Come rain or shine, whatever the occasion, a floral dress is a must for your wardrobe. As the shops are starting to drop the autumn collections, I've kept this edit summery but with an autumnal twist. All of the dresses in this edit can be worn now but also as the temperature starts to drop.
Before you think of a floral dress being cliche, florals are anything but. From big blooms to ditsy florals, there's a type of flower print to suit your aesthetic - trust me, I've searched the high street and there's floral dresses in abundance.
- Floral mini dress: M&S Collection Floral Mini Dress
- Floral maxi dress: Mint Velvet Black Floral Maxi Dress
- Floral wedding guest dress: Phase Eight Floral Maxi Dress
- Black floral dress: Nadine Merabi Cindy Dress
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Celebrities love their florals, too! And I can't write this feature without referencing Blake Lively, who wore something floral during the entire promo tour of It Ends With Us. She's proof that a floral dress is a wardrobe essential.
© GothamHow to style a floral dress for summer
When it comes to styling a floral dress, I reached out to Fashion Editor / Stylist Antonia Kraskowski for her top tips. Here's the stellar advice she gave me for styling a floral dress and not looking frumpy...
- Accessories: "One of the easiest ways to make your favourite floral dress feel fresh is changing up your accessories. Add statement gold jewellery, chunky soled shoes - or a pair of mid-heel sandals for a special occasion - and an oversized scrunchie in your hair for a Scandi girl inspired look."
- The rule of two: "If you’re heading to a wedding and want a sophisticated take on matchy-matchy, try picking out hues from your dress to form the basis for your accessories and outerwear. Stick to a maximum of two colours to keep the look cohesive."
- Opposites attract: "Want to toughen up those dainty ditsy prints? Add your favourite black leather jacket for a dash of timeless cool girl style."
- Go wild: "Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when it comes to styling up your dress – add a leopard print cardigan over your floral dress or polka dot pumps for a spot of cool clashing."
- Casual kicks: "Colourful trainers are a HUGE trend right now – add a pair of bright Adidas trainers to your favourite floral dress for a new take on relaxed weekend wear."
© Getty ImagesHow we chose the best floral dresses
- Price: I've searched high and low for floral dresses to match all budgets
- Variety: You might be after a floral maxi dress or a mini dress or just a casual dress to wear for work. I tried to mix up the edit to cater for more people. There's also plus size options in the mix, too.
- Trusted brands: All the brands I've chosen are trusted brands I, or members of the HELLO! team, swear by; we've not tried on all of the products but the brands are some of our favourites, so quality should be high.
The best floral dresses to shop right now
1/13
Phase Eight Liana Floral Maxi Dress
© Phase Eight- Colour: Black/Ivory
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 06 - 26
Editor's Note:
This dress is running seriously low in stock, but I just had to share it with you. It's stunning! Part of Collection 8, Phase Eight's range of premium evening styles, it's a dress to stand out in a crowd.
Designed with a monochrome floral print, the Liana dress features a wrap style bodice, short sleeves with ruffle detailing and falls to a flowing silhouette.
Also, it's worth noting that this style is responsibly sourced.
2/13
Boden Gemma Smocked Midi Dress
© Boden- Colour: Kale/Meadow Pop
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 22
Editor's Note:
A printed smocked dress is a must for your vacation wardrobe. This dress is a masterclass in how to look (and be) cool on hot days. The flattering fit-and-flare design is a must.
3/13
M&S Pure Cotton Printed Mini Waisted Dress
© Marks & Spencer- Colour: Pink Mix
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 24
Editor's Note:
This mini dress is perfect for the warm weather we're experiencing in the UK right now. The pure cotton dress is a lightweight and breathable choice.
4/13
ASOS EDITION Raw Edge Ruffle Maxi Dress
© ASOS- Colour: Cream floral
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 18
Editor's Note:
This ASOS EDITION dress is giving serious Chloe vibes, don't you think? The drawstring waist will be super flattering on this floral print dress. Style with tan accessories.
