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FROM grungy trainer-clad rock chick to gorgeous style-setter – when Lily Allen made a glamorous statement in a 1950s-inspired floral dress earlier this year, she gave her fashion credentials a real “blooming” boost.
Undeniably, florals are hot news every spring/summer, but this year, designers really cultivated their flower power to make blooms one of this season’s hottest catwalk trends.
Whether you’re a big fan of florals or not, there’s sure to be a style to match your mood. From spriggy prints at Luella and Stella McCartney and vivid painted florals at Balenciaga and Moschino to stand-out single blooms at Missoni and Aquascutum – take your pick from fashion’s mixed bouquet.
We reveal how to embrace your favourite florals this summer. You’re sure to come up smelling of roses.
BIG BLOOMS
If you’re doing Sex And The City glamour this season, take inspiration from Carrie Bradshaw and go for bold, bright blooms. As seen at Gucci and Kenzo, there’s no mistaking you’ve caught the floral fever bug with these look-at-me prints.
Either plump for an all-over bold print, one stand-out bloom that covers your entire garment, or clothing featuring embellished corsage detailing.
STYLING TIP: If you have a skinny figure, big blooms are the print for you. Bold styles will add instant femininity to your frame.
Try Kaliko Charlie floral print chiffon dress, £99; Warehouse floral silk dress, £60; Debut floral prom dress, £100 at Debenhams; Wallis Limited Edition antique flower bud lace dress, £85; BHS big flower tie shoulder dress, £18; Dorothy Perkins floral print tulip dress, £40; Pinko one-shoulder floral dress, £215 at ASOS.
COUNTRY GARDEN
Delicate tea roses and girlish daisies signify understated Darling Buds of May beauty. Asprey and Sportsmax collections all feature delicate floral prints for a cutesy fresh summer look.
To give your blooms some extra oomph (no water required), maximise this feminine look by choosing floaty frills. Alternatively, toughen up your florals by choosing a black net underskirt or structured bodice detailing, as seen at Luella.
STYLING TIP: Women with larger frames should stick to subtle spriggy florals. Big blooms will accentuate your curves.
Try Freemans floral tunic, £29; Topshop floral print shorts, £30; Next floral blouse, £40; Principles Petite floral frill blouse, £39; Warehouse chiffon floral ruffle dress, £65; Wallis floral georgette dress, £35; Monsoon Amelia floral print dress, £46; Joules Cicely floral mac, £59.
MIXED BOUQUET
Florals are spreading faster than rampant weeds this season. If you really want to break free from all those feminine frocks and chintzy print shirts and skirts, tap into the trend with bold accessories.
There are fantastic fashionable bloom prints on bags and shoes in the stores. If you want to make a mini-investment in flower power, try petal-inspired jewellery. Just like floral clothing, you can either go super-bold or delicate.
STYLING TIP: Don’t “over-bloom”. If you’re working floral accessories such as shoes, bags or jewellery, keep the rest of your look low key on the print front.
Try Primark floral raffia wedge, £10; ASOS floral corsage satin heels, £40; Billy Bag floral Milly bag, £45; Accessorize Bohemia floral bag, £30; Butterfly by Matthew Williamson flower bag, £55 at Debenhams; Wallis lace floral corsage, £8; Freedom at Topshop leather flower rope necklace, £15.
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