Brian Maynor February 27, 2014

When I talk with clients or groups about the spring floral trend it is always met with a small grumble or visceral shutter, and that’s understandable.  For years floral prints have been seen as old, dated, quintessentially feminine and about as far from modern, sophisticated and powerful as you can get.  All of that is going to change as we move into spring.  Here are two inspiration looks and all you need to know to embrace flower power:

1.    Larger prints.  When you think of old, dated or feminine prints you often think of small flowers repeated heavily.  This is one type of floral print, but certainly not the only type.  Asian, tropical and abstract floral prints will dominate the markets this season and they look more like works of art than pieces of furniture.

2.    Saturated Color.  Floral prints follow the same rules as every other color.  If you want to invoke authority opt for prints that are deep, rich and vibrant.  This rule applies not only to the color of the flowers, but also the color of the background. 

Black and navy backgrounds read as more sophisticated for sure, but any color, like this yellow, will work as long as it is not lighter than the flowers themselves.  Cool, light and pastel colors are soft and airy, but that also comes through in their impact. 

3.    Streamline.  Along with pastel colors, to keep you look work-appropriate there should be minimal embellishments.  You certainly want to avoid bows, ruffles, ribbons or any other ‘childish’ adornment.  Ideally the pieces will have clear, clean lines with nothing extra at all.

4.    Counterpoint.  Floral suiting was very popular on the runway, but they should be reserved for weekends and casual occasions.  The most floral in one outfit you want to wear to work is a dress, and that should either have a largely visible background to balance the size of the garment or a solid second piece to ground it.

To further the professionalism of a floral print in the office you can’t go wrong pairing it with a white shirt.  Whether you choose a crisp, starched oxford or work in another spring trend like lace; the starkness alone provides the necessary balance.

5.    Menswear.  While menswear inspired pieces are another option for ladies to strengthen the overall authoritarian impact of their outfit, true menswear is embracing flower power in full force this year. 

No longer only acceptable as a tie or pocket square, floral prints can now be found in pants, shirts, blazers and all manner of accessories.  If you are still acclimating to the idea of men wearing floral, ties are still the perfect place to start, just remember to avoid the 70’s throwback make sure your tie is no more than 3” wide.

Join nature this spring and embrace the power of flowers.  They will not only brighten your day they will bring new life to your post-winter wardrobe.