Blooming marvellous: How to style spring florals
Celebrate the return of warm weather with a rainbow of seasonal flora and fauna from Harvey Nichols
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Harvey Nichols
If you’ve taken so much as a peek at Instagram in the past few weeks you’ll be well aware that one of the best things about springtime in London is the flowers. From cherry blossoms and magnolias bringing their pastel hues to leafy avenues to wisteria climbing up period homes, there are few sights prettier than the capital bursting into bloom.
But why let a floral fixation end on your Instagram feed? Florals for spring may not, as the iconic movie line goes, be groundbreaking – but they sure are pretty and, after a year spent inside, doesn’t it feel right to step out on a sunny day in something bright, light and inspired by the wonders of the natural world?
So, with diaries packed full of reunions, postponed parties and much-anticipated weddings, if your wardrobe could do with a few botanical upgrades, Harvey Nichols has you covered. Its spring offering is bursting with beautiful blossoms and bold blooms – here’s our pick of the best (and the pieces to style them with).
Pretty in pink
There’s no denying the appeal of this most saccharine of hues come spring – just don’t fall into the trap of tipping over into princes territory. The key here is to choose pieces that use pink as an accent, rather than an overwhelming hue. Zimmerman’s embroidered floral-print dress is incredibly versatile: dress it up with heels for big events of pair with Golden Goose’s classic Pure Star trainers and Dragon Diffusions’ wicker bag for casual weekend events. When it comes to jewellery, pair unusual, high-design items that put a contemporary spin on this feminine hue with minimalist items you’ll wear forever. Rosantica and Kate Spade are masters in the art.
White out
The return of indoor dining and gatherings also heralds the ability to wear shades that aren’t going to be instantly ruined by a poorly chosen picnic spot. And, if you’re going to wear white this season, it pays to go all in. Lug Von Sig’s subtly printed maxi dress is finished with a flattering ruched bodice; eschew sandals for Valentino’s more seasonally-appropriate studded mules and finish with a pop of natural colour courtesy of Rejina Pyo’s two-tone clutch. Complete the look with Lack of Colour’s wool hat (great come rain or shine) and a baroque pearl pendant from V by Laura Vann.
Feeling blue
The colour of clear skies and crystalline seas, blues hues are perfect for getting you in that holiday mood – even if the weather isn’t playing ball. Swap your favourites skinnies for Agolde’s flatteringly modern straight-leg Lana jeans and pair with Ganni’s ruffle-trimmed floral shirt for a look that is pure Princess Diana in the South of France. A pair of espadrilles from Loewe’s recent collaboration with legendary Mediterranean boutique Paula’s Ibiza, plus turquoise-hued jewellery from Soru and Rosa de la Cruz, will have you looking as if you’ve just stepped off the plane from a fortnight in the sun.
Back in black
Black might not be a colour you immediately associate with spring but, with the help of Ganni’s micro-florals, it can be the perfect base on which to build a seasonal look that is both laidback and chic. Opt for Ganni’s matching shirt and trouser set (perfect for easing you out of the pyjamas you’ve been wearing all winter) and pair with classic black and gold accessories for the ultimate in understated style. Saint Laurent’s timeless Kate bag, JW Anderson’s oversized chain sliders and Alighieri’s elegant Lunar Rocks necklace are pieces you’ll turn to time and time again.
Green goddess
The colour of freshly mown grass and new leaves, there is perhaps no shade quite so synonymous with spring as green. The way to wear it now? In bold tones complemented by neutral accessories. Rixo’s ever-popular Georgia skirt has been recast in bright green and covered in bohemian white blooms – perfect for pairing with your favourite white shirt (we’re rather fond of this lacy design by LoveShackFancy). Bottega Veneta’s emerald woven bag partners well without being overly matchy while the brand’s Stretch sandals are the shoe to see and be seen in this season. Finish with Jil Sander’s oversized pearls for a look ideal for everything from work events to weddings.