New York ? Designers at New York Fashion Week had a new tactic to woo back wary customers: flowers.

Retailers should be satisfied with the pops of color, something they want to draw customers into stores. Yet the colors aren’t so bright they require sunglasses — designers are aware of the gloomy context, too. Some highlights:

DKNY: Donna Karan called her collection a “city garden party.” In this urban setting the florals aren’t all pretty and perfect, though. She favors prints for spring that are either a casual doodle or an exploding sequined peony.

Some of the best suits were tailored blazers with shorts and, don’t be scared, bright pink bike shorts that she called “Smoothies” underneath.

LUCA LUCA: Luca Luca brought sunshine to Fashion Week with a spring collection of yellows, pinks and blues.

There were one-shoulder, jersey, cocktail and strapless dresses made from fabrics ranging from silk chiffon to cotton. Creative director Raul Melgoza said his inspiration was a blooming flower, a leaf — things that seem simple but have many intricacies.

Derek Lam: Lam’s collection was a departure for the designer, who is known for sophisticated and elegant clothes. He went so far in his notes as to describe them as a little “tawdry,” borrowing details from summer fun destinations.

The palette and prints were all over the place — greens and blues, purple and gold, oversized island florals and star prints — the kind of mix you’d see along the boardwalk.