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Confession time: I’ve never liked floral dresses. From ditsy prints to bigger blooms, flowery frocks of any description do nothing for me.
Sure, they’re nice, but if I want something that looks edgy, smart, flattering or, frankly, anything other than underwhelming, I’d look elsewhere.
But this autumn, florals seem to have had a grown-up makeover – and I’m suddenly a convert.
These aren’t girlish blossoms; they’re sleek, city-ready, and, dare I say it, cool. Designers such as Emilia Wickstead and Erdem have managed to turn florals into something sophisticated: this season their blooms are dark, dramatic and amazingly flattering. These are dresses for women, not girls.
The key? They’re all black-backed – and this style has quickly filtered through to the High Street.
So, if you’re in the market for a floral frock, I’ve done the hard work for you. I trawled our favourite shops and picked out every one I wasn’t allergic to, before editing them down to seven of the best.
Take Rixo’s Mavis midi dress (£285). It isn’t cheap, but it is so flattering; long sleeves, an empire line, and a bias cut that fits under the bust before kicking out and hanging beautifully.
Note that it’s available in sizes 6-26. I’ve dressed it down with a wool jacket and boots, but it’s smart enough for an autumn wedding, a Christmas party, or any special event.
Equally wearable is M&S’s ditsy floral ruched midaxi dress (£50), in size range 6-24.
With its high neck and mid-length sleeves, it feels elegant and grown-up. I love it with this season’s Mary-Jane flats, but it will work with just about anything on your feet.
Another versatile option is Nobody’s Child’s Suvi dress, currently on sale for £30. The ruffle detail at the sleeves, neckline and hem adds just the right amount of fun.
Styled with knee-high suede boots it could lean boho (if that’s your thing), but add a blazer and it’s instantly smart, even office appropriate.
And if you’re shopping on a budget, Matalan’s ditsy print shirt dress (£26) is an easy win.
A button-down front and belted waist make it effortless, and it looks great with colourful trainers – like this sunshine yellow pair from Gola (£90).
A surprise favourite for me, though, was Reformation’s Lela dress (£248).
On the hanger it didn’t look like my thing but, once on, the fitted bodice and A-line skirt proved to be a winning combination. I fell in love. It’s an investment piece you’ll wear year-round. For now, I’ll be wearing mine under an oversized knit. Florals for autumn? Groundbreaking!
