Florals, in their frumpiest of iterations can conjure up connotations of old world without the charm; the Coolock hausfrau in her blooming housecoat, the resurgence of 80s floral leggings (you know you had the headband to match) and that crushed velvet floppy hat with the flower dead centre; suffice to say, florals are not always flattering.

But florals have heated up and quirked out – whether it’s giant blooms adorning floor-skimming trench coats paired with a bank-robbing balaclava (I’m into it) Richard Quinn’s duvet duffels (I’m on this also) or heritage-inspired roses at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi or Erdem. Dark and decadent or ditsy and demure, wear your florals with aplomb – I clashed mine here with logo ‘feminist’ boots from Topshop.

You’ll notice my bouquet-clad dress is shy and unassuming in print. Cue not one but two thigh splits. Practice having a wardrobe malfunction, enroll a deed poll in the High Court to change your name to something double-barreled and Italian like Romano or Esposito and watch your new glitzy life unravel before your very eyes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Flower power is not for the faint of heart. Avoid looking twee by keeping the look urban. Edgy boots, a clashing faux fur or a trailer will do. It doesn’t even have to be your trailer but if it is, consider learning how to read tarot cards. It could come in very handy.

If you’re an adopt, not shop kind of person, vintage florals can be a dream. Keep an eye out for jacquard skirts or chintzy floral kimonos – Oxfam and St. Vincent’s on George’s Street in Dublin are my favourite stores for vintage, as well as Om Diva.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress (sold out on the website but I saw loads in store), loads of similar below

Boots (also sold out on the website but I believe they’ll be back in soon)

Bag: Mango. Similar here and here

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