Floral prints feature in so many of my spring outfit ideas, but although I’m usually drawn to pastel tones, this might be about to change. The Duchess of Edinburgh went bold on 30th April with a navy dress covered with vibrant floral detailing and I have to admit it’s inspired me.
She showed that darker floral dresses are just as beautiful and can even be more striking. As a champion of some of the best British clothing brands, I wasn’t surprised to see her step out in the London sunshine wearing a piece from one of her favourites - Beulah London.
Duchess Sophie attended a church service for the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association and this midi dress struck a good balance between being formal and summery. It had a modest round neckline, elasticated, puffed sleeves and fell to just above her ankles.
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You can currently pick up this gorgeous burgundy floral dress with 20% off and it's one of those items you can bring out for wedding season year after year. The print is hand-pressed by the Phase Eight designers and the skirt is fully pleated for extra movement.
The black background tone of this puffed-sleeve dress makes the yellow and blue flowers really stand out. It features a rounded neckline, midi length skirt and a flattering curved waist seam. Wear with black accessories for a coordinated look.
A wrap dress is easy to throw on and this one has a self-tie waist and an asymmetric hemline which is accentuated by a flounce. The contrast of the deep blue tones is stunning and the design of this dress means you can wear it more casually as well as for special occasions.
This is the £650 Sienna Floral Bouquet Dress and it’s available for pre-order now in the navy colourway that the royal wore. It’s made from silk crepe de chine and is so timeless and elegant that it would make one of the best wedding guest dresses if you want to invest in a luxury option.
The navy background colour of Duchess Sophie’s dress is a gorgeous option when you don’t want to wear black and the deeper tone made the orange, pink and red floral print really pop.
They cascaded all over, entwined with green leaves and framed by matching emerald stripes that sectioned them off, almost like a painting. Even if you aren’t a fan of navy, the Duchess of Edinburgh’s dress is worth taking note of when it comes to florals for spring.
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Perfect for pairing with white or blue jeans, this green floral top has a peplum hemline and feminine bow fastenings at the front. The crew neckline and short sleeves give it a classic edge and I love the botanical print.
Monochrome will never go out of style and the simple colour palette makes these floral elasticated trousers easy to incorporate into different outfits. They're high-waisted and have handy pockets, with a wide-leg cut.
With a cotton voile lining, this skirt has a long, flared shape and a high-rise waist. It fastens with a concealed zip and hook-and-eye at one side. This would be so pretty worn with a simple black T-shirt and flats, or dressed up with heels for a party.
I particularly love green and so I’m going to be keeping an eye out for floral pieces with a deep green background tone this season. Burgundy, charcoal grey, rich purple, magenta and black are lovely, deeper alternatives to pastels too.
A darker, moodier colour palette can enhance floral motifs and so many of the flowers we see around us are bright rather than pastel-hued. If you often find yourself wondering what to wear with a darker dress then I have several suggestions.
Duchess Sophie went for beige court shoes and neutral shoes like hers work well as they leave the focus on the dress. Beige ballet flats, loafers or espadrilles would also be pretty and there’s also nothing wrong with going for your best white trainers either.
They will be more of a stark colour contrast but they bring a relaxed feel that can make a floral dress feel more daytime-appropriate. You can also pick out footwear that ties into either the background tone of the dress or the pattern on it.
The Duchess of Edinburgh took a pared-back approach for the church service and matched her clutch bag to her beige shoes. She accessorised with a pale pink hat with a flower-like frill on the top and glimmering gold jewellery.
Like the Princess of Wales, the King’s sister-in-law regularly re-wears her favourite outfits. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing this dress again before the end of summer.
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Thought Prince Louis was quiet during Trooping the Colour? Duchess Sophie helped sneak in playful moment on the balconyPrince Louis was on his best behaviour – but he and great-aunt Sophie managed a bit of mischief
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Thought Prince Louis was quiet during Trooping the Colour? Duchess Sophie helped sneak in playful moment on the balcony
Prince Louis was on his best behaviour – but he and great-aunt Sophie managed a bit of mischief
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Like mother, like daughter: Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte shine in touches of turquoise at Trooping the ColourThe Princess of Wales and her only daughter matched in the summery hue for royal parade
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Princess Eugenie makes styling halternecks look easy as she returns to current favourite frock with comfy kitten heel mulesHer blue orchid-print midi dress has convinced me that halternecks can be sophisticated as well as summery.
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Duchess Sophie just brought back her high-street rose quartz studs - and they tied in perfectly with her floral silk dressThe Duchess of Edinburgh has had these earrings for many years and they're subtle enough to work with so many outfits.
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Not sold on denim shorts? Kate Middleton’s tailored white pair are a flattering and sophisticated alternativeThe Princess of Wales rarely wears shorts publicly but she made an exception for this stunning and timeless design in 2022.
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Peachy keen: Carole Middleton’s quilted bag is a summer must-haveCarole Middleton's peach bag from 2017 is a must-have for this summer
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I suspect Kate Middleton will steer clear of one of her favourite shades at Trooping the Colour - and wear this one insteadWe won’t know for sure what the Princess of Wales will wear until the big day, but I have a feeling this colour is a strong contender.
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Move over, blazers: Duchess Sophie's cropped jacket and maxi skirt just redefined summer eleganceWhen you want a polished outfit that's not too formal, this combination is one worth turning to.
