Fashion & Accessories

Garden Party: Florals For Every Occasion

By Alexandra Taylor

This summer let your wardrobe blossom with a vibrant mix of colors and prints. Revive your inner flower power and opt for a fresh take on a timeless print. The biggest trend to hit the runways and stores alike this spring has been the surge of floral prints in different shades, graphic styles and abstractions. Get the runway look with some of our favorite floral-printed garb.

Get the Look – Floral Frocks:

There is no better summer staple for women living in NYC than the LFD (little floral dress), an easy and accessible wardrobe essential. Now it doesn’t have to be little and we are not talking about unflattering curtain-like floral — this season the classic floral print has been re-imagined with a flair of modern femininity. Short, long, fitted or flared, there is an array of floral-printed frocks hitting the racks this summer. Prabal Gurung showcased a beautiful collection of abstract floral prints in feminine silhouettes during his Spring 2012 fashion show, giving us all inspiration for our summer wardrobes. To achieve a similar look, shop for body-defining dresses, awash with a bright and energizing print. Go abstract with a watercolor impressionist-inspired motif or choose a classically realist wildflower print in an A-line shape for a sophisticated summer look. Shop the stores for charming summer dresses from brands like Vanessa Bruno, Juicy Couture and Milly.

Head-to-Toe Floral:

Go bold in head-to-toe floral; whether it be a whimsical sunflower print or abstract geometrics, mixing patterns can look oh-so-chic with the right styling. Erdem’s Spring 2012 collection was full of feminine mixed prints, all paired with a sophistication-exuding and ethereal elegance. Get the runway look by matching a flowing, pleated A-line skirt in a bold-yet-abstract floral print with a tailored button-down in a subtle motif for a complementing look. Pair it with whimsical floral-patterned pumps or peep toes and you’ll be sure to stand out in any crowd. Shop BB Dakota, A.L.C. and Aldo Rise – Preen for stylish floral-printed accessories and ready-to-wear.

Take a note from the Spring 2012 Altuzarra show, by pairing vibrant, and in some respects, audacious patterns for original look-at-me panache. Unlike the head-to-toe Hawaiian-print ensemble seen on the runway, try coordinating different patterns that have a similar motif style but are not the exact print for a whimsical yet polished look. Shop EDUN, Sandro and Aldo for a variety of summer fashion favorites.