Is it even spring if you haven't checked the weather app ten times and promptly decided that, yes, it is finally floral dress and denim jacket weather? There’s something about the first sight of cherry blossom that makes us want to ditch the heavy wool coat and embrace our inner botanical goddess.
If you’re in your fabulous forties, you know the struggle is real. Before you think of a floral dress being cliche, florals are anything but. From big blooms to ditsy florals, there's a type of flower print to suit your aesthetic - trust me, I've searched the high street and there's floral dresses in abundance.
A floral dress is a must for your wardrobe as we move into the the summer months. All of the dresses in this edit can be worn now with your trench coat or denim jacket, but also as the temperature starts to rise with your chunky sandals.
© Getty Images- Floral mini dress: River Island Floral Mini Dress, £46 / $104
- Floral midi dress: Karen Millen Floral Prom Dress, £313 / $628
- Floral maxi dress: Boden 'Roisin' Tie Neck Maxi Dress, £169 / $270
- Floral wedding guest dress: Phase Eight 'Anabella' Floral Dress, £143.20 / $344
- Plus-size floral dress: FatFace 'Bria' White Painted Floral Midi Dress, £79 / $151
Celebrities love their florals, too! Who can forget when Jennifer Aniston created headlines when she stepped out in a floral Reformation dress, giving us all the summer inspiration we need.
© Getty ImagesHow to style a floral dress for spring
When it comes to styling a floral dress, I reached out to Fashion Editor / Stylist Antonia Kraskowski for her top tips. Here's the stellar advice she gave me for styling a floral dress and not looking frumpy...
- Accessories: "One of the easiest ways to make your favourite floral dress feel fresh is changing up your accessories. Add statement gold jewellery, chunky soled shoes - or a pair of mid-heel sandals for a special occasion - and an oversized scrunchie in your hair for a Scandi girl inspired look."
- The rule of two: "If you’re heading to a wedding and want a sophisticated take on matchy-matchy, try picking out hues from your dress to form the basis for your accessories and outerwear. Stick to a maximum of two colours to keep the look cohesive."
- Opposites attract: "Want to toughen up those dainty ditsy prints? Add your favourite black leather jacket for a dash of timeless cool girl style."
- Go wild: "Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when it comes to styling up your dress – add a leopard print cardigan over your floral dress or polka dot pumps for a spot of cool clashing."
- Casual kicks: "Colourful trainers are a HUGE trend right now – add a pair of bright Adidas trainers to your favourite floral dress for a new take on relaxed weekend wear."
© PA Images via Getty ImagesHow we chose the best floral dresses
- Price: I've searched high and low for floral dresses to match all budgets
- Variety: You might be after a floral maxi dress or a mini dress or just a casual dress to wear for work. I tried to mix up the edit to cater for more people. There's also plus size options in the mix, too.
- Trusted brands: All the brands I've chosen are trusted brands I, or members of the HELLO! team, swear by; we've not tried on all of the products but the brands are some of our favourites, so quality should be high.
The best floral dresses to shop right now
1/16
River Island White Long Sleeve Floral Mini Dress
© River Island- Colour: White
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 22
Editor's Note:
This floral dress would look great with heels for a wedding. This chic high-street dress is giving A-list vibes, don't you think?
2/16
Karen Millen Floral Embroidered Cotton Linen Woven Prom Dress
© Karen Millen- Colour: White
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 16
Editor's Note:
A floral occasion dress is always a winner, and I love Karen Millen's scattered floral dress for its timeless and stylish vibe. Add a simple clutch bag and you're ready for any special occasion.
3/16
Boden 'Roisin' Tie Neck Maxi Dress
© Boden- Colour: Black
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 22
Editor's Note:
This dress is a masterclass in how to look (and be) cool on hot days. This dark floral print shoulder-bearing dress is perfect for all your occasions from weddings to summer soirées.
4/16
Queens of Archive 'Greta' Floral Dress
© Queens of Archive- Colour: Cream
- Sizes: Available in UK XS - XL
Editor's Note:
Queens of Archive’s ‘Greta’ dress is the ultimate 70s-inspired dream for your spring wardrobe. Featuring their signature high-neck silhouette and hand-painted vintage florals, this limited-edition beauty is a true forever piece. It’s perfect for a spring wedding or a trip to the races.
