This is not the season to be a wall flower because floral prints are everywhere lately. Even this pattern phobe is getting in on the floral trend and no matter what your style personality there are plenty of ways to rock the look and not feel like a total granny.
We asked some of our favourite Hong Kong boutiques and independent designers to give us the scoop on what floral pieces they are loving in their stores/collections and most importantly how these stylish fashionistas would wear the trend themselves.
For those of us who are very lazy (my hand is raising up!) we also included some of our favourite floral picks from the web. All that is needed is a nice glass of ice tea, a credit card and a bit of floral inspiration. Remember, it is all about the flower power this summer!
Jamie from Polkadot Boutique
2/F, 29 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 0636
The corset dress is a black floral strapess from Lilla and cost $780. I choose this dress because it incorporates two current trends: oversized floral print and hints of the color tangerine. The black background of the fabric is a great contrast to the feminine florals and, paired with a black braided belt ($240) and chunky metal jewelry gives the whole look a bit of edge. I’m really into the juxtaposition of the soft floral prints and bold accessories. The gold stencil necklace from YochiNY is $520 and the 2 sets of Nugaard brass bangles (11 total) are $460 and $480.
Cynthia from Alexa and Todd
1/F, 28 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2526 3378
I have picked our Alice McCall ‘West Wycombe Dress’, which is a gorgeous kimono style silk oriental floral print (if you love the print, we also have the sleeveless maxi dress version!).
Because it is summer and summer is fun, I say just go all out in a splash of floral. For those wanting a more toned down look, team a floral cami or blouse with plain coloured shorts (love high waisted shorts if you can get your hands on one of these) and dress it up with heels, dress it down with sandals and flats. I also love floral maxi skirts teamed up with a simple low neck tee (round or v is fine), it’s great for the weather here and I love the swish of a maxi skirt! Short floral frocks are flirty and fun and our Alice McCall dress can be worked into your wardobe at all times of the day. Don’t be afraid of the darker hues for day wear, i love this dress because 1) silk is sexy 2) it’s sophisticated and can be brought to life with bangles, jewels and I adore this dress worn with sandals and an oversized clutch.
Kathleen from Tiare
60 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, 2540 3380
G202, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Left to Right: Graham and Spencer, Paper Crown, Mandy
I LOVE subdued florals for this summer, its a romantic and sophisticated way to wear color. I tend to prefer larger floral prints that have a more spaced out random pattern. I would wear the Graham and Spencer ethereal dress ($3,530) or the Paper Crown mallorca dress ($3,490) with wedges, gold bangles and soft waves. I would wear the Mandy jeans ($1,740) rolled up with a pastel tank, my Toms and a cross body bag. Two completely different ways to wear floral!
Carmen from Indigo
32A Staunton Street, SoHo, Hong Kong, 2147 3000
Our favorite floral item for summer must be the high waist floral shorts. (Chloe High Waist Cut-off Shorts – Petite Rose Navy $1700). We would wear it casual in style with a loose white tank top tucked in. We would accessorize it with a pair of Havaianas and a tote. Instant beach ready!
Eloise from LoveIt
1/F, Shama Place, 30 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2545 2162
We are loving these floral dresses from Only Hearts (both are $1,470). Our advice is to break up floral prints with bold block colours and don’t be afraid to mix with two-toned geometric prints. To contrast the femininity of the floral print, accentuate the look with statement accessories. For a harder edge, pair with gladiator sandals or wedges to complete the look.
Paola from Tangram
In my book with florals, the punchier the better. Both the Emma and the Trish dress in our Magic Peony print are great ways to let your inner flower girl shine while looking chic. The hand brushed flowers in fuchsia, orange and yellow are a bit old world glamour, while the almost neon touch makes the print very “now”!
Hannette and Julia from Poppy and Jules
Our favorite floral piece is the Valentine tunic ($1,100) with grey flowers. We would belt the dress up and pair it with white shorts and sandals for a more casual chic look for a junk trip and later exchange these for spiky high heels, chunky bracelets so that Valentine becomes a showstopping minidress at the bar.
I have my eye on these from Shopbop.com (free shipping on orders over $100USD plus it gets here in 3 days!)
Left to Right: Julie Haus, Something Else, BB Dakota
Or if you are feeling still a teeny bit nervous about flowers go subtle and dress your iPhone up in a floral cover. I totally want one now!