Do you like the look of florals, but don't want to dress "old"? Is your interest piqued by the current trend, but you're not 100% convinced? If your style is more streamlined and downtown, but you want to at least try some flower-based prints, read on. And don't be afraid - yes, floral prints can often read as mature, or bohemian, or girly - but you can remain modern and cool by focusing on a few specifics in the floral world.
What takes florals out of grandma territory and makes them feel stylish and new? Combining floral prints with other patterns, going for oversized and/or stylized versions, and choosing prints based in black, white and grey.
Check out our picks below, along with some botanical-based looks - and if you want to see more of our flowery choices, visit our "In bloom" board on Pinterest.
PRINT MASH-UP
Florals mixed with blocks, stripes or mini-prints feel completely fresh and of-the-moment.
(clockwise from top left) Floral jacket by J. Crew, $298 | Floral grid top by Topshop, $60 | Digital print sleeveless dress by Peter Pilotto, from Liberty.co.uk, $815 | Printed pumps by Tory Burch, $325 | Tote bag by Mantaray, from Debenhams.com, $43 | Floral graphic print sweatshirt by Sportmax Code, from House of Fraser, see site for pricing
Put a spin on the floral trend and inject some menswear influence. Cuffed jeans, a chambray shirt and loafers say all guy, while the mixed-print blazer and delicate necklace are all woman.
Blazer by Met Chino & Friends, from Yoox.com. Chambray shirt by J. Crew. Cuffed skinny jeans by Gap. Gold textured belt by Banana Republic. Leather penny loafers by Mango. Tote by Foley + Corinna, from Piperlime. Necklace by Stella + Dot.
BOLD AND GRAPHIC
Large scale flower prints, stylized interpretations, and graphic treatments of blooms move these patterns from overtly girly to artistically cool.
(clockwise from top left) Print t-shirt by Ted Baker, from House of Fraser, see site for pricing | Printed leather pumps by Miu Miu, $675 | Jersey skirt by H&M, $24.95 | Blurred floral print sweatshirt by Paul Smith, $295 | Tunic dress by Wallisfashion.com, $74 | Nylon bag by Kate Spade New York, $178
Modern and ladylike aren't mutually exclusive. Balance out an ultra-feminine pencil skirt with darker colors, updated shapes and interesting fabrics - like a boxy leather t-shirt, or a metallic flecked coat with exaggerated proportions.
Mahogany leather tee by Coach. Floral print skirt by Ted Baker. Burgundy metallic boucle coat by Alice + Olivia, from Mytheresa.com. Nude patent sandals by Banana Republic. Colorblock leather envelope clutch by Gap. Green/gold link earrings by Byrufina, from Bottica.com. Sunglasses by Ann Taylor.
BLACK, WHITE & GREY
The contrast of black and white adds some edge and cuts the sweetness of a floral print, making it more palatable for the less-than-girly girl.
(clockwise from top left) Floral print blazer by Rebecca Taylor, $495 | Floral a-line skirt by Topshop, $76 | Satin clutch by Alexander McQueen, $540 | Jacquard knit dress by Karen Millen, see site for pricing | Floral t-shirt by J. Crew, $39.50 | Floral rain boots by Hunter, $150
A floral frilled-neck top gets gutsy in black and white, and melds perfectly with a herringbone coat in similar colors. Be even more daring in relaxed (faux) leather pants, and add a couple of pop colors for good measure.
Frill collar top by Reiss. Black/white houndstooth coat by Theory. Faux leather trousers by Zara. Leather and neoprene booties by Tibi. Red satchel by Milly, from Piperlime. Faceted earrings by BCBG. Blue leather watch by Fossil. Chain wrap bracelet by Modcloth.
