Sprays of florals have sprung up on runways across the major fashion capitals for 2023: we’ll take a look at the year’s top floral trends and how to wear them. 

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This year’s floral trends are bold, bright and vibrant—no wallflower prints here—and take a certain amount of commitment. An undercurrent trend of romantic and painterly florals (think French impressionism) is easier to incorporate into a wardrobe refresh for the season. Here we explore what to look for, and how to find and wear the floral trends that suit you best. 

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2023 Trends:

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When it comes to floral prints, there are several trends that are dominating the fashion world right now. One of the most popular is the tropical print, which features large, bright blooms in hues of blue, green, and yellow. This type of print is perfect for adding a touch of fun and playfulness to any outfit, especially when paired with neutral colors like white, beige, or black. Another floral print trending this season is the romantic floral, featuring delicate blooms in soft, pastel colors like pink, lavender, and yellow. Romantic florals are perfect for creating a feminine and delicate look, and they work well when paired with other light-hued items like lace, crochet, or embroidery.

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There is also a growing trend for abstract florals, which feature unconventional arrangements of blooms in bright and bold colors. These types of prints are perfect for making a statement and adding a touch of quirkiness to any outfit. They work well when paired with other statement pieces like oversized jewelry or bold handbags. The key to making floral fashion work is knowing how to mix and match prints while still keeping the look balanced. Floral skirts can be paired with cropped, solid-colored tops for an eye-catching yet balanced look. Floral pants can be worn with a plain top and bright accessories to complete the look. For the more bold, floral prints can also be mixed with other motifs like stripes for a unique take on the trend. Want to dip your toe in but not do a full floral plunge? Consider the array of floral handbags, shoes, fabric corsages and beachwear. 

Floral trends: What’s Your Type?

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For the classicist: At Chanel Couture 2023, designer Virginie Viard took Chanel’s classic camellia (Coco’s favourite flower as it was so elusive) and crafted it in layers of tulle. For a nod to the trend without a head-to-toe commitment, embroidered flowers embellished suit panels.

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For the maximalist: Not for the faint of heart, Dolce and Gabbana added three-dimensional flowers such as daffodils to its footwear this year, and did chiffon maxi dresses, swimsuits and cover ups and flip flops all festooned with big red poppies, meant to be layered. 

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For the artiste: Painterly florals inspired by Frida Kahlo inspired Johnathan Cohen, for whom flowers are a regular motif, in prints of Matilija poppies, snapdragons, hydrangeas and ranunculus. At New York Fashion Week, designer Jason Wu also showed vibrant watercolour floral patterns on intricate floral lace dresses. Gucci has revived its Supreme Flora print from the 1960s, using it for purses, totes and duffle bags that make a statement.

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For the elegant traditionalist with a twist:  Over at Dior in Paris, designer Maria Grazia Chiuri’s featured elegant brocade floral Lelievre prints on modern silhouettes like parachute pants and bomber jackets. The floral patterns were from Tassinari & Chatel, an old French textile house based in Lyon whose textiles are among the most sumptuous, refined and sought-after in the world. The “Brocade Sown with Flowers” pattern, first created in 1861, features light, delicate floral motifs set against a solid black background.

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For the red carpet walker: At Leowe, as well as hand-painted minidresses and bags with floral patterns,  creative director J. W. Anderson adorned garments with anthurium-shaped metal breastplates that matched the giant laceleaf flower centrepiece on the runway. Also known as the Flamingo Flower, the anthurium is revered for its enormous heart shape and symbolizes abundance, hospitality, love, and luck. 

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For the savvy socialite: At Carolina Herrera, creative director Wes Gordon was inspired by the classic novel “The Secret Garden” for which he named his collection. Pinks and yellows bloomed on breezy dresses (both mini and maxi) throughout. Lanvin did floral clutch purses for an underrated take on the trend. 

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For the vacation dreamer: Over at Hope for Flowers in Detroit, prints took a tropical turn, with Birds of Paradise popping up on sarongs and cropped tanks. Also at Chanel, multicoloured flowers were splashed across boho maxi dresses with a haute Mexican peasant vibe that would be perfect for a sunny vacation.