(Photo: Joe Scafuro)

It's the rare New Yorker who doesn't show her hippie side in warmer weather -- after all, buttoned-up fare doesn't really cut it for cutting loose on sunny weekends. But this spring, floaty peasant tops and ethnic blouses aren't just for the beach -- our favorites will take you just aboutanywhere.

French Connection's delicate floral top ($78 at Bloomingdale's) has a sweet country feel to it -- dress it down with jeans or up with a skirt. We also love H&M's ($9) long-sleeved beige style.

For a more exotic look, try Bebe's casual, mirror-decorated blouse ($39) or Phelgye's cheery lavender version ($48 at Bloomingdale's). DKNY Jeans' groovy embroidered number ($79 at Bloomingdale's)is great with faded low-risers for spring shopping excursions -- and over your bikini when things really heat up.

Clockwise from bottom left: French Connection, H&M, Phelgye, DKNY Jeans, Bebe.

Related:

• Archive: “Sales & Bargains”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: Apr 22, 2002 issue of New York | Subscribe!