Working the Trend: How to wear a Bouquet of Vintage Florals

Welcome to a new series, “Working the trend.” In this series, I will provide tips, tricks, and inspiration for working a current trends.

One of the current trends I adore is the floral trend. I’ve noticed many of them have a vintage feel—ranging from a new take on Victorian to florals that look picked from the 60s and 70s. These are so much fun and have so many ways they can be worked a stylish wardrobe.  Florals tend to give a more feminine and pretty feel, but can be integrated into a variety of different styles, can work for anyone, and, while they are often thought of as spring or summer prints, they can be worn year-round.

Off-the-shoulder Outfit

Tips and tricks to work florals

Mixing prints:

Flirt outfit

• Do mix florals with other prints! If you are unsure of mixing prints, looks for perforated or embossed shoes or a handbags in a neutral color and wear with your florals for a way to try out mixing prints—and check out my previous post on mixing prints (check out the Matinee outfit or the Off-the-Shoulder outfit)
• Or go with stripes or a plaid—both are always a nice contrast for florals.
  • For a put-together look, match the main color in the floral with a main stripe color, as show in the Striped trench outfit
  • Or go for a plaid shoe with a floral top for a fun print mix  made easier because it is separated by a solid, as shown in the cold-shoulder cami outfit

 

Accessorizing:

Do you think he is posing too? Dress outfit

• For floral tops, think of accessorizing with a statement cuff or bold shoes to draw attention first to the top (for examples, see the Parlor outfit, Crush outfit)
• Or go for a striking necklace on a bold print for a statement outfit, such is in the Dress outfit
• Put a hat on it or a jacket to polish off the outfit and weather-proof those flowers, as in the is in the Dress outfit and Flirt outfits
• Complement your florals with some funky, fun, sparkly, or otherwise interesting shoes to make a statement from top to toes (as shown in all outfits)

Working the colors:

• Look for soft muted colors, for a more subtle floral that can work as a neutral (also the Matinee outfit)
• Or look for bright florals for a pretty pop of color (as in the Crush outfit)
• Or go for bold florals on a neutral, such as navy, to pop the flowers and add a level of sophistication, as we see in the Off-the-Shoulder outfit
• Pop the flowers by wearing a solid bottom in the same background color of your floral top (or solid top in the background color of you print bottom)—this will also add some length and look put-together (see the Cold shoulder outfit)

Florals to look out for:

• Look for unexpected florals, such as the Crush Top (shown below) in vibrant red with delicate, Victorian-inspired roses in pinks, blues, purples, yellows, and oranges
• Look for a top and a bottom in the same floral so you can wear them together for a dress or jumpsuit/romper look or separately with other pieces (following these tips) for versatility, as you can see in the Flirt outfit

Styling the flowers:

Matinee Outfit

• For an edgier look, wear the florals with destructed denim (check out the Matinee outfit or the Parlor outfits for examples)
• Update the vintage florals with modern cuts and styles, such as these wide-leg crop pants from Ann Taylor (Marina) (check out the Off-the-Shoulder outfit for an example)
• Combined striking floral top or bottom with a neutral bottom or top to focus on the floral (check out the Crush outfit or the Kimono Outfit for examples)
  • Feel free to match the color of the florals with your shoes or accessories, but consider keeping everything else subtle or natural though to not overwhelm (as shown in both the Crush top outfit and the Parlor Outfit)
• Or pop some florals beneath a striped trench or long jacket for a touch of pretty, such as in the Flirt outfit
• Mix the florals with practical and even more masculine pieces, such as utility or cargo pants,  safari style, and military style for a strong yet pretty look, which is shown in the Off-the-shoulder outfit
• Dress down a flirty cold-shoulder top with skirted-leggings or other comfy, casual bottoms, as shown in the Kimono outfit
• Go easy and comfortable, with soft knits in neutrals, leggings, and a drapery floral topper, such as a kimono, such as in the Kimono outfit

Winterize or fallize your florals:

• Look for florals in colors of that season, such as the rich colors in the Off-the-shoulder outfit
• Wear florals that may seem spring or summer with winter or fall layers and colors, like a long burgundy sweater, brown leather jacket, or dark olive pants (the latter shown in the Off-the-shoulder outfit)

Mix with other trends!

