Top 5: Floral Spring dresses
The weather is getting warmer, and women across the world are shaving, exfoliating and fake-tanning in preparation of baring their legs. Many fear this time of year, dreading the day they have to peel off those black opaque tights, or avoiding it altogether in year-long trousers.
But feeling that way is a complete waste of time, when instead you could be celebrating the opportunity to wear florals again. There’s nothing like a cluster flower print to make you feel happy. Dresses like this just beg to be worn in the park, or skipping through a city centre at the weekend.
The best thing about the SS12 collections are the diversity of shapes used by designers. Although there are the regular waisted vintage style swing dresses, you can also find some more interesting shapes. Wrap-style tea dresses with bold geometric flowers can be a modern way of expressing the trend, while vintage prints on simple shift dresses can look super cute under a white cardigan with sandals.
Remember, floral patterns don’t necessarily mean little clusters of repetitive prints, a macro approach can be just as striking. Dresses where the flower takes up most of the material are a great way to experiment with colour and shape, and floaty peplum or frilled details can add to the effect.
Of course, if you’re going to really go for gold with perfect petals, then there is only one designer you need to look to. Mary Katrantzou redefined the concept of floral with her dazzling digital designs, and her chic carnations couldn’t scream Spring any louder.
1. Peter Pilotto, Red Hearts Print V-neck dress; £915, motilo.com
2. Dolce & Gabbana, Butterfly-print cotton dress; £760, motilo.com
3. Monki, Tallulah Dress; £30, motilo.com
4. Mary Katrantzou, Colour-block floral-print silk-satin dress; £655, motilo.com
5. Thakoon, Cabbage Rose T-shirt dress; £269, motilo.com