It’s human nature to cling to that which has already passed us by.

Hence we water the plant we negligently killed last week. And drunk-dial the jerk who stopped calling in July. And wear sundresses well into September.

Of course, such denial is easy in Southern California. We’ll be soaking up the sun for at least another month. Which explains why Diane Medak’s floral pieces are the must-haves of the moment for those who want to flaunt summer’s staying power. Tropical designs grace solid cotton fabrics, making for flirty but comfortable clingy dresses and tops. They’re the perfect I-look-hot-without-trying-too-hard wear and the best way to take advantage of these fleeting balmy days.

A word of advice, though: Come November, these babies go in the closet for good.

It’s okay. Summer will be back soon enough.

Which is more than we can say for that plant. Or, for that matter, the jerk.

Available at Medak, 8024 West Third Street, between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue (323-651-2326 or dianemedak.com).