Parlor Outfit

• You can add a military/explorer feel by wearing your florals with the on-trend new neutral, olive. I love the toughness of the military vibe olive can provide mixed with the feminine feel of the florals, such as in the Off-the-shoulder outfit.
• Go cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder with your florals to combine two trends in one blouse! Florals seem to work particularly well with the peek-a-boo trends. They add some sweetness to the sexy of the bare shoulders, such as the Dress outfit, Cold shoulder outfit, and Off-the-shoulder outfit
• Or wear your florals with a split back, such as the Parlor Top, to add a chic and fun element that adds some interesting when you turn around—look great coming and going!
• Rock the trends on your toes too—those funky, fun, sparkly, or otherwise interesting shoes can be trendy too. Consider a funky heeled sandal in the bootie style, lace-up heels, or jeweled sandals, as shown in all outfits.
• Mix the soft, feminine florals with the edgy, tough destructed denim for a play on contrasts—see the Matinee outfit.
• Wear your florals on a kimono—the very on-trend topper (see the Kimono outfit).

Some florals I am currently loving:

Matinee Outfit

Matinee Top: This color and print of this top reminds me of something my grandmother would wear, in a very good way. She was an artist and the watercolor floral print is something she would have loved and the colors would have looked great on her.  The print feels a bit 70s or maybe 80s to me. The button-up style works well for work, but the flowy swing shape works well casually too. The three-quarter sleeves are perfect for summer and add to the uniqueness of the top. While a lovely chiffon, this fabric is sturdy enough to handle hanging with my nearly-four year old.

Full outfit: Matinee top and cami from cabi along with older Chelsea Charm earrings. Distressed rollup slim crop from JustFab. Franco Sarto Honolulu Perforated Ghilly Heel from Stitch Fix.

Crush Outfit

Crush Top: Another cabi piece, this is such a fun top that mixes bright red with delicate feminine roses in colors such as pink and purple. I’d expect these flowers to have a different color background, but the red makes to modern and not sticky sweet. The ruffle is a chic addition. This top works week casually, under a blazer or cardigan for work, or dressed up or down for a date. It’s a versatile, enjoyable top.

Full outfit: Crush top and the Hutton pants in sand dune from cabi clothing. Pink gold bow earrings from Kate Spade (similar). Ivy cuff, older, from Stella & Dot. Cole Hann Adair Bow Cap Toe Wedge from Stitch Fix.

Off-the-shoulder Outfit

Off-the-shoulder Top: This JustFab top is already sold out, but they have a few others that have a similar feel. I love the striking tropical-colored florals in the dark navy background. It really pops the florals without being too bold. The print works well in the off-the-shoulder style—it might be too much if it had the extra fabric covering the shoulder and upper chest! This top also have a lovely tie in back for added interest (and more of that looking good coming and going trend!).

Full outfit: JustFab Tropical off-the-shoulder top (no longer available, but check out the Smocked Top and the Island Top). The wide leg Marina pant from Ann Taylor in dark olive. Seahorse cuff, Anchor earrings, and Anchor necklace from cabi clothing. Franco Sarto Honolulu Perforated Ghilly Heel from Stitch Fix.

Parlor Outfit

Parlor Top: This exotic and lovely top always gets compliments when I wear it. The print reminds me a bit of a postcard from the tropics in the 1950s or 1960—vintage and striking. I adore the colors: pinks, cream, warm brown, green, turquoise, and blue. It’s a soft flowing chiffon, with merrowed edges, a slit back, and cap sleeves. I love it with destructed jeans for a mix of soft and edgy. It’s also a great layering piece or summer top.

Full outfit: Parlor top, Seahorse cuff, and Sea knot necklace from cabi clothing. Distressed rollup slim crop and Kateryna pump from JustFab.

