Black Floral Dresses – Styling Tips To Stand Out!
Floral dresses are an obvious choice for spring, with black floral dresses leading the pack. Women our age, they’re sophisticated and slimming, which makes wearing dark floral dresses any time of the year definitely worth it. Here are some tips on how to style a black floral dress.
1. Let Dark Florals Stand Alone
Dramatic botanicals command attention, so let them lead by wearing them with solid colored neutrals. For Example, if you pair these Spanish-inspired black floral cropped pants with a silky, cream-colored blouse, you get a feminine and classic look but still, make a bold statement.
2. Mix Up the Florals
If you’re more of a creative dresser, then you might be more attracted to the idea of mixing two inky florals. This is also a popular way to style the trend. Wear one floral up and another on the bottom, or find a black floral dress that combines two different florals for a more fashion-forward look.
3. Accent Your Dress with a Pop of Color
Make a dark floral dress pop by adding a clutch in one of the colors from the blouse. For Example, if your blouse is black and pale blue, try a cobalt blue bag to make it pop.
4. Sculpt Your Figure With Florals
First, there was color blocking to highlight your best parts and camouflage trouble areas; now, designers are using florals to slim and shape. They’ve strategically placed florals in specific spots on solid, dark backgrounds to make you look slimmer.
For example, a black dress that has bright florals from the bust-up is perfect for a gal with a bit of a tummy because the bright florals draw your eye up and away from the problem spot. The solid black at the tummy area visually shrinks it.
5. Add Bold Jewelry
There’s an unexpected twist when it comes to pairing jewelry with a black floral dress. Dainty, traditional necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that we used to wear with florals have moved aside to make way for larger, more modern statement pieces. Sculpted and architectural jewelry keeps noir florals looking strong and not wimpy.
I have black & white floral jeans left over from last year that I will rock with new tops and sandals this spring & summer. They are fun, but as you advise, a solid top works more often than another statement pattern. I wear a bold necklace or earrings & red high heels with them.
I LOVE THIS WEBSITE AND YOUR ADVICE! IT MAKES IT A PLEASURE FOR ME TO SHOP ALONE, WHICH I DREADED, NOW I AM ONE STEP AHEAD WHEN I GO TO STORES TO SHOP !!!!! THANK YOU SSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.
Hi Luv,
Thank you so much for your response. I’m in love with Amandine Nealton’s look. I like the fact that it has a chic vibe about it. I want to know your take on dark florals at work? as I work for a bank. I would also like to see if you have any suggestions on where to shop for some of the items you have featured on your site. Also, do you know of any retail stores where one can shop when shopping on a budget?
Thank you
Here’s to looking fabulous!!!!
Hi Paulette,
Here’s the link to the clothes in this style board:http://www.polyvore.com/dark_florals/set?id=116041374
As for dark florals at work- Yes, you could wear them. For example, a silky, dark floral blouse would look nice with a solid-colored skirt, or you could wear a dark floral dress with a nice jacket. Typically working in a bank requires you to dress a little more conservatively, so I’d stay away from floral pants of any type. Leave those for casual play after work.
Are you shopping on a budget? I like the Banana Republic stores that offer classic, modern clothes for work and play. They always have 40% off days, so sign up for their newsletter and watch for those. Discount retailers like T.J. Max and Winners have many good quality designer clothes at up to 60% off.
Shopping on a budget is more about watching for great sales than shopping at certain stores. Many cheaper stores are more teen-focused with poor quality, which you don’t want. So do your homework, plan what you want to buy, and keep an eye on what is selling in quality chains and department stores. For more help planning your wardrobe on a budget, you can check out my ebook: Chic on the Cheap. It’s loaded with good ideas. Cheers! Deborah
Hi Deborah,
I hope this email finds you doing well. Thank you for the feedback you provided; I found it very helpful.
Thank you :)
I love dresses, and I have several dark florals in my closet. Even though I have them, love them and wear them, I sometimes wonder if the light florals look too young and girlie for a 49-year-old. Dark florals perhaps have a little more maturity but still a splash of youthful fun.
Hi Valerie,
I would say that dark floral are not necessarily more mature, just edgier. It’s more of a personality thing.
Also, many women 40+ can still wear light florals and look fabulous, especially if they are fair. Dark florals can sometimes be too stark of a contrast worn on someone with light skin, hair, and eyes. Cheers! Deborah
I LOVE the dresses, but help, please. I am 1,65cm tall, with a big bust, and cannot wear high heels for love or money :-) All the dresses are always featured with delicious high heels. What shoes do you recommend for me for summer?
Hello Deborah,
Thank you for all your guidance in helping us to look our best! I enjoy reading your tips and seeing the pictures sent in by others.
I was happy to see the articles on nude shoes and floral dresses. I have a summer wedding to attend, love the look of the nude shoe, and have always loved feminine dresses.
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Great to hear from you. I’m so glad you are enjoying the site!
Great article. Spring has started here in Spain, and I’ve always veered away from florals in fear of looking exactly as you say, “ditsy!” I think I will try and be braver and go for the bold solid florals; that would also work better with my skin tone and dark hair.
Great post.
Do pop over to my site and see the new pieces we have in for summer; gorgeous necklaces and earrings that epitomize the beautiful hues of the Mediterranean and would look great with some of these florals.
It reminds me of frumpy “house dresses” my grandmother used to wear.
I’m with Barbara–these fabrics look way too grandmotherly for me. If you have to do that much work to make something not look stodgy, then why not skip it altogether?
Hi Karin,
You’re right. Not every look is for everyone. It would help if you only tried a trend that speaks to your personality. Otherwise looks uncomfortable and unattractive in it. Natural style is when your outward appearance matches your inner essence. Cheers! Deborah