Page 138 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2023

SHOPPING
FOCUS ON FASHION: Big, Bright, & Bold Spring Florals
As the weather continues to warm, floral prints triumphantly reappear as a mainstay fashion you can always count on. The annual return of florals on the runway is as dependable as clockwork, but 2023 versions are distinctively different. They have a new look and a new twist.
While florals have always had
a lead role in Spring design,
the ones trending this season
are bigger, brighter, bolder, and have occasionally been labeled “groundbreaking.” While that description may be a bit overstated, rest assured that these are certainly not the traditional, conservative prints of yesteryear.
VIBRANT AND LARGE-SCALE
This year’s florals are vibrant displays of large-scale blooms, botanicals, clever digital graphics, and often presented
in exceedingly exotic, feminine, and seductive design interpretations. Some are zany; some are timeless and classic; some are show-stopping; but all have an element of pizazz. They are a change of pace, fun to wear and can work for any occasion.
It’s a good bet that florals will be a popular choice for spring and summer wedding guest dresses and ensembles. Outdoor weddings and receptions are the perfect place to show up and show
story by Barbara Travis
out in beautiful garden party attire. A well-chosen floral pattern is always a safe bet for special summer occasions, and a bright floral blouse can quickly give a seasonal lift and update to classic wardrobe basics like a blazer or tailored pants.
COLOR CUES
Probably because they are bright and mood-boosting, fuchsia and magenta were two of the hottest color trends last year, and traces of them continue this year and mutate into varying shades of pink. Pink is a happy color and shows
up in daywear dresses, cocktail dresses, and maxi-dresses. This hue suits take center stage in stores and online shopping channels. It seems the soothing rosy color palette has reached out and touched most every corner of the fashion-conscious lady’s closet.
And then there’s the perennially popular blue. Soft baby blues dominate in 2023, but all shades of this hue are seen in gorgeous floral prints that replicate
lovely blue chintz and retro China dinnerware and home décor items. Light blue with white offers a subtle floral design background as well as a pastel color palette for those who prefer an alternative to vivid shades. It’s a feminine and romantic landscape for hosting a big picture print.
CUT AND STYLE
Though floral
dresses will always be a
summer staple, the cut, style, and size of today’s print takes a major design detour. Spring and summer elevate flower power to the next level, but that doesn’t mean you can simply pull out floral dresses from the back of your closet that you’ve had for years and be good to go. No! Stop, look, and listen!
Nouveau floral patterns rock, but
their unique presentation on the body
is what makes them important. Designs displaying these fabulous fabrics run the gamut from eye-catching to romantic to sexy to classic, to straight and structured. There are corset and bustier styles;
loose and flowing styles; mini, midi, and maxi styles. There are styles with ruffles and bows. There are styles with no sleeves, puffed sleeves, and single sleeves. Fashionable versatility and personal choice are what it’s all about, and that’s a good thing! Choose what makes you look and feel your best.
A plethora of posy prints rule right
now. Make the most of them. From cute to classic, from stylish to stunning, pick your favorites and strategically coordinate them with other pieces in your wardrobe to plant a pleasing and fashionable garden in your closet.
138 | March 2023
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