How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual shindig, the Chelsea Flower Show, is almost upon us. And, even if you’re lacking in the gardening-skills department, you can still get involved. A quick perusal of the high street reveals that flower prints of every colour and creed are cramming the rails, from lush tropical prints to practically grunge daisies.
Done right, floral prints add a much-needed shot of awesome to your summer look. But, there’s a fine line between granny chic and just plain dowdy. Plus, if you overdo things, you seriously risk a strobing effect on unsuspecting passers by. No matter — we’ve got your back. Just follow our tips and you’ll be the sartorial equivalent of Alan Titchmarsh. In a good way, obviously.
Want more local flavour? Like Refinery29 London on Facebook for insider tips on the coolest spots to shop, eat, party, and play.
Done right, floral prints add a much-needed shot of awesome to your summer look. But, there’s a fine line between granny chic and just plain dowdy. Plus, if you overdo things, you seriously risk a strobing effect on unsuspecting passers by. No matter — we’ve got your back. Just follow our tips and you’ll be the sartorial equivalent of Alan Titchmarsh. In a good way, obviously.
Want more local flavour? Like Refinery29 London on Facebook for insider tips on the coolest spots to shop, eat, party, and play.
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Get The '60s Vibe
If pretty florals prints aren’t your bag, do as Mr Holland does for spring and channel the '90s-does-'60s flower-power thing with bright, graphic blooms. Sure, if you overdo it could all go a little Blossom, but then again, is that such a bad thing?
Photo: Courtesy of House of Holland
If pretty florals prints aren’t your bag, do as Mr Holland does for spring and channel the '90s-does-'60s flower-power thing with bright, graphic blooms. Sure, if you overdo it could all go a little Blossom, but then again, is that such a bad thing?
Photo: Courtesy of House of Holland
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Add Some Neon
If you dig the ladylike trend but fear you’ll inadvertently look like a royal en route to the opening of a village fete, neon could be your savior. Floral pieces get a thoroughly modern overhaul with a judicious flash of fluoro-zing. Rock a floral pencil skirt with a dash of neon pink, and you’ve aced it.
Photo: Courtesy of Asos
If you dig the ladylike trend but fear you’ll inadvertently look like a royal en route to the opening of a village fete, neon could be your savior. Floral pieces get a thoroughly modern overhaul with a judicious flash of fluoro-zing. Rock a floral pencil skirt with a dash of neon pink, and you’ve aced it.
Photo: Courtesy of Asos
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Accessorise
Let’s be honest; bright, jazzy prints are not for everyone — especially if your style icon is someone like Rei Kawakubo or, er, Batman. But, there is a way of working florals into your look with minimal fuss (and minimal disruption to your Batsuit, obviously). And by that, we obviously mean flowering add-ons. For instance, we’re kind of obsessed with this floral snapback. Awesome doesn’t even cover it.
Photo: Courtesy of Ale et Ange/Net-a-Porter
Let’s be honest; bright, jazzy prints are not for everyone — especially if your style icon is someone like Rei Kawakubo or, er, Batman. But, there is a way of working florals into your look with minimal fuss (and minimal disruption to your Batsuit, obviously). And by that, we obviously mean flowering add-ons. For instance, we’re kind of obsessed with this floral snapback. Awesome doesn’t even cover it.
Photo: Courtesy of Ale et Ange/Net-a-Porter
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Don't Fear The Classics
Traditional floral prints are often accused of giving off a dowdy vibe, but to avoid the classics is to deprive your wardrobe. You just need to know how to have fun with them. We love the way that House of Hackney subverts vintage prints with beauty and humour. Downton on acid, if you will. And if you realy like their cute floral tea dresses and dungarees, it looks like you can buy a sofa to match. Bonus.
Photo: Courtesy of House of Hackney
Traditional floral prints are often accused of giving off a dowdy vibe, but to avoid the classics is to deprive your wardrobe. You just need to know how to have fun with them. We love the way that House of Hackney subverts vintage prints with beauty and humour. Downton on acid, if you will. And if you realy like their cute floral tea dresses and dungarees, it looks like you can buy a sofa to match. Bonus.
Photo: Courtesy of House of Hackney
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Make It Modern With A Two-Piece
Matching separates are the only way to go this summer — particularly if you're looking for a freshway to rock bold prints. We can’t get enough of the shorts ‘n’ crop-top combos that are on the high street right now. Plus, the two-piece makes an excellent addition to summer festival dressing — and will guarantee that you stand out in a sea of fairy wings, flower crowns, and fringing. Team with killer shades and sandals, and the VIP pass will be yours.
Photo: Courtesy of Zara
Matching separates are the only way to go this summer — particularly if you're looking for a freshway to rock bold prints. We can’t get enough of the shorts ‘n’ crop-top combos that are on the high street right now. Plus, the two-piece makes an excellent addition to summer festival dressing — and will guarantee that you stand out in a sea of fairy wings, flower crowns, and fringing. Team with killer shades and sandals, and the VIP pass will be yours.
Photo: Courtesy of Zara
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Mix It Up
Can you overdo the print thing this season? We’re going to go with a big fat NO. Mashing up prints is also the perfect way to toughen up delicate florals, especially if you get some animal prints into the mix. Of course it is possible to take things too far, if you're not careful. If your ensemble is causing passers by to shield their eyes, it might be time for an outfit rethink.
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
Can you overdo the print thing this season? We’re going to go with a big fat NO. Mashing up prints is also the perfect way to toughen up delicate florals, especially if you get some animal prints into the mix. Of course it is possible to take things too far, if you're not careful. If your ensemble is causing passers by to shield their eyes, it might be time for an outfit rethink.
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Team It With A Luxe Sweatshirt
Great fashion is all about contrast. A fine balance between yin and yang, salt and sweet, and — in this instance — riotous florals and laidback sports luxe. We love the delicious contrast between decadent print and this season’s haute shirt.
Photo: Courtesy of Sophie Hulme
Great fashion is all about contrast. A fine balance between yin and yang, salt and sweet, and — in this instance — riotous florals and laidback sports luxe. We love the delicious contrast between decadent print and this season’s haute shirt.
Photo: Courtesy of Sophie Hulme
More, More, More!
How To Wear Florals: The Only 7 Rules You Need To Know
Related Stories
-
12 Of Your Shopping Questions, Answered
-
Fashion Math: Summer Weekend Edition
-
5 Reasons To Try Out A Crop Top This Summer
-
It’s Time To See The Light — A Primer On Wearing White…
-
Channeling: The American Girl Dolls
-
10 Style Secrets That Prove It IS Easy Being Green
-
An Outfit Guide To Wearing Summer Blazers
-
How To Wear 10 Types Of Shorts
-
A flood of visual inspiration -- straight from our feed to yours.
Follow our profile: pinterest.com/refinery29
in NYC