I’d like to remind you that there’s a huge difference between feminine and cutesy. Most of you should be trained enough by now to know that anyone out of school should aim for the former. Some, however, seem to plough through regardless. You know the type: polka dot dresses, frilly socks, patent Mary Janes, sparkly phone covers.
Florals in spring aren’t exactly revolutionary. But this is a different kind of floral – a more vibrant affair, with designers turning to large roses, poppies and camellias to bring a little romance to the collections.
The future is bright. And to be honest, I’m more than a little frightened. Expect strong hues – the bolder, the better. Think eclectic without the madness; bright without being garish – a little Tennessee tea party, if you like, with pinks, corals, taupes and cornflower blues. And don’t be afraid to experiment with clashing colour, for it can be rather elegant – especially if the difference between the two is subtle. Take red and pink as a good example.
The problem is that most of us feel a little scared of kaleidoscopic colour. There’s something a little too sugary about this kind of a floral print that turns away those who like to be taken a little more seriously. Which is a shame really, for florals can, and should, be decidedly sophisticated – especially when anchored by tough accents.
Learn to think creatively. Our biggest and most dangerous temptation is to try to emulate the catwalk perfectly. Use logic. If you don’t feel particularly comfortable with all-out florals, go for separates and play around with layering – it’s all in the details.
Go for an outfit that’s busy in pattern but not in colour. A neutral background is a good starting base that you can use to build on.
Don’t forget that fashion is the master of disguise – one simply needs to follow the rules carefully. If you have a tall frame, opt for a slightly more subtle palette of colours to try to break up the line- placement prints; also, prints that have a specific location on the garment should be your go-to.
For a petite frame, go for a finer print so as not to overwhelm – there’s a risk of getting lost in a bold print – and make sure to pair with neutral accessories. For a curvy frame, opt for a floral print that draws the eye inward – for example, a print that runs down the centre of a dress or skirt will work at drawing the eye away from the hip area and into the centre.
In terms of fabric, a light, fine silk chiffon will work wonders for the romantic, joie de vivre mood that the season demands – or if all of that is a little too peachy for you, try combining graphics with florals. The trick is to offset smaller, intricate florals with something more masculine to tone things down. And make sure to keep accessories to a bare minimum. The less fuss, the better.
In cases like this, I would normally advise baby steps – a flash here or a flash there. But not this time: in order for it to work, we have to bite the bullet and go all out on an attack on the senses.
All of these rules can appear a little stifling – the suppression of self-expression, perhaps. So let me remind you that trends are not meant to be taken too literally – there’s a fair amount of room for interpretation and whim, as well. So try to think of my advice as more a friendly nudge rather than a direct right hook and we might meet somewhere in the middle.
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