The versatility of floral designs can really grow on you
ON THE PARADOX OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD AND FASHION FIXES THAT WORK HARD FOR EVERY DAY
There are many unexpected things about becoming a parent, including the assumption that you will suddenly look and feel like ‘a mum’. I’ve written about the identity shift I’ve felt on many levels since giving birth and,yet I’ve found fashion to be the one constant thread that connects the old and new me. My definition of comfort may have evolved now that I partly work from home but my style remains my own.
I still gravitate to the all same silhouettes and prints. I’m a sucker for big sleeves, florals and intricate embroidery. That you see an abundance of them this week styled up in different ways is reflective of how much I appreciate their virtues. They’re romantic and pretty but it’s okay to like pretty, if that’s your vibe. I’m the first to admit that blooms aren’t directional or groundbreaking but if you believe in the therapeutic effects of clothes, they always lift your spirits. They chime with the lightness of mood and warmer weather in summer. They’re easy to wear and suited to almost every setting and footwear – a sartorial secret weapon when you’re a juggling mum on the run. At the school gate worn with trainers, for lunch with girlfriends in ballet flats, or a snazzy occasion with strappy sandals or kitten heels - if it ticks all these boxes, it’s a winner.
The key to styling them in a modern way is to balance the sweetness with structure – slim and languid or wasp-waisted with a swishy hemline in delicate silk, cotton or jersey. The devil is in good quality fabric and detail – a square neckline, a belted waist or a ruched sleeve. Every summer there’s a handful of coveted high street floral heroes from brands like & Other Stories, H&M Conscious and Boden – all of which have staying power that you gets lots of wear from.
If you feel a summer splurge coming on, Ulla Johnson, Kitri and dynamic designer duo Rixo design romantic florals with the wow factor that happily translate from day to night into occasionwear (with the right shoes and accessories). My discovery of the season goes to Aje, an Australian brand new to Brown Thomas, which has mastered the art of understated
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF FASHION, BLOOMS ALWAYS LIFT YOUR SPIRITS
glamour with a heavy does of whimsy thrown in. For those trying to buy fewer and better, the label on my radar, We are Thought, honours the sustainable credentials of organic cotton and linen in beautifully cut dresses that you can flit around in with trainers or elevate with heels.
I also can’t extol the wonders of a floral dress without crediting the new wave of rental platforms who have embraced it as the triumph of spring/summer dressing. From Whistles, Self Portrait and Needle and Thread to edgier brands like Rotate and Retrofête, there’s mini, midi and maxi syles to suit every taste. Happy Days Style, Rag Revolution, Greens are Good For You and Borrowers Boutique are all Irish-owned and rent out dresses for a three-day lease with a try-on service for a small fee.
With all our calenders heating up and so many of us on the hunt for dresses, it’s a no-brainer and adds more fun and flair to occasion dressing... for one nght only.