With the onset of summer it’s no surprise that seasonal florals rear their head once again. However, this season sees a new take on the look as spring has sprung with a new posy of floral prints in eye-popping colours that bloom bigger, brighter and bolder. From traditional prints to more abstract designs, vibrant and brash florals feature in the collections of Alexander McQueen, Luella, and See by Chloé (below left image). With even Kate Moss adding more fashion clout to her current Topshop collection (above) by teaming with Liberty’s print designers – they of the iconic florals – we can be sure to see the floral trend in full bloom this summer.

If you’re interested in creating a memorable floral-centric fashion moment of your own that is daring and darling (without looking sickeningly saccharine), there are a few basic guidelines to follow.

First of all, colour is key: While faded florals are gracing everything from maxi-dresses to smock tops this summer, it’s the colour popping blooms that are really stealing the show. Opt for vivid hues in candy pinks, fiery oranges, canary yellows and bright blues. Just ensure your bright floral patterns aren’t too frenetic and perhaps leave it only to the daring fashion-forward to mix florals with stripes and plaids.

If all this petal power is a bit overpowering, you can tone down striking shapes with simple accessories and team bold floral print skirts with plain cotton tees. Indeed, while these big, vibrant, bucolic prints favour the brave you can still ground your choice by teaming prints with black separates (and the ever reliable black opaque tights). Try wearing cinch dresses with wide belts to give them a neater hour-glass silhouette. And remember that florals should always be worn above the knee; anything calf-length immediately looks like an outfit fit for a meeting at the WI – marvellous maxi dresses notwithstanding. Nor need florals be ditzy and whimsical – adding denim, a masculine blazer, studded heels or biker boots instantly give an outfit edge.

Check out our selection of florals that don’t favour shrinking violets:
Rose Bandeau Dress (middle image), £35, Dorothy Perkins, www.dorothyperkins.co.uk
Miami Floral Bodycon Dress (top image), £30, Topshop, www.topshop.com
Silk Floral Print Dress (left image), £325, See by Chloé, www.net-a-porter.com
Floral Tulip Skirt (right image), £35, Urban Outfitters, www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Words: Megan McCluskie