5/13
H&M Floral Midi Dress
© H&M- Colour: Black/White
- Sizes: Available in XS - XXL
Editor's Note:
If you're on the hunt for a chic floral dress for work, we've found just the thing from H&M. This is one of those dresses you can wear now and with sleeves rolled up with a pointy stiletto, and in autumn with your ankle boots.
6/13
River Island Black Mesh Floral Drape Bodycon Midi Dress
© River Island- Colour: Black/Pink/Red
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 18
Editor's Note:
This floral dress would look great with heels for a wedding. This chic high-street dress is giving Maya Jama vibes, don't you think?
7/13
Mint Velvet Black Floral Print Godet Maxi Dress
© Mint Velvet- Colour: Black/Multi
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 18
Editor's Note:
Mint Velvet has created this stunning black floral print dress in a maxi silhouette. Style with simple strappy sandals or pointy flats.
8/13
Karen Millen Floral Dress
© Karen Millen- Colour: Purple/Multi
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 16
Editor's Note:
A floral occasion dress is always a winner, and I love Karen Millen's floral one-shouldered dress for its timeless and stylish vibe. Add a simple clutch bag and you're ready for any occasion.
9/13
LK Bennett Thelma Black Multi Tie Neck Dress
© LK Bennett- Colour: Multi
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 20
Editor's Note:
This flower-powered tie-neck dress would make a great transitional dress. Crafted from luxurious woven viscose, it's perfect with strappy heels and a clutch for an elegant evening look.
10/13
Whistles Pansy Print Textured Dress
© Whistles- Colour: Blue/Multi
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 20
Editor's Note:
Embrace your femininity with this super sweet floral dress, patterned with a pansy print. This dress features an easy blue shade with a contrasting motif and all-over ruched detailing
11/13
Rixo Sandrine Floral Dress
© Rixo- Colour: Sakura Floral Pink
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 6 - 20
Editor's Note:
Rixo, we do not deserve you! This dress, isn't it just beautiful? The Sandrine dress is an iconic RIXO style, inspired by a bias-cut slip from the 30s and designed with a bra-friendly neckline and figure-lengthening empire waist. Wear with oversized earrings and be the best dressed in the room.
12/13
Needle & Thread Enchanted Garden Eva Crepe Ballerina Dress
© Needle & Thread- Colour: Black/Multi
- Sizes: Available in UK sizes 4 - 22
Editor's Note:
How stunning is this Needle & Thread dress? The Enchanted Eva ballerina dress has been inspired by an archival hand-painted wallpaper design, beautifully translating the past into contemporary fashion. Inspired by 1930s tea dresses, it is adorned with elegant frills and offers an effortless, flattering fit with a V-shaped waist seam.
13/13
Nadine Merabi Cindy Black Dress
© Nadine Merabi- Colour: Black (also available in white, pink, and monochrome)
- Sizes: Available in sizes XS - XXL
Editor's Note:
A slightly different take on the 'floral dress' trend - this one is actually adorned with flowers! The Cindy dress is a timeless classic crafted from black crepe fabric with large floral appliqués across the front and back of the square neckline. The flowers feature faux pearl and gold-look detailing at the centre.
Why you should trust me
I have loved floral dresses for years! In fact, my favourite has to be this shirt dress from Zara. I love that I can dress it down for a holiday with flat shoes or dress it up with a pair of heels. It's also fun to accessorise with - I tend to pick out the boldest shade from a floral dress and just go wild with it. Here's a photo of me twirling while on holiday.
Meet the expert
© Antonia KraskowskiAntonia Kraskowski is a freelance Fashion Editor & Stylist with over 18 years of experience in the industry. Having worked for titles including Easy Living, Glamour and Vogue New Markets, Antonia went on to work in the fast-paced world of newspapers and weekly magazines, becoming Fashion Editor at Express Newspapers and Magazines, a role she held for five years before going freelance. Her career has seen Antonia travel the world, shooting across the globe, styling campaigns for brands ranging from Ben Sherman and DKNY to Wallis.
