This ensemble was inspired by clients of mine who enjoy wearing florals with black backgrounds because the effect is more Hard Edge. A black background tempers the priss, twee and pretty, which is what they dislike about wearing florals in other colours. Florals with black backgrounds are easy to pair with black footwear, which complements the Hard Edge theme. Some are fine to sport florals on an ink to navy background, but it’s not as preferable as black. The flowers themselves can be in neutrals or colours.
There are many ways to incorporate dark florals into a Summer outfit. Make the dark floral item the star of the show and finish things off with a solid support act. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Floral Star: Think dark floral blouse, tee, knitted top, skirt, pair of pants, kimono, jacket, vest, gilet or dress. The colours of the flowers can be whatever tickles your fancy – from pastel to bright, or earth-toned and neutral. If a dark floral clothing item doesn’t tickle your fancy, think dark floral accessory like a bag or scarf.
Solid Support Act: Pair dark floral tops with black bottoms that work with the style of the top. Pair dark floral skirts and pants with a black or white top. Jeans can work as well for bottoms and so can adding a denim jacket to a floral dress.
Footwear: Black footwear works well with dark floral patterns, so choose a style in black that works with the outfit. That said, feel free to throw in metallic, white, blush or red footwear.
Accessories: Choose a bag that works with the outfit in either black, metallic, white, blush or a bright. Matching bag to footwear pulls the outfit together, but is not essential. Add a dark floral scarf in a complementary pattern if you dare. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.
I’ve been on a bright Summer floral blouse binge this year because brights make me happy. I do like dark florals but prefer to sport them in Winter. How about you?
