There really is nothing more versatile than a floral dress. Come rain or shine, whatever the occasion, a floral dress is a must for your spring, summer, autumn and winter wardrobe.
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.
A favourite among celebrities and royals, the proof is in the pictures - a floral dress is a wardrobe essential.
Celebrities wearing floral dresses
© Getty ImagesHow to style a floral dress for summer
When it comes to styling a floral dress for summer, 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, from £25 for high street florals to £325 for a designer buy.
- 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
1/11
H&M Bow Detail One Shoulder Dress
© H&M- Sizes available: UK 4 - 22
- Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £30
- Returns: Free within 28 days
If you're on the hunt for a chic holiday ready floral dress, we've found just the thing from H&M. The pretty water lilies print feels very modern and fresh, and not too overwhelming for someone wearing it.
2/11
Phase Eight Printed Collared Midaxi Shirt Dress
- Sizes available: UK 6 - 26
- Shipping: Free for orders over £150
- Returns: Free within 28 days
The bold blue base of this dress is absolutely stunning, and works perfectly with the white floral pattern. The on-trend puff sleeves and the decorated belt elevates the dress.
This style is responsibly sourced. This style has been made from recycled polyester, giving materials that would have ended up in landfill a new lease of life.
3/11
Boden Rebecca Jersey Midi Tea Dress
© Boden- Sizes available: UK 6 - 22 (Petite, Regular)
- Shipping: Free over £50
- Returns: Free within 90 days
A printed tea 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.
4/11
M&S Satin Floral Cowl Neck Midi Column Dress
© Marks & Spencer- Sizes available: UK 6-24
- Shipping: £3.99 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £60
- Returns: Free within 35 days
This short-sleeved cowl neck dress is perfect for special occasions. The flattering column style and pretty all-over floral print is a real fresh print - love the slight blur all over the print.
5/11
ASOS Open Back Ditsy Print Dress
- Sizes available: UK 4 - 18
- Shipping: Free for orders over £40
- Returns: Free within 28 days
Summer is here, which means you need a white dress in your wardrobe and this ditsy floral print dress is a real showstopper. The backless design add a little bit of drama.
6/11
French Connection Aleezia Flavia Textured Mini Dress
- Sizes available: UK 6 - 18
- Shipping: Free for orders over £75
- Returns: Within 28 days
Add boots to this long sleeved mini dress and you've got an edgy floral look. It's also great with heels for a wedding, or summer event.
7/11
Oasis Blurred Floral Tie Shoulder Organza Tiered Midi Dress
- Sizes available: UK 8- 18
- Shipping: From £2.99 for super saver delivery
- Returns: Free within 28 days
Oasis has created this stunning, ethereal organza dress with a romantic floral print, square neckline and tiered silhouette. Style with embellished heels or espadrilles for a laid back luxe look.
8/11
New Look White Floral Tea Dress
- Sizes available: UK 6 - 22
- Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £35
- Returns: Free within 28 days
A floral tea dress is always a classic summer buy, and I love New Look's white floral dress for its timeless and stylish vibe. Add raffia accessories or tan leather shoes, and you're ready for any occasion.
9/11
Melloday Floral Print Ruched Satin Midi Dress
- Sizes available: US XS - XL
- Shipping: Free shipping
- Returns: Free instore and by mail
This flower-powered satin midi dress is ideal for your next party, with a bodycon fit and edgy floral pattern. The ruching adds interest to the column dress, and the hanky style hem is eye catching.
10/11
Boohoo Ruffle Mini Floral Dress
- Sizes available: UK 6- 16
- Shipping: Free with Premier
- Returns: Free within 28 days
Embrace your femininity with this super sweet skater dress, patterned with pretty florals. Note the dramatic frill detailing tiered down the length of the skirt, and the tie to nip in your waist.
11/11
Rixo Neena Metallic Gown
© Rixo- Sizes available: UK 6-20
- Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery
- Returns: Free within 14 days
Rixo, we do not deserve you! This dress, isn't it just beautiful? The magenta Neena gown is a new shape for the brand's GOLD collection and the fabric is flecked with Lurex for subtle shimmer. Stunning! Wear with oversized earrings and be the best dressed in the room.
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.
