Unlocking Style: Your Ultimate Guide to Wearing Floral Prints

We've diving headfirst into the wonderful world of bold and floral print outfits. There's a reason the versatile and dynamic floral print has been around for centuries and isn't showing any signs of slowing. Whether it's floaty maxi dresses, printed shirts, statement jackets or trendy accessories, you can't go far without seeing a floral print. Humans have had a strong connection to flowers since the beginning of time, so it didn't take long for flowers to start being incorporated into clothing. In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, people used real flowers to adorn their clothing. This use of wreaths and garlands not only added scents but was thought to bring luck or ward off bad energies. Floral patterns then began featuring on silk and ikat cloth traded across Asia between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Embracing Bold Prints Year-Round


We're embracing florals for every season - floral print can be earthy, feminine, bold or modern to suit a wide range of wardrobes and styles. 
If you're like us and living in the Southern hemisphere, you know we're heading into a chilly Winter season. A long-sleeved floral dress styled with tights, boots and a neutral coat is a classic combination that suits a variety of occasions. If you're conscious about feeling too dressed up, pairing a long, floral dress with flat boots and accessorising with more casual bags and scarves is an easy and stylish way to get more wear out of an otherwise dressy dress. 

Get the look - We love New Zealand brand Trelise Cooper for a feminine, floaty long sleeved dress. Dame Trelise Cooper is a celebrated fashion designer known for her beautiful garments that make women look and feel fantastic. Her remarkable career as a designer and businesswoman has spanned over thirty years and her eponymous brand is known around the world for its elegant womenswear. So basically, she knows her stuff when it comes to designing dreamy, floral clothing! 

          

Mastering the Art of Coordination: Floral Print Outfits for Every
Occasion

A floral print dress isn't just for picnics and garden parties (and let's be honest, as much as we love those they don't happen often enough!) - they can be incorporated into basically any outfit to instantly add an element of fun. Let's delve into how to wear bold prints for various occasions and looks. 

Floral Prints for Everyday

One of our favourite ways to incorporate floral print outfits into the everyday is to start with a floral printed shirt  - pair it with casual jeans or classic black pants and finish it off with subtle jewellery for an easy throw-it-on-and-go outfit. Southern Californian label Johnny Was has nailed the floral print shirt. Made from luxury silks and often incorporating clashing prints and vibrant tones, these aren't your stock standard mix prints. You can either let the shirt do the talking by wearing it with neutral basics, or you can embrace the bold colour and pair it with a complimentary coloured pant

Prints for Formal Events

The best thing about choosing a fun, printed piece for a formal event is the fact that you're more likely to get more wear out of it down the track. Choosing a classic floral printed dress that transcends seasons and trends means it will likely last you for years and events to come. If you want to ramp up the glam - pair it with a faux fur coat and eye-catching jewellery. If it's more of a corporate scenario, we recommend styling your dress with a tailored blazer

Printed Dresses for Work

Speaking of corporate scenarios, office wear doesn't have to just feature 50 shades of grey. We're a firm believer in dopamine dressing and how the clothes you wear can affect your mood. Incorporating florals or a bold print dress into your workwear is a quick way to add some brightness to your outfit, and your day. Tailored garments with bold prints create workplace-appropriate yet fun looks. It's easy to keep it professional by choosing a more subtle print dress in a classic silhouette, but if you're keen to showcase a bold printed dress in the office, finish the look with some matching jewellery for a polished look.

 

Elevating Your Look: How to Wear Bold Prints with Confidence


When mixing and matching bold prints, we suggest choosing a unifying colour that appears in both patterns to create harmony. Pair a larger, more dominant print with a smaller, subtler one to balance the eye-catching elements. For instance, combine a vibrant floral blouse with a striped skirt where both pieces share a common colour, like red or blue. To maintain cohesiveness, keep accessories minimal and in neutral tones, letting the prints take centre stage. This approach creates a stylish, confident look that's both visually interesting and well-coordinated.


Pairing Patterns: The Art of Mixing Prints

Trying to choose between two prints?


Seeing someone rock mixed prints is one of those things that makes us automatically assume they're a fashion expert. There's something relaxed yet so fashion forward about clashing two patterns against each other - to us it says - 'I don't care about your fashion rules yet I'm still the coolest person here'! If you're new to this (like us) we recommend starting with two prints that feature the same colour palette, for example a blue plaid with a blue floral. Another option is to pair two timeless prints, for example a striped top with an animal print skirt or jacket. Check out the inspo images below if you require more of a visual representation!


Styling Tips: Making a Statement with Floral Print Dresses


If dresses are Simon, floral prints are Garfunkel! Put them together and magic happens. Whether it's in the form of a ruffled midi or a classic shift, it's easy to make a statement with this iconic duo. 

A-line dresses are universally flattering. Pair them with a belt to cinch the waist and enhance the hourglass shape. Add a denim jacket for a casual look or a tailored blazer for a more polished appearance. Wrap dresses are great for accentuating the waist. Choose a wrap dress with a bold floral print to draw attention to the waistline. Layer with a delicate necklace or a statement belt.

Maxi dresses with floral prints are perfect for a boho-chic look. Accessorise with a wide-brimmed hat and layered necklaces. Opt for a dress with a slit for added drama and movement. Statement jewellery can elevate a simple floral dress. For a bold floral print, choose minimalistic jewellery to avoid overwhelming the look. For a subtle print, experiment with bolder accessories.

Seasonal Transitions: Floral Prints for Winter, Spring,
Summer, and Autumn

Adapting floral prints to suit changing seasons involves strategic layering, thoughtful fabric choices, and versatile colour palettes. In Spring, opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or cotton with pastel or bright floral patterns. Layer with a light cardigan or denim jacket for cooler mornings. As summer approaches, shift to breezy, breathable materials such as linen or silk, and embrace vibrant, bold florals.

Transition to Autumn by incorporating deeper, muted hues like burgundy, navy, and mustard on slightly thicker fabrics like jersey or light wool. Layer with cozy knitwear or a tailored blazer. In winter, dark floral prints on rich fabrics like velvet or wool create a sophisticated look, complemented by layering with chunky sweaters, scarves, and coats. 

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Rebecca Impulse