Anyone who remembers photosynthesis from school biology lessons will know that most flowers require sunshine to grow.
But not the blooms that have exploded on to the high street this season...
Fashion has defied science with a new spin on florals to match the mood of the season – think dark Gothic blooms, glitzy embellished buds and touchable textured petals. In short, it's anything but a bright and breezy summer print. You can flower from head to toe, or carry the equivalent of a wardrobe bouquet with a floral clutch. Just make sure you're engaging in some serious flower power this winter.
Gothic blooms
Prints are the most obvious way to work florals but there's a vital difference between summer and winter prints – the backdrop. Banish ivory, cream, white or bright base shades for a dominant dark colour like black, navy or indigo.
Even the brightest of blooms instantly look seasonally appropriate against black, if you still want to look colourful.
If patterns are your thing, tactical clashes make a bold statement. If you're unsure about teaming together floral print separates, the high street has lots of Givenchy-inspired florals set against check backgrounds to tick off two trends in one.
For something more abstract, look to dark, painterly blooms that resemble clusters of petals swirling in a wintry storm.
Textured petals
Add interest to your winter fashion bouquet with tactile fabrics. Jacquard and velvet florals look especially beautiful in opulent berry tones like claret and burgundy for a ladylike look, while brocade is best suited to metallic tones like gold or bronze.
Add some garden glamour to party frocks with intricate embroidery. Blooms sprawled over black lace evoke an instant Gothic feel, but you can go colourful with embroidered florals in a similar tone for an elegant look.
Textured florals also come in less glamorous hard-working fabrics. Black leather staples have moved on a step with florals embossed onto dresses and skirts. With leather being so popular right now, this is a floral trend that's unlikely to wilt any time soon.
Embellished buds
Real-life flowers may be beautiful but they can't sparkle like the fashion variety.
Sequins styled in the form of flowers are freshening up dresses and jackets for the party season. For a stripped-back version, opt for classic black with shimmering metallic blooms. Anti-wallflowers will love bold bright buds emblazoned on statement pieces.
Appliqued flowers are instant talking points, but they can be daywear appropriate too if you opt for 3D buds in dark, matte fabrics that cling to tees or sweaters.
Just ensure that the rest of your outfit is devoid of texture to ensure your lifelike florals are the centre of attention. For super-subtle, try embellished buds in the same colour as your top.
Bouquet additions
Floral finishing touches can give a bland outfit some added flair.
If your outfit lacks texture, try a necklace featuring 3D blooms to bring your dress or top to life. The same theory applies to rings and bracelets, but one extravagant floral jewellery piece is enough – think single statement stem, rather than overgrown flower bed.
A clutch bag in a floral print can instantly liven up a plain ensemble. You don't have to stick to safe black – pick out one key colour in the print and go wild.
Floral footwear in an all-over print is a big statement, so keep the rest of your outfit pared back. If you just want a subtle flowery flash, look for shoes featuring an embellished bud or a petal-printed heel or sole.
Get the look
M&S's new Christmas poster girl, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, is a model masterclass in chic animal print. Get her Autograph Leather Abstract Print Pencil Skirt for £299, available now (www.marksandspencer.com).
Buy it now
Stand by for a French fashion stampede. Isabel Marant is bringing some Parisian chic to H&M with the brand's latest designer collaboration.
"You dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude," says Marant.
↧
