Does the thought of wearing a bold floral print make you want to retreat back to your trusty jeans and t-shirts? You’re not the only one. Wearing a busy print that’s likely to draw attention can be intimidating, even for the most confident of women – but you shouldn’t have to be resigned to a life of block colours and same-old shapes…
In fact, a floral print can be extremely flattering on all shapes – it’s all about knowing how to make the trend work for you. Our Fashion Editor has four rules every woman should stick to to ensure she always looks fabulous in floral print:
1. If you don’t want to overload with florals, stick to a piece with one large motif. It will still give a modern nod to the trend without being too twee.
2. Choose a dress or top with clever contouring that has all the print in the centre, with darker block panels on the outside – it will slim you down in seconds (we’ve found some options below).
3. Be clever with your positioning and use florals to distract from your worry areas – if you have a bigger bust, keep all focus on the bottom half of your body by wearing the print there, and vice versa.
4. For a softer finish, opt for a subtle floral print that isn’t too graphic. Choose a colour that suits your skin tone to keep things more neutral.
So, where do we start? How about with this fab tunic dress from Anthropologie (pictured above). In a completely flattering cut, this dress will streamline your entire middle area making you look instantly slimmer.
Opt for a retro vibe with these printed culottes from Whistles. In a loose and wider shape, these bottoms are super-forgiving on a pear shape. Team with a white shirt and gold mules.
Femme up your dress-down trainers by opting for a pair with a dab of floral print. Wear this pair from Dorothy Perkins with a bit of double denim. Yes we mean jeans and denim shirt – go on be daring.
Show off those slim shoulders and still hide your tum with this
floral top from Mango. Add some shimmer on your collar bones to really
make them pop. Navy chinos will look amazing with this blouse, gold
heels will make the entire outfit perfect for a night out.
This jacket from Zara is just the ticket for staying covered but still looking summery. With the mix of florals, stripes and statement sleeves, this piece couldn’t pack on any SS17 trends if it tried. Wear over a white dress and casual sandals.
Big, bold and graphic, this isn’t just your average floral dress. Perfect for a summer wedding, keep it looking chic with black heels and a luxe silver bag.
Buy now for £260 at LK Bennett. (hurry hurry as it’s in sale)
Totally transform your entire outfit with this totally glamorous asian inspired kimono jacket from River Island. In a very soft satin, wear over your classic jeans and simple white t-shirt. Add a belt to pinch in your waist.
Buy now for £35 at River Island.
You don’t need to be covered in floral print to look feminine, sometimes one large motif is all you need. This top from Warehouse would look incredible over denim culottes.
Contour your sides slimmer in seconds with this jacket from Karen Millen. The darker sleeves and edges will trim your sides, while the floral print in the centre will still leave you looking summery. Wear over your go-to LBD for a night out.
Buy now for £180 at Karen Millen
Get your next wedding outfit sorted instantly with this floral dress from H&M. With long sleeves and a flattering v-neck, this piece will make your figure look fabulous. And for only £39.99, you don’t need to break the bank to look expensive.
Less is more when it comes to prints, especially florals. We’re loving this suede bag from & Other Stories. It will perfectly compliment a khaki dress.
Buy now for £89 at & Other Stories.
Take this skirt for a spin around the dance floor for any upcoming events. Smarten it up by teaming with a cream blouse and blazer. Wedge heels are the most comfortable shoes to wear, plus they’re super summery.
Buy now for £40 at Dorothy Perkins
If you’re going simple with the dress, then you need to go that extra glam with the shoes. These heels from Ted Baker aren’t just completely eye-catching, but the lower block heel means that they’re super comfy too.
Buy now for £130 at Ted Baker.
