Let me start by saying that, even as a kid, I don’t think florals were my fashion “thing.” Now, they’re *really* not my thing. So, I had a bit of a panic attack when I heard that florals were one of the big trends for Spring 2012….
Turns out that I’m not the only one who has some trouble with the whole florals thing. According to a recent reader’s poll survey published in the March issue of InStyle magazine, only 17 percent of readers were looking forward to this spring trend (that means 83 percent are less than enthusiastic about florals.)
So, what can one do about all those florals? Well, there’s always the option to totally ignore the trend. But if you’re in the process of updating your wardrobe, or need new sizes, there are ways to bring florals into your wardrobe without looking like you’re attending a 1980′s British garden party…..
One way is to look at the color and placement of the floral pattern. I love this look from White House/Black Market
The pattern is simple black and white, which starts out more dense at the top; and I love the way the pattern trails off asymmetrically. This is the kind of dress that could be spruced up for a special occasion with pearls and heels or mixed into daily wardrobe with simple or sporty accessories.
Another White House/Black Market piece that I particularly love is this floral pencil skirt:
I love the way the pattern hugs the body of the skirt, but does not overwhelm it. The colors are subtle, giving it a retro look. I like too, the way the white breaks up the pattern. If it were all over, well, I’d feel like I had a big floral butt–not something I’d be all that happy with showing off. However, I would be very interested to try this skirt on to see just how the pattern works on my particular body. Pencil skirts are usually flattering, but even a flattering cut can go wrong if the pattern doesn’t work for one’s figure (as in horizontal stripes. a total “oh no!” for my shape.)
Overall, one has to know one’s figure in order to know whether a floral will work for her or not. Some women may look fantastic in flowing exotic floral prints, while others might look best in a pair of pants with a small or even crazy-big floral print. If you’re unsure, I’d recommend not something floral all-over but rather one piece that fits well. If you find you can’t be all that objective about a trend, and buy clothes usually because you simply *love* the trend, then have a good friend tell you if the piece you’ve chosen works for you or not. Your trendy ego might be a little bruised, but it’s better to have an honest opinion than look like a trendy hot mess.