5/16
Phase Eight 'Anabella' Floral Midi Dress
© Phase Eight- Colour: Pink
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 06 - 26
Editor's Note:
This dress is stunning! Designed with a bold floral print, the Anabella dress features A line skirt, elegant ¾ sleeves and a tie belt for highlighting your shape. Co-ordinate with colour pop accessories for a look that’s perfect for the big event in your calendar.
6/16
FatFace 'Bria' White Painted Floral Midi Dress
© FatFace- Colour: White
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 24
If the vintage vibe is more your thing, you'll be obsessed with the Bria dress from FatFace. Swathed in an artful splash of colour with soft puffball sleeves for a little extra shape.
7/16
Mango One Shouldered Floral Dress
© Mango- Colour: Red
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes XS - XL
Editor's Note:
Florals never go out of style so this is the perfect trend-led dress. It's designed to make you comfortable at any party, wedding or ceremony.
8/16
Rixo 'Adele' Silk Crepe de Chine Floral Midi Dress
© Rixo- Colour: Multi
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 20
Editor's Note:
Rixo, we do not deserve you! This dress, isn't it just beautiful? The 'Adele' dress is new in, and has a signature 90s-feel slip style. Wear with oversized earrings and be the best dressed in the room.
9/16
H&M Halterneck Floral Dress
© H&M- Colour: Pink
- Sizes: Available in XXS - XXL
Editor's Note:
If you're on the hunt for a chic floral maxi dress, I've found just the thing from H&M.
10/16
Mint Velvet Blue Floral Print Maxi Shirt Dress
© Mint Velvet- Colour: Blue
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 18
Editor's Note:
Mint Velvet has created this stunning blue floral print dress in a ladylike shirt dress silhouette. This dress could be worn on vacation or for a special occasion, it would all depend on how you style it.
11/16
ASOS Puff Sleeve Blue Floral Maxi Dress
© ASOS- Colour: Blue
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 18
Editor's Note:
This gorgeous maxi dress is giving serious fashionista vibes, don't you think? The v-neck design will be super flattering and I'd personally style with a rafia clutch bag.
12/16
M&S Floral Textured Knitted Mini Dress
© M&S- Colour: Cream
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes XS - XL
Editor's Note:
This chic mini dress brings texture and style to your knitwear collection. It's cut to a flattering slim fit with a playful mini length and timeless crew neck.
13/16
Needle & Thread Peony Bouquet Round Neck Ankle Gown
© Needle & Thread- Colour: Purple
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 24
Editor's Note:
How stunning is this Needle & Thread dress? The peony-inspired romantic gown features intricate floral embroidery derived from early 1900s artwork, cascading gently towards the hem.
14/16
ME+EM Floral Midi Dress
© ME+EM- Colour: Cream
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 18
Editor's Note:
This ME+EM dress would pair beautifully with strappy heels and a delicate clutch bag. It's uber flattering, too! Designed with an extra layer of fabric around the hem for a slightly weighted effect, this helps maintain the flared silhouette.
15/16
Nobody's Child Sage Floral Chiffon Juno Maxi Dress
© Nobody's Child- Colour: Sage
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 18
Editor's Note:
Embrace your femininity with this super sweet sage green floral dress, patterned with a playful pretty print that's timeless.
16/16
Nadine Merabi 'Helena' Floral Dress
© Nadine Merabi- Colour: Yellow
- Sizes: Available in sizes XS - XXL
Editor's Note:
Amanda Holden has been spotted in the 'Helena' dress and it's so stunning. The single layered three-tiered midi skirt to keep you cool as the temperature rise and it's a real showstopper.
Why you should trust me
I have loved floral dresses for years! In fact, my favourite has to be this shirt dress from Zara. I love that I can dress it down for a holiday with flat shoes or dress it up with a pair of heels. It's also fun to accessorise with - I tend to pick out the boldest shade from a floral dress and just go wild with it. Here's a photo of me twirling while on holiday.
Meet the expert
© Antonia KraskowskiAntonia Kraskowski is a freelance Fashion Editor & Stylist with over 18 years of experience in the industry. Having worked for titles including Easy Living, Glamour and Vogue New Markets, Antonia went on to work in the fast-paced world of newspapers and weekly magazines, becoming Fashion Editor at Express Newspapers and Magazines, a role she held for five years before going freelance. Her career has seen Antonia travel the world, shooting across the globe, styling campaigns for brands ranging from Ben Sherman and DKNY to Wallis.
