There is something so feminine, fresh and fun about pulling on a floral print. It’s like having a permanent bouquet of flowers every time you enter your closet. But florals can be tricky to wear, especially if you have a petite frame. Choose the wrong print or fit and you might end up looking like you’re wearing your curtains! As Coco Chanel once said:
Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.
I’ve had a few of those “what not to wear” moments, so I did some fashion reconnaissance to figure out why some florals look better than others. Here’s a handy guide for choosing the most flattering florals for your body and style sensibilities.
Floral Maxi (just $15!) | Plus Size Floral Maxi
Florals are a great way to draw attention to the areas of your body you love, while downplaying other zones you may not feel as confident in. Bold floral prints naturally move the eye. Like your upper body, but want to disguise your hips? Pull on a floral blouse paired with a solid skirt and you’ll be amazed at the effect. Or choose a dress like the third one below if you’re looking to minimize your bust. Likewise, florals can provide a contouring effect. Place a band of florals on the sides of a garment and you’ll instantly look slimmer. Want to define your waist? Try clusters of flowers near your waistline.
If you’re on the shorter side, fashion experts recommend you opt for prints that are smaller in scale. They suggest looking for blooms no larger than your fist. Larger floral patterns have a tendency to overwhelm petite frames and will not be as flattering.
Take this dress, pictured below on the right. It is such a cheerful print; I really wanted to love it. However, the bold blooms completely overpower me and the exaggerated ruffle creates a shapeless effect. Bet it would look incredible on someone taller! In contrast, the toned-down/strategically placed floral pattern on the left is far more flattering for my 5′ frame.
Print density and contrast are two additional things to consider when wearing florals. Sparse prints will highlight an area, while dense prints downplay it by keeping the eye moving. When flowers are evenly sprinkled on a garment, your gaze won’t settle in one spot for long. Therefore, dense floral prints tend to be more slimming than sparse prints. Similarly, most women will find low contrast prints easier to wear than high contrast florals. Here are a few examples of what that looks like:
High-low Floral Maxi | Similar Heels
What is your floral look of choice? Do you prefer big and bold, or soothing and subtle?
—Lindsay
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Jenny Anderson | 20th Aug 18
The top two dresses (white and blue) are totally anchor worthy dresses. Love both! 🧡 And great tip on wearing dresses with more empty space and less florals for shorter gals.
Preet | 21st Aug 18
This is so lovely! How I wish I was as talented and could pull off such a look. Those dresses are really pretty and stylish.
Karlyn Cruz | 21st Aug 18
Wow! You look amazingly beautiful on your floral dress. Loved the collection of dress you’ve featured on this post. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Monidipa | 21st Aug 18
Loved the red floral maxi. I, personally love floral prints. They look so elegant. Also, I always had this problem of choosing the perfect dress since I’m petite and curvy but thanks to you for such a detailed post and tips.
Geraline Batarra | 21st Aug 18
Wow and wow, those are really beautiful floral dresses not only a perfect outfit to wear during summer seasons but also in any occasions.
Nancie | 21st Aug 18
These florals are eye-catching. Enjoy wearing them.
Turtle | 21st Aug 18
I love subtle florals, especially right now being pregnant. I don’t want to look like a walking bouquet. That yellow dress looked beautiful on you!
laveremis | 22nd Aug 18
I hear you! Being 4’11, I walk that fine line a lot. I’ve been a bouquet and my hubby didn’t hesitate to let me know. Congrats on your pending arrival! Wishing you a smooth and joyful pregnancy!
Ranelle | 21st Aug 18
I ussed to hate patterns including florals…. especially florals. but my tastes are changing and I m starting to explore them a bit more. Thanks for the tips!
laveremis | 22nd Aug 18
One of the things I am trying to do with this blog is push myself out of my fashion comfort zone occasionally. So, I say give florals a whirl. You may surprise yourself and really enjoy them, especially if you choose prints of an appropriate scale.
Erica | 21st Aug 18
The yellow dress is so bright and stunning! It looks great on you
laveremis | 22nd Aug 18
I thought it looked just like summertime. 🙂 Thanks Erica, I appreciate you stopping by the blog.
Frank | 22nd Aug 18
I must say I am personally a big fan of floral designs. They just look so good and make people shine so brightly. I especially like the red one with white flowers in the last photo!
laveremis | 22nd Aug 18
There is something about florals that just lifts the mood! I so agree!
Christa | 22nd Aug 18
I love florals. That first dress is absolutely gorgeous. The yellow is perfect ad the cut is so flattering.
laveremis | 22nd Aug 18
Thank you Christa! It really impressed me too, especially considering it was so inexpensive. I highly recommend it!
Tosha | 22nd Aug 18
Such lovely dresses and you def know how to pick great ones! I love anything floral designed that yellow one is amazing!
Cecilia | 22nd Aug 18
You look so gorgeous in floral print! I need that yellow dress!
Elizabeth O | 22nd Aug 18
Florals look amazing on you but especially so the yellow, its such a lovely colour and you look amazing in it!
Jenn | 22nd Aug 18
Florals really suits yiu. You look so stunning!
Czjai | 22nd Aug 18
Soothing and subtle for me, though I hardly wear florals, haha.
You look gorgeous in all four dresses, but the last one is my favorite. 🙂
Nandita | 23rd Aug 18
I prefer soothing and subtle floral patterns or a single reasonably big floral print than bold ones. I like the simple elegant structure of your yellow dress coupled with bold colours, subtle yet demanding a second glance.
– Nandita
Alexis | 23rd Aug 18
Gorgeous dresses! I’ll definitely keep these shopping tips in mind next time I’m out shopping for floral prints.
gladys nava | 24th Aug 18
Oh my goodness! Those dresses are totally beautiful! I like the yellow floral dress. I think this suits me. Love it!
Deena | 28th Aug 18
Florals look amazing on you. I shy away …i tried but it doesnt work for me…you look beautiful 😛
laveremis | 31st Aug 18
Hi Deena, that’s so kind of you to say. Thanks for visiting the blog. Part of great style is knowing what makes YOU feel confident. For some, that’s a floral print, for others something else. Clearly you’ve found what works for you!
Plus Size Swimsuits | 31st Mar 20
Great and an article!
King regards,
Thompson Henneberg