An Argument for Ditching Florals This Spring

It's finally spring in NYC, but the only florals on my radar (and I realize I run the risk of sounding a little too Gossip Girl here) are the tulips lining Park Avenue. After that disgustingly long winter, which required a lot of color to keep spirits up, I appear to be surprisingly content with rediscovering my love of wearing black, white, and denim on repeat.

Nicole and Lauren, my fellow East Coast–based Who What Wear editors, are making a strong case for neglecting floral prints and simply easing into mega-chill monochrome for the coming season. Speaking of mega-chill, we naturally chose the coldest day of the year to shoot these cute snaps in our favorite spring looks (wearing plenty of new-season DKNY) and then wax lyrical about why spring in Manhattan is just so, so good.

To avoid looking like a checkerboard, I went for a tonal white-on-white look with touches of black (and gold jewelry for good measure). This crisp palette beats a floral number for spring, especially because the clean lines of this blazer give breezier dresses more structure. Also note that this is the ideal outfit to be worn while sipping watermelon juice on NoLIta sidewalks (unless you're a spiller, in which case, kindly replicate this look in all-black).

Nicole, who's into stylishly simple (but never basic) looks throughout the year, is going for the same vibe this spring, only instead of doing black and white, she's keeping her blue jeans in rotation. One thing that will be missing from her look? Mini florals. You can, however, expect to see her in a black belt bag ("to keep my hands free while doing all that walking and beverage-drinking!" she explains). Take a cue from her palette of black and denim by adding chic touches like sporty funnel-neck tops, cat-eye sunnies, stunning mules, etc.

Given her status as our resident streetwear-inspired style setter and her a penchant for colorblocked 'fits, it didn't surprise me the least bit when Lauren showed me her B&W outfit for spring. A long-sleeve graphic tee is such a good purchase right now, and it gets even better when you pair it with lady of leisure–like pieces such as this structured white handbag she has aptly declared essential to making your look feel spring-ready. (Also important? A trusted pair of heels.)