Do you have a favorite floral garment or accent? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Warmer weather is upon us — and with it comes the season of garden parties, brunches, weddings, beach getaways and other spring and summer events. Naturally, we’re swapping our sweaters and heavier clothing for lighter, brighter styles — but this is also a perfect time to embrace floral prints and flower-inspired fashion.
Flowery prints sometimes get a bad rap for either being too dated and dowdy or, at the other end of the spectrum, too sweet and juvenile. But the truth is, floral prints are timeless, and they’re for everyone — no matter your age, figure or personal style. The key is to pull them off in a way that makes you look fabulous and feel confident.
Pieces shown above, left to right:
Naim Dress in Avena Mustard, Diarrablu
Price: $285
Sizes: XS – 3XL
diarrablu.com
Travelers™ Collection Reversible Floral Crushed Jacket, Chico’s
Price: $150
Sizes: XS – XXL
chicos.com
Ayanna High-Low Tunic, Ashro
Price: $80 – $90
Sizes: S – 3X
ashro.com
If you’ve ever shied away from incorporating florals in your wardrobe or assumed they’re not for you, we’re here to help sis. Prints are personal, so rather than giving you hard and fast fashion rules, we’ll guide you through five elements to consider when wearing florals. Whether you’re drawn to big, bright blooms or prefer subtle, delicate prints, focusing on these strategies will help you wear flowers with confidence, joy and your unique flair.
Five elements to consider when wearing florals
1. Suitable silhouettes
You can find florals in just about every clothing type — but the key is choosing styles that flatter your body shape, fit well and align with your personal style. When selecting floral clothes, prioritize silhouettes that complement your curves, height and proportions for a polished, put-together look.
For example, if you have an hourglass or pear shape and enjoy highlighting your curves, opt for styles that hug and flatter your body without clinging too tightly. Try a maxi dress with a single placement print or a floral button-down with high-waisted, straight-leg jeans.
If you have a petite frame, avoid styles that shorten your body; focus on vertical floral patterns, A-line dresses or breezy tops that elongate your figure. Straight body types can play with silhouettes with seams and details that add the illusion of curves.
Finding the right silhouette and fit is half the battle to wearing floral styles confidently. Get those two elements right, and wearing flowers will become effortless and fun!
2. Correct colors
Just like silhouettes, florals come in every shade imaginable. Soft sorbet color palettes are trending for spring and summer, but incorporating flowers into your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean sticking to pastels.
Vibrant, bright florals always make a statement, while muted or earthy tones offer a softer, elegant look. Black-and-white flower prints provide a timeless, high-contrast option that’s always chic. Deeper, richer floral prints with darker backgrounds transition beautifully into fall and winter. But even in spring and summer, large florals placed on deep backgrounds can create a sophisticated, striking look.
When choosing floral prints, consider what colors complement your beautiful shade of brown. If you’re unsure what colors work for you, hold solid-colored fabrics to your face in natural light. Your go-to tones are the shades that brighten your complexion and enhance your features—focus on flower prints where these colors are predominant.
Also, think about your body when choosing flowers. Light colors magnify, while darker shades slim. So, if you have broader features on top than on the bottom, pairing a solid top in a darker tone with a floral skirt in a lighter shade will create a balance. Bottom line: choose prints in colors that make you glow and feel confident!
3. Size and scale
The size, scale and placement of a floral print can make a big difference in whether a pattern enhances your overall look, overpowers your shape or hides your best features. Finding the right balance will ensure you look polished and modern.
If you're petite, oversized florals can overwhelm your frame, while tiny prints might not have enough impact. Opt for medium-scale florals that complement your proportions. If you have a fuller shape, large prints aren’t off-limits! Just be strategic — look for well-placed prints that flatter your curves rather than compete with them. For example, if you want to try floral pants, look for ones with a darker background and smaller, more evenly spaced prints for a slendering effect.
Remember, not all florals are full blooms. Leafy prints or botanical patterns offer a fresh, modern alternative. With the right print and placement, florals can work beautifully for every shape and size.
4. Perfect pairings
How you style your floral prints matters. Whether flowers are the star of your outfit or just a subtle accent, aim for a balanced, cohesive look with your layers and accessories.
For example, if a print feels too bold on its own, balance it with a structured blazer, pantsuit, denim jacket or a solid-colored cardigan. Keep accessories simple when wearing statement florals. A sleek belt, minimalist jewelry or neutral shoes can enhance your look without overwhelming it.
Accessories can also help your outfits do double duty. A floral sundress can go from casual to elegant with a quick swap — think sneakers or ballet flats by day, heels and statement earrings by night. With the right pairings, florals can be stylish, sophisticated and perfect for any occasion.
5. Fun factor
Incorporating florals into your wardrobe doesn’t have to be predictable or boring. Here are a few ways to be playful, have fun and add an element of surprise when embracing flowery styles.
● Try unexpected pieces. Go beyond floral dresses, skirts and tops and embrace unique styles. Flowery satin pants, kimonos, a structured floral blazer or a jumpsuit in a bold botanical print are all eye-catching takes on floral silhouettes.
● Accessorize with flowers. If you’re not ready for head-to-toe florals, start small. A floral belt, scarf, handbag or floral-print shoes can add a stylish touch without overpowering your outfit.
● Add just a touch. A blouse or denim jacket with embroidered flowers and crochet tops offer texture and elegance, giving you a floral feel in a more subtle way.
● Mix prints. Florals pair beautifully with solids but don’t shy away from combining flowery prints with other patterns. Try an abstract floral top with vertical striped pants or a subtle flower print with a plaid blazer in the same color family for a sophisticated yet playful look. Modern floral prints often incorporate stripes, geometric shapes or artistic brushstroke designs — perfect for a fresh take on florals.
We hope we’ve convinced you that florals are for everyone, including you! If you’re willing to experiment, you’ll find that floral prints can be versatile, and injecting them into your closet will breathe fresh air into your spring and summer outfits. Whether you go bold with a floral statement piece or add subtle floral accents, focus on looks that make you feel beautiful, confident, and joyful.
Do you have a favorite floral garment or accent? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