Flirt Outfit

Flirt Cami: This was one of my first purchases from the cabi Sprint 2017 collection and is a favorite. The floral print on the navy background reminds me of a calico in vintage quilt, but more striking. The navy also make it highly versatile and easy to mix with other pieces and layer. It is comfortable with jersey lining and an easy, fit with some forgiveness, but is still flattering. It’s got a little keyhole or peek-a-boo element in the front that is still fairly demure. I’ve worn it as a top alone, or under a jacket or cardigan for work. You can also make it into a dress with the Flirt Skirt.

Flirt Skirt: Made of the same chiffon floral print of the Flirt Cami, this skirt is equal versatile. It’s a mini skirt, but not too short. The wide elastic smocking is both flattering and forgiving. It make a nice dress with Flirt Cami, a lovely skirt to dress up or down, or even can be worn as a sleeveless top!

Full outfit: Flirt cami, Flirt skirt, Maritime Trench, and Sea knot necklace from cabi clothing. Franco Sarto Honolulu Perforated Ghilly Heel from  Stitch Fix.

Dress outfit

Off-the-shoulder Dress: The smocking on the top of the dress reminds me of this 1970s sundresses and dresses. Together with the floral print, this dress is reminiscent of a smocked calico dress I had in my dress-up box as a kid. This modern take on the 70s classic has the trendy of-the shoulder style, a bolder print, and a side slit. The midi length is playful, on-trend, and easy to wear. I tend to dress this dress down, but it is also fun as a date night style. Here I show it with some boho for a festival vibe.

Full outfit: Off-the-shoulder floral dress and Metal Mama Necklace from JustFab (the dress is not currently available, check out the Cold Shoulder Floral Dress instead), Riviera necklace  and Seahorse cuff from cabi, Sole Society Straw Panama Hat from the Zoe Report Summer 2017 Box of Style (save $10 off your first box by using my referral), and the sparkly Florecita gold sandals from fibi & clo (via Kathy Roush, our style challenge sponsor this month—so you can win a pair of fibi & clow footwear!).

Cold Shoulder Outfit

Cold Shoulder Cami: Another navy background floral—these are so versatile. Navy is a color for every season, but with a fondness for summer as a softer dark summer natural. The bigger, bolder florals are striking, yet feminine. This is lined with a comfy knit and the easy fit makes it comfortable. I love dressing it down, as shown, with the m’leggings or destructed jeans.

Full outfit: Cold Shoulder cami, M’leggings, and Sea knot necklace from cabi clothing. Plaid tassel flats from J. Crew.

Gwenifer Kimono: This pretty, flowy Paradigma kimono has a lovely pink, blue, purple, teal, and green vintage floral print that is heavy on lilies.  The white back ground makes it easy to style. It’s become a go-to for me this summer. I love it with these m’leggings or the distressed rollup slim crop. The easy flow is fun and feminine. It can be worn as a cover-up too. I tend to just throw it on whenever I need layer.

Full outfit: Gwenifer Kimono by Paradigma from Stitch Fix. M’leggings, Iris Tank,  St. Tropez Earrings, and St. Tropez necklace from cabi. Older L.L. Bean flats.

Interested in any of the cabi, JustFab, or Stitch Fix?

JustFab: Use my referral code so you and I can save some money. Becoming a member is great, but I can give you some tips and tricks to make it work best for you. Feel free to contact me about this or with any questions.

Stitch Fix: Use my referral code here too—this will give me a credit and should give you a deal.

Cabi: Unfortunately, I am posting this after the cabi Sprinf 2017 season has technically closed, so you may not be able to purchase any of the cabi via the traditional means. However, if you must have any of the cabi, here are some ways you may be able to get it:

• First, always try your stylist. She may have a sample available, know of another stylist with a sample available, or have other ways to get it. If you do not have one you may reach out to my stylist Joni Allen (via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), Leigh Cheatwood-Harris (a friend’s stylist whom I have worked with also and can recommend: email and her site), or find a cabi stylist near you.
• Second, check out resale, such as the Facebook groups or apps that allow people to sell their cabi or ebay.
• Third, wait until January, when the outlets will get the Spring 2017 line and to go or call an outlet to see if they have this. Many outlets will allow you to order over the phone and then ship it to you.