainstay when it comes to adding color and punch to any outfit. Scarves are one size fits all and don’t take up much space in your closet. On the other end of the spectrum, I saw a wonderful umbrella on a recent rainy day that when opened looked like a giant Dahlia flower! It was such a nice surprise to see that color on a such gray, cloudy day. Handbags have also gone for the roses, with embellishments and appliqués on otherwise ordinary purses. Espadrilles, wedges, and pumps get the floral footwear treatment that help elevate an outfit into great style. Last but not least, let’s not forget about faux flowers for the hair, floral earrings, necklaces and everything under the sun when it comes to this fashion perennial.

Your local Goodwill store is a great resource for fun and fashion, but it also helps plant seeds of hope in your community that grow and bloom into productive programs for individuals and families, and what flower could be more attractive than that?