When Miranda Priestly (played by a glacial Meryl Streep) declared, “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking!” in The Devil Wears Prada, her Arctic levels of frosty sarcasm famously (and unfairly) relegated petally patterns to the realms of the unoriginal.
Well, Ms Priestly, florals for spring may be predictable from a fashion point of view but, if we’re talking style – that’s a totally different story.
Because nothing heralds the warmer weather and the airborne sense of fun on the spring air like a floral print. So people keep wearing them. And so they should. Because don’t they just look great? As style should, whatever note you’re trying to hit – from pretty to saucy, sassy to smart.
Such is the power of a deftly selected floral item, that each piece can tell a story; set the scene. For instance, Dior’s sophisticated waisted shirt dress speaks of a demure and well-mannered romance, while the seductive lines of Reformation’s halter dress says, “I will make out with the hottest groomsman at the wedding”, and Emilia Wickstead’s show-stopper of a frock transmits a confident femininity that can dance all night and also deliver a TED Talk.
But if pretty’s not your thing, then there are the wonderfully abstract prints on Louis Vuitton’s LV X YK pyjama set (you can totally wear it like a suit), or the prairie charm of Polo Ralph Lauren’s embroidered denim shirt, and Hermès silk twill headband is a chic nod in the floral direction.
And, beyond the wardrobe, Smythson’s thank-you cards in sweet primrose yellow will brighten any mailbox, and Anabela Chan’s gloriously OTT Orchid earrings will jazz up even the most simple of outfits.
Ultimately, this season, there’s a floral for every mood and attitude. And these are the best floral outfits to be found on and around Sloane Street this season.
Dior dress, £4,200
Reformation dress, £505
Emilia Wickstead dress, £1,420
Zimmerman at Harvey Nichols dress, £1,320
Borgo de Nor at Harvey Nichols dress, £620
Roberto Cavalli dress, £1,349
The Fold dress, £335
The Vampire's Wife at Harvey Nichols dress, £1,195
Olivia von Halle robe, £390
Louis Vuitton LV x YK shirt, £1,700
Louis Vuitton LV x YK trousers, £1,500
Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, £265
Hermès headband, £420
Smythson card, £30
Anabela Chan earrings, £1,890
Dior bag, £3,800
Burberry Highgrove scarf, £350
Boodles ring, £6,600
