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I’m Not A Floral Dress Lover, But These 14 Styles Just Changed My Mind

10 March 2023

The humble floral dress hasn’t had the easiest time over the last 12 months, with the springtime staple going out of favour, both on the high street and on the fashion week runways. You know that when even floral dress stalwart, John Lewis, declares that it is no longer stocking the style that you’re in trouble. Indeed, I myself have never quite found my footing with the floral frock – it has always felt too overtly feminine and lacking the tailored finish I look for in my clothes. However, I’m here to say that there’s hope yet for the iconic wardrobe staple, even for the botanical ambivalent.

Perhaps the issue lies in the fact that the traditional floral dress has become too ubiquitous in the market. A little too polite. Of course, for many people this is why it has become a failsafe in their wardrobe, and to them I say, all power to you. There is a reason why floral dresses are so popular after all and they are a wardrobe classic. However, for those of us who aren't convinced by floral dresses, allow me to show you some options that might just covert you.

So how do you shake things up in the floral dress department? Consider the following: print, silhouette and source. Firstly print. Rather than reaching for a ditsy floral, why not try a more graphic option? Christopher Kane’s green and black crepe dress feels decidedly more fashion forward thanks to its hand-drawn, oversized print. Pucci also takes a more pared-back approach with its stunning lace satin slip, printed with a single rose motif.

Next, consider silhouette. The Vampire’s Wife loves a more traditional floral print, however its interest lies in the more unusual, vintage-inspired cut: see the padded shoulders and ruffled cuffs and hemline. Balenciaga has also become adept at taking pretty prints and adding a twist with its use of dramatic draping.

Finally, there’s source. Next time you shop for a floral dress, why not consider looking at second-hand options that feel a little less saturated? Case in point I found an amazing ’90s slip dress on Hardly Ever Worn It, a style you won’t find anywhere on the market right now. A real one-of-a-kind gem.

Tempted? Peruse Vogue’s pick of the best 14 floral dresses to add to basket now.