We all know the famous line uttered by a dissatisfied Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) in The Devil Wears Prada: “Florals. For Spring? Groundbreaking.” And while she’s right – wearing the botanical print in the warmer months is nothing revolutionary – we do think integrating a petal-esque palette into your winter wardrobe will not only brighten the seasonally darkness, but also your mood.
Like any print there are a myriad of ways to wear them, and naturally with the wet weather it’s easy to gravitate towards long sleeves. But don’t rule out short sleeves altogether. Teamed with a knit underneath or layered with a coat, tights and boots makes a shorter sleeve floral offering a versatile choice. Here are our top floral trends to wear all winter long.
1. Garden Greens
There’s something so fresh about a green inspired floral print. Even in winter this offering is sure to brighten your day and the day of those around you.
Clockwise from top left: Rejina Pyo Fall 2022. Oscar de la Renta floral-motif earrings, $673 from FARFETCH. Alemais ‘Arlo’ puff sleeve dress, $995. Runway: Elie Saab Fall 2022. Emilia Wickstead ‘Gerty’ top, $1310 from Simon James. Trelise Cooper ‘Slip Tease’ dress, $699. Centre: Erdem Resort 2023.
2. Wrap it up
A wrap or shirt dress that ties are perhaps the most flattering styles for your figure – just think how Diane Von Furstenberg started an empire with them. While these have long sleeves they’re also light enough to transition from winter to spring meaning your cost-per-wear quota will be working overtime.
Clockwise from top left: Witchery ‘Border Print’ shirt dress, $229.90. Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, POA. Poupette St Barth ‘Kimi’ floral shirt dress, $480 from Mytheresa. Erdem ‘Kendrick’ floral print shirt dress, $1605 from Matches Fashion. Juliette Hogan ‘Arlene’ dress, $599. Centre: Kate Ford ‘Devina’ wrap dress, $625 from Muse Boutique.
3. The Mini
Whether you choose to show off some leg with a mini, or wear with tights and boots, we love the sixties vibe that a shorter skirt or dress gives off.
Clockwise from top left: Ganni printed mesh mini dress, $429 from Workshop. Zimmermann ‘Violet’ twist-front mini dress, $695. Runway: Pertegaz Fall 2022. Van Cleef & Arpels ring, POA. Alison Lou ‘Wildflower’ diamond and gold bracelet, $2480 from Lulu’s Collective. Zara floral mini dress, $109. Alemais Matilde Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $650, from Muse Boutique. Centre: Aje Spring/Summer 2023. Runway images: Imaxtree.
4. Purple is the new pink
Ever since millennial pink became a thing people have been living and breathing it – now we think it’s time for purple’s turn. And what better way to test out the hue than with an array of florals?
Clockwise from top left: Isabel Marant ‘Albisd’ dress, $1769 from Workshop. Stine Goya ‘Maelys’ blouse, $399 from Chapman. Kate Sylvester ‘Wallflower’ dress, $419. Hugo Kreit ‘Iris’ earrings, $760 from Farfetch. Christian Wijnants ‘All-floral’ print dress, $1227 from Farfetch. Ruby ‘Suzie Crush’ dress,$269. Centre: Erdem Resort 2023. Runway image: Imaxtree.
5. On top
In our opinion a dress is an easier option for a print. In saying that if you’re not ready to fully commit, a blouse gives you a way to test the trend out. Plus they’re perfect to wear with jeans.
Clockwise from top left: Romance Was Born ‘Sunflower’ drop earrings, $100. Balenciaga floral jacquard blouse, $1836 from Mytheresa. Moochi ‘Sleeper’ shirt, $329.99. Zara floral print blouse, $65.90. Zimmermann ‘Prima’ short sleeve shirt, $595. Centre: Elisabetta Franchi Fall 2022. Runway image: Imaxtree.
6. The Lady Like
A puffed sleeve and below the knee finish is sure to give you an elegant finish. Team with heels and your hair in a low chignon to elevate your look further.
Clockwise from top left: Kitri ‘Anais’ knit, $295 from Mode Sportif. Ganni pleated georgette V-Neck dress $459 from Workshop. Rixo ‘Cherie’ dress, $588. Saint Laurent ‘Bianca’ platform heels, $1218 from Matches Fashion. The Vampire’s Wife ‘The Falconetti’ dress, $3,198 from Workshop. Centre: Paul & Joe Fall 2022. Runway image: Imaxtree.
