All the best ways to wear florals this spring, according to fashion experts
Content is created by CNN Underscored’s team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. When you buy through links on our site, CNN and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Learn more
Now that spring flowers are blooming, we’re breaking out our floral fashion too. It may not be groundbreaking, but we find it pretty — and dare we say, cool. This year, style experts agree that florals are anything but predictable.
Sarah Tam, chief merchant officer at Rent the Runway, says that oversized floral prints are being favored over dainty styles. “Large scale florals have unequivocally stolen the spotlight, with stand-out, grandiose floral designs that command attention,” she says. Danielle Carolan, content creator and co-host of the Gals on the Go podcast, also called out big, blooming florals as the notable trend of the season. To really amp up the visual impact, you can even mix these bold florals with an unexpected pattern like stripes or abstract prints.
However, if you don’t want to go super loud with your fashion, Tam is also seeing a rise in super-feminine florals. “This trend marries delicate flowers and intricate embroideries with an array of cascading ruffles and flutter-like sleeves, crafting silhouettes that are both romantic and whimsically modern,” she says.
And if going girly isn’t your thing, Tam says you can create a juxtaposition between florals and edgy accessories. “Pair your floral pieces with chunky footwear, bold statement jewelry or a sleek, minimalist bag for a modern twist,” she says. “The contrast between the femininity of florals and edgier accessories creates a look that’s both balanced and striking.”
For a no-fail way of styling florals, Carolan suggests wearing a floral-print piece with core basics. “Pairing something simple with a floral print is my go-to — so a floral miniskirt with a white tank and heels, or a floral top styled with blue jeans and sneakers,” she says.
Ahead, put your new knowledge about florals for spring to good use as you peruse our favorite flower-adorned fashion.
Floral dresses
More to Come Oksana Dress
“I love a bigger floral print on dresses, especially this mesh midi from More to Come,” Carolan says. This body-hugging strapless dress features a pattern of large yellow-orange roses and hits right at the ankle — perfect for a spring or summer wedding.
Fifteen Twenty Tiered Dress
“This dress by Fifteen Twenty is timeless — a classic blue-and-white floral print takes center stage, offering a sophisticated allure,” Tam says. “With its impeccably designed sleeve length, the dress seamlessly transitions from office chic to leisurely strolls in the springtime breeze and can be paired with minimalist sandals or your favorite sneakers.”
Pact Fit & Flare Midi Dress
With a fitted bodice and a flowy, A-line skirt, this Pact dress is made from soft, stretchy cotton. It’s comfortable enough to move in and versatile enough to pair with sneakers or a heeled sandal if you’re looking for a more formal look.
DVF for Target ’90s Minidress
Diane von Furstenberg collaborated with Target on a limited-edition collection, and at $35, this is one of the more affordable pieces. Featuring big, bright-yellow flowers, you’ll reach for this playful shift dress all spring and summer. This sleeveless frock has a classic square neckline reminiscent of minidresses worn in the ’90s.
Pretty Garden Floral Wrap Dress
This ankle-length wrap dress features a subtle floral pattern and a deep V-neckline. Along with cap sleeves and the ruffle hem, it strikes the right balance between casual and dressy. It would look especially chic with white sneakers.
Floral tops
Miaou Azul Mini Tee
“I own this fitted tee from Miaou. It’s so cute tucked into jeans with a denim heel to pull it all together,” Carolan says. Large purple and turquoise flowers with a watercolor-like effect are printed on the snug T-shirt.
Floerns Crop Button-Down Shirt
This cropped collared shirt has a subtle pastel-toned floral pattern, which sets it apart from the other, louder prints you might see this season. Wear it buttoned up or open with a tank top layered underneath.
Ulla Johnson Dari Top
“This Ulla Johnson blouse, boasting a dark grounded hue, presents endless styling possibilities for the season,” Tam says. “Whether paired with high-rise denim jeans for a casual-chic vibe or teamed with wide-leg trousers for a more polished look, it emerges as a versatile wardrobe piece for many springtime outings.”
To get the look for less, this top from Anthropologie has similarly bright flowers against a black backdrop with a billowing sleeve, and it’s under $100.
By Anthropologie Relaxed Button-Down Blouse
This casual button-down shirt pairs well with denim shorts or jeans and strappy sandals — exactly what you want to wear to a casual brunch with friends. It has two pockets on the front and comes in Black Motif and a magenta hibiscus pattern.
Rails Misha Floral Blouse
The V-neck on this teal-and-magenta floral-print blouse features a three-button closure for a touch of modesty. The ruffle sleeves are feminine but not stuffy. This is an easy option to pair with a denim skirt.
Free People Melanie Tank
This scoop-neck tank has a bustier-style silhouette and a playful ruffle trim, with the extra detail of criss-cross straps on the back. Wear it with your favorite pair of denim shorts. It comes in red, yellow and pink floral patterns.
Floral bottoms
Hill House The Florence Nap Skirt
This tiered maxi skirt has an elastic waistband for added comfort. According to Hill House, the soft-blue peony pattern was inspired by an American painter named Florine Stettheimer, who incorporated flowers into most of her work. It will bring instant polish to a simple white tee, or there’s a matching top too.
Sézane Dilo Skirt
Soft pleats on this elegant ankle-length skirt enhance the rainbow of colors of this Sézane skirt. Dress it down with a light sweater or T-shirt and flats, or take it out on the town with a pair of nude heels.
Wayf Jacqueline Floral Midi Skirt
This slip-style skirt features a pop of romantic red roses against a bubblegum pink background. Pair it with heels for a date night or a white T-shirt for a more casual look.
Ban.do Watercolor Floral Shorts
These flowy cotton shorts have a comfortable elastic waistband and beaded details on the drawstring. The casual design paired with the oversized fit makes them a versatile option that you can wear at a beach party or a backyard barbecue in both spring and summer.
Maeve The Saria Smocked Wide-Leg Pants
Pack these in your vacation getaway bag. Big bursts of multicolored florals decorate these cream-colored pants. Thanks to the wide-leg style, plus the smocked waistband, they can be worn during long walks on the beach or a poolside lunch with friends.
& Other Stories ’90s Look Pencil Skirt
The green and pink lilacs add a casual touch to this knee-length pencil skirt, but it can be easily dressed up with a pair of heels. Stretchy jersey fabric ensures that it’s comfortable enough to wear at work or on the weekends.
Wildfang The Empower Slim Crop Pant
These tailored pants are soft and just a tad stretchy, so you’ll look polished while staying comfortable. The vintage-inspired botanical print features flourishing florals without leaning feminine.
Free People Driftwood Ruffle Skirt
This ’80s-inspired denim skirt features two tiers of ruffles and a purple-and-pink floral pattern. It also has a slight Western flair — pair it with cowboy boots and a chambray button-down to embrace your inner “Cowboy Carter.”
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
