Put a spring in your step with the new crop of florals



Dolce and Gabanna Ad campaign

  

Along with crocuses and daffodils comes another surefire sign of spring: florals in fashion.

The garden-party look is a seasonal classic, but there's been some updating this season. Look for artistic - almost abstract - brushstroke technique, or realistic, photo-style prints. Other twists include tulip-style hemlines and fabric petals adorning everything from tank tops to ball gowns.Flowers, say designers, are an endless source of inspiration because of their delicacy, femininity and beauty.

Bright , bold prints were shown at all the major catwalk collections

.While you might argue that a floral-printed dress is a timeless springtime standby, it's the size of the flowers that has changed for 2011. Call it the point of seasonal difference. Because while delicate little daisy prints are all very sweet and innocent, they just won't cut it anymore, even in this excessively feminine season. Floral prints make their spring comeback year after year but they're bigger than ever this season. Large poppy prints, Monet-style watercolour lilies and oversized blooms have all been seen on the catwalks.  And, it was designers such as Carolina Herrera, Dolce and Gabanna and Anna Sui who were at the forefront of this mood



Dolce & Gabanna Spring Summer 2011



Prints work particularly well with dresses and matching separates and are ideal for the evening. And though the patterns may be bold, the style of the clothes is understated elegance and unabashed luxury. The new trend is to combine two tones - perhaps wearing very bright flashes of colour next to more neutral shades, like grey. Grey, the season's favourite neutral, gives you a good starting point and is easy to mix with a variety of colours.

Dresses are simple and classic with the ultra- feminine look the new wardrobe staple. Look for 70s-inspired maxi dresses, cute playsuits, super flare cuts and blouson sleeved styles. It's a look everyone can carry off: the dramatic prints are perfect for those who like to get noticed, while the smaller patterns are just the thing for fashion wallflowers who prefer a more low-key approach.

HOW TO WEAR IT

Mix floral with another print such as stripes for a more creative look; just make sure you choose colours that match and complement each other. Be warned - any more than two different prints just doesn't work.

A repeat pattern all over has the danger of looking like wallpaper, so go for more abstract designs or floral trims for a more up-to-date look.

Florals don't just come in chiffons and silks; try them in cottons and linens, too, which give a completely different effect.

Keep accessories to a minimum if you do wear a lot of floral print or you could be in danger of looking too cluttered.



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