Not your grandma’s floral

HOW TO INCORPOROATE HIGH FASHION FLOALS INTO YOUR STREET STYLE

Written by Corbin Woessner, Fashion Editor Graphic by Jade Christensen, Social Media and Marketing Director

At the start of 2020, many designers had one trend in common for the upcoming fashion season—floral patterns. However, these are not the outdated florals that you’d see your grandma wearing. Instead, these modern florals are bold, abstract and make summery patterns into a daring statement. Three types of floral patterns appeared to dominate the runways of New York Fashion Week: big florals, delicate florals, and vintage florals. This trend was the focal point of many designers’ runway shows including Rodarte, Tory Burch, Anna Sui, and Moschino. As part of the floral trend for the Fall 2020 fashion season, big floral prints are seen covering the bodies of models all over the runaways. Rather than looking underwhelming and basic, these big floral prints give off a bold, yet feminine charm.

In Rodarte’s Fall 2020 Runway Show, florals of all sizes were showcased, but it was large and brightly colored florals that were most intriguing. Rodarte also incorporated autumnal florals which were seen amongst delicate and figure-hugging, caped, silk dresses.1 Since bold florals were the main focus of Rodarte’s fall collection, we knew the finale look had to be a showstopper. The model wore a cream-colored floral gown that was inspired by bridal fashion and the Virgin Mary. Trailing behind the model was several feet of blue satin, and atop her head she wore a headpiece made of real orchids. Rodarte’s extravagant finale look was nothing short of showstopping.2 If you’re looking for something bold to wear this fall, like Rodarte’s Fall 2020 Collection, go for a floral printed silk blouse or maxi dress. Style the outfit with strappy leather heels and a limited amount of accessories, keeping the floral garment the center of attention. To make even more of a statement, add in a padded headband or oversized pearl hair clips. For those that don’t want to make quite as much of a loud statement, more delicate florals are an alternative option for the fall fashion season. Though the pattern does not appear to fit as well with colder seasons, designers such as Tory Burch and Anna Sui have made it work. A large part of Tory Burch’s collection inspiration came from artist Francesca DiMattio who designed most of the floral prints. The collection’s prints were rustic chic with a feminine twist, decorating a number of flowy skirts and dresses, along with a tight-fitting suit.3

1 Advivi, “Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Print Trends,” Glowsly, 2020. 2 McCall, “Rodarte’s Darkly Romantic Fall 2020 Runway Was Set Inside a Church,” Fashionista, 2020. 3Tschorn, “What you’ll be wearing this fall, according to New York Anna Sui was another designer to take inspiration from delicate florals. Unlike Tory Burch’s feminine approach, Anna Sui’s collection proved to be much darker, combining bohemian and gothic aesthetics with delicate floral prints. Her prints are seen across everything from structured twopiece sets to silky blouses. Anna Sui’s gothic inspiration is nothing new, but this year, critics gave her unique collection a new name, the modern nature witch.4 If you’re going for a more effortless look, style a delicate floral printed dress or skirt with a chunky knit sweater or a leather jacket, making it more appropriate for the cooler fall weather. To make the look even more feminine and chic, similar to Tory Burch’s Fall 2020 Collection, pair with knee high slouch boots and finish with any desired accessories. Vintage florals are also making a strong comeback for this year’s fall fashion season. Vintage florals are historically known for their romantic appeal, but designers like Moschino have put their own modern touch on the print, making it more abstract and wearable. Creative director of Moschino, Jeremy Scott, took inspiration from the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette, with an 80’s twist for Moschino’s Fall 2020 Runway Show. Moschino incorporated copious amounts of vintage floral prints into their collection, mixing them with uncommon materials such as PVC and denim.5 These unique floral prints covered the silhouettes of frilly mini dresses and mini skirts, waistcoat jackets, and denim suits. It was clear that Scott’s muse for the collection’s pieces was an amped up version of Marie Antoinette.6 If you’re wanting to make a French Revolution inspired fashion statement this fall like Moschino’s Fall 2020 Collection, reach for a vintage floral printed suit, or structured dress. ASOS and Alice + Olivia offer more affordable options than designer tags if you’re looking to replicate this look. To take your outfit to the next level, incorporate other garments made from contrasting materials such as velour and PVC.

Unlike other trends that come and go every fashion season, floral print’s enduring beauty and versatility has proven it to be timeless. Next time when you’re out shopping for your fall wardrobe, keep an eye out for a trendy floral piece to help spice up your existing style. ■

Fashion Week,” Los Angeles Times, 2020. 4 Advivi, “Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Print Trends,” Glowsly, 2020. 5 Advivi, “Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Print Trends,” Glowsly, 2020. 6 McCall, “Jeremy Scott Puts Models in Marie Antoinette Cosplay for Moschino Fall 2020,” Fashionista, 2020.

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