"If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom," author Audra Foveo once wrote, "maybe your soul has never been in bloom."

Her poetically philosophical sentiments match the artistic array of florals in fashion this spring and summer.

Blossoms bloom all over apparel and accessories, including men's shirts and neckties. But nowhere are petals as plentiful as womenswear, adorning everything from hats and handbags to scarves, shoes and skirts.

Flowers inspired nearly every major womenswear designer, from Balenciaga and Giambattista Valli to Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang.

Accessories have gone into floral mode, as well. Handbag lovers can enjoy Cole Haan's museum-esque floral print tote and Judith Leiber's gorgeous blossom-shaped zinnia clutch, while shoe fanatics will find choices as varied as Ralph Lauren's rosette-festooned peep-toe flat and Bettye Muller's floral-print croc slingback pumps.

At Saks Fifth Avenue, Downtown, shoppers have eschewed head-to-toe florals in lieu of buying one or two fresh pieces to update their wardrobes, observed vice president and general manager Karen Peter.

The power of the flower "is a continuation of the more ladylike dressing that we saw in the fall," said Ms. Peter. "But the difference in the florals this spring is they took that floral that was more of a sweet and ladylike statement and turned it into really exaggerated, blown-up, pretty powerful-looking prints."