Hello, chirping birds. Hello iced-coffee. Hello, boys playing Frisbee on the lawn …

Smile, it’s springtime. So please, please peel off your all-black outfit and let some color show!

Read about spring’s hottest color-infused clothing and must-haves below:

For many women, purchasing a colorful blouse or purse in anything but black feels like a life-or-death decision (“Do I buy what’s fun, or do I buy what’s practical? …but would I really ever wear a PURPLE shirt?”) I will be the first to admit that, oftentimes, I am one of these women. So, together, let us discover how a colorful ensemble can look sophisticated, perhaps even an outfit entirely void of black clothing or accessories (gasp!).

Bright cardigan:

Pick up a bright cardigan or light sweater. Choose a cheerful color — lilac, marigold, daisy, turquoise, grass green or sea blue.

Patterned skirt:

Layer your cardigans over patterned dresses, floral print skirts or monotone pencil skirts (colorful monotone pencil skirts, that is). Cinch your waist with a skinny belt. For a classic, spring look that is refreshing, happy, a bit preppy and very clean, match your colors like a Stepford Wife. That’s what I call instant garden-party apparel.

Open-toed sandals:

First, paint your toenails. Next, purchase a pair of sandals, preferably with a heel. Something strappy and colorful is also preferable.

One more idea — try out a chic pair of clogs, but be careful with the outfit that accompanies them (unless your pair is open-toed, they may look out of place with an outfit that shows a lot of leg). Also, look for a more feminine pair that doesn’t feel bogged down by its weight. Check out clogs by Chanel, Stuart Weitzman and United Colors of Benetton for ideas.

Perfect shades:

Another necessary item for spring and summer — sunglasses. Picking out a pair of sunglasses is very personal — shapes depend on individual face shape, colors depend on price-point and personal style. Still, keep in mind a few tips:

Sunglasses should draw subtle attention to your natural bone structure, not cause an interruption. Try to buy a pair of sunglasses that is a unique size or shape but maintains a classic color OR (the opposite) a pair of sunglasses that is a flashy color but somewhat conservative in shape. By picking one or the other, you will avoid looking overly trendy or ridiculous and clownlike.

Finally, do mix up your look. There are endless color-combinations that can revamp one skirt into five or 10 different outfits. For example, incorporate different patterns into your look. Find a belt with a unique buckle (like flowers or a seashell). Wear eye-catching lipstick or a broad-brimmed hat. Wear animal-print heels or carry a straw-weaved purse.