Floral prints are a perennial favourite but this season flowers have a ‘60s psychedelic vibe with retro wallpaper patterns all round. Make those gardenias groovy, hunt out retro roses and give verbenas a vintage vibe (I worked in a garden centre in my teens!)and look for tonal colour ways to freshen up flowers for a 2017 update.
Washed-out cream, tan and brown florals blend together in the Chloe SS17 collection while Michael Kors combines bright green, cyan and blue for a brighter take on the trend. Make it bold with block colour patent accessories, wear clashing florals for the full impact or simply nod to the trend with a muted print paired with denim.
If you’re a fan of floral prints already you won’t need much persuading to update your prints for this season but if you need a little convincing as with any busy print, it’s perfect for mamas because – quite simply – it will disguise child-induced stains! It’s worth considering for your day-to-day wardrobe as well as special occasion wear – the last thing you want to think about when at a wedding with children is trying to keep them (and their sticky fingers!) away from your frock!
Retro floral prints: practical yet stylish. What this blog is all about!
Top 10 Trend: Retro Floral Prints
1. Cami top, French Connection | 2. Per Una print t-shirt, Marks & Spencer | 3. Plunge swimsuit, And Other Stories | 4. Jumpsuit, Whistles | 5. Midi dress, Glamorous | 6. Silk dress, Warehouse | 7. Wrap dress, Mango | 8. Knot detail skirt, And Other Stories | 9. Swimsuit, Ted Baker @ LoveTheSales | 10. Shift dress, Collection Weekend by John Lewis
Style notes
1. Cami top, French Connection
Just add denim (skirt, shorts or jeans) and let the muted tone add to the relaxed vibe of your outfit while the print keeps you on trend.
2. Per Una print t-shirt, Marks & Spencer
Update your t-shirt collection with a retro floral print; an instant update on a hanger with minimal effort and maximum impact.
3. Plunge swimsuit, And Other Stories
Make a poolside statement and embrace your shape in this fun floral swimsuit. Grab your straw basket, sunnies and sliders and you’re set for summer.
4. Jumpsuit, Whistles
Try a jumpsuit for those classic summer occasions; this one will take you from picnics to parties and weddings to cocktails. Wear with sliders and flip-flops to wedges and heels.
5. Midi dress, Glamorous
This retro print could turn into frumpy mama territory but it’s the cut of this midi dress which rescues it to place it firmly on the trend hit list. The cut-out shoulders, midi length and fitted shape with deep V neckline give the dress a sexiness that’s played down just enough by the print.
6. Silk dress, Warehouse
Asymmetry is an instant updater for dress and skirt shapes this season and it is incredibly flattering. Why not max it out with this one-shouldered, dip hem silk dress? The psychedelic blooms may not be one for wall flowers but can always be toned down at a wedding for example with a neutral jacket on top then shoulder-baring may commence ready for evening antics when you’ve got your confidence with a glass or two of bubbly and you’re ready to dance!
7. Wrap dress, Mango
Work the print clash trend by wearing this with your staple long-sleeve breton beneath before/after the height of summer and also to dress it down for day time.
8. Knot detail skirt, And Other Stories
Another piece which would pair happily with a breton top but if that feels a little busy for you, try a simple relaxed white tee or denim shirt tucked in or
9. Swimsuit, Ted Baker @ LoveTheSales
Any swimsuit with side panels instantly jumps up the swimwear hit list for its figure flattering detailing. Take inches off with the illusion created and the busy floral print will further disguise lumps and bumps.
10. Shift dress, Collection Weekend by John Lewis
Update a simple shift with a bright floral but keep the look young. Avoid wearing with nude courts or pumps as this will instantly age the look. Instead, add a bit of an edge with a leather jacket or boyfriend fit blazer and flatform shoes or a statement sandal.
