Words by Sophia Miller
It’s hard not to raise a smile at the cheering sight of spring’s first buds – and few are those who don’t like receiving a beautiful bouquet. But what about when it comes to your wardrobe? The SS26 collections certainly make a strong case for the springtime cliché. But these aren’t your typical shy and retiring wallflowers: this season’s florals were a bold celebration of colour and texture, from deliberately kitsch retro prints at Chloé and Miu Miu to oversized petal textures at Dior and watercolour ruffles at Zimmermann. If you’re still on the proverbial garden fence, these four simple styling tips are made for those who lean more cool-girl than girly-girl.
The key to styling florals in a fresh way? Avoid leaning in too much. Juxtaposing a pretty pastel dress with a structured blazer – or a pair of bold printed trousers with tonal tailoring – takes florals from twee to chic in a way that just works. This trick also lends itself well to summer occasions – throw an oversized jacket over a slip dress for an effortless ‘I grabbed this on my way out’ look.
Florals and denim: so far, so groundbreaking. But street style’s savviest know that a good pair of jeans has the power to tone down even the brightest, boldest prints – and make them wearable, well, anywhere. Likewise, why not roll them into one – embroidered or floral-print denim is an easy way to dip your toe into the springtime theme without looking like you’re off to a flower show. Just add your favourite basics.
Now, one for the bolder among us – have you ever considered pairing a floral with a stripe? While it may sound out of the ordinary, the meeting of preppy and feminine creates an easy visual equilibrium. Try a rugby shirt with a floral midiskirt, or an embroidered jacket worn over your favourite striped T-shirt. Going one step further, florals can also be matched with checks, polka dots or even more florals – just make sure to mix the scale of the print and stay within the same colour scheme.
Continuing with the theme of juxtaposition, our fourth and final tip will appeal to those who shy away from florals due to their prim and proper connotations. Instead of defaulting to sandals, suede and all things floaty, toughen up your garment of choice with black accessories, chunky hardware and distressed leather. Suddenly, that ditsy dress looks more Kate Moss off-duty than grandma at a garden party.
Dressing in florals is one thing – but they’re likely a big part of your beauty routine, too. When it comes to scent, some of the most creative new launches centre around the flowery aromas we all know and love – but with a twist. So what are the best floral fragrances at Harrods? “The most exciting florals right now lean into contrast,” says Harrods beauty editor Nateisha Scott. “Maison Crivelli’s Rose Saltifolia is a salty take on rose, and Veronique Gabai x Kelly Rutherford’s Rose Première blends Rose de Mai with praline and amber for a sweet and gritty take on the classic ingredient.”
Florals aren’t just for spring in the beauty world, either – Scott's carefully curated fragrance wardrobe includes florals that work all year round. “It’s really about the type of floral rather than the season,” she says. “Lighter, airier compositions feel perfect in spring and summer, while deeper florals – grounded with amber, woods or musks – are beautiful in autumn and winter. A great floral fragrance adapts.”
Summer’s social calendar is filling up – rise to the occasion with our round-up of the top trends for event dressing this year, from maximalist florals to ’90s slip dresses.
These are the easy-to-style trends the Harrods buyers and editors noticed outside the AW26 shows this year. The best part? You don’t have to wait until next season to wear them.
