The Hottest (and Prettiest) Trend for Spring 2021

Roses are red, violets are blue, have we got some floral trends for you. And we’re not talking just any floral but soft, painterly florals which can be seen on so many designs from runway to bridal, accessories and bath products. We spoke with several fashion and style experts about this upcoming Spring trend and found ways that it can easily and tastefully be incorporated into your wardrobe, your home, and even your self-care routine.

Though floral designs can be seen in the decorative elements of Ancient Greek life, it wasn’t until the Late Middle Ages and early Renaissance that we start to see floral motifs on fabrics and fashion. Frequently in the form of a “pomegranate” design of daisies, lily of the valley, lilies, violets, roses, and/or primroses, the fabrics were often velvets with the incorporation of silver and gold threads. “Because they were intricate and difficult to weave, historically fabrics with flower motifs were only worn by the upper class and aristocracy,” says fashion historian and writer, Vivian Kelly. “Even printing complex floral designs was a tedious and time-consuming task.” The 17th and 18th Centuries saw an explosion of floral motifs in high fashion with the French and English textile manufacturers creating everything from elaborate floral brocades to chintz fabrics which were floral designs printed on cotton material.

In the 20th Century, we see floral designs in almost every decade but most notably during the Art Nouveau and late ‘60s into the ‘70s with “flower power” designs. Today, florals are always finding a way to stay relevant in fashion and this season we’re seeing more fresh, floral prints than ever before. These stylized botanicals can be seen in Gucci’s RTW collection which takes the trend literally to the max with their long dresses. The collection which uses prints from the Ken Scott archives incorporates a variety of flowers including poppies, pansies, roses and hibiscus, all on a light or white ground colors. Similar designs can also be seen on Keds shoes this season, in their collaboration with Rifle Paper Co.

The floral trend can also be seen in accessories with designers like Thalé Blanccreating a luxurious and gorgeous evening clutch using silk jacquard in bouquet designs. The bag is embellished with metal orchids and pearl stones creating a perfect balance of hard materials in soft motifs. With all the colors in the design, this bag pairs so well with many palettes.

Recent Fashion Group International Rising Star Rory Worby is also using florals motifs in her hand painted scarves and robes with poppies, peonies, and roses being the most popular. “I definitely see a move towards painterly wild flowers, meadows and blossoms in pale yellows and shades of pinks with grey greens. I’m also looking to add a touch of embellishments such as beading or embroidery to create added textures to my florals,” says the designer about her latest work and direction. There’s really no easier way to get do this trend then with a silk scarf which so beautifully celebrates the design.

Another easy and obvious way to get into florals is through lingerie and loungewear. Online purveyor of sexy lingerie 3Wishes.com has a whole collection of floral prints for Spring. The sexy and colorful collection has bralettes, bodysuits, bra and panty sets, and teddies. It’s a more romantic look for lingerie and for some, a bit less intimidating than solid black or red lace.

For those that really want to commit to the trend, designer and Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall offers a gorgeous bridal gown featuring an oversized, abstract watercolor floral. The painterly hand of the motif pairs gracefully with the layers of silk organza material. Celebrity Style Expert Tijana Ibrahimovic says, “Florals are not really even a trend, it’s a classic now. There’s no going wrong with it for any occasion from a weekend picnic, to a night out on the town, and even your wedding day. Floral prints and patterns when done right will always make for an elegant fashion statement.”

Take that elegance and bring into your home with a simple painting or even a photograph. We love this watercolor print from artist and fashion illustrator Deanna First. Her ‘Be Mine’ print of a single rose is an easy way to bring something bright and beautiful into your home that will work in any room. And lastly, a great way to wear your florals without having to “wear” them is through fragrance. Since many floral perfumes can be overwhelming, we recommend using fragranced oils instead like the Softest Ever Body Oil by Shaun Leon. The oil is available in seven different scents including Champagne Rose, English Floral, Lavender and Jasmine.

There are so many ways to bring these blooms and blossoms into your life. Whether fun, romantic, artful or all, painterly florals are sure to make a statement for Spring and without a doubt we are here for it.

First image by Cihan Oğuzmetin from Pexels