What is it:
The floral maxi dress is a trend that is constantly evolving and never really goes out of style. Particular styles seen on the Fall/Winter 22 runways included oversized, blocky florals or more delicate floral patterns, often combined with paisley patterns. Each pattern featured a different take on the floral dress, with bold prints presented in more modern forms and intricate patterns possessing qualities reminiscent of fashion trends from the past. Silhouettes also varied on the catwalks: some designers opted for a new interpretation of the floral dress with exaggerated shapes, while others stuck to familiar cuts, such as a cami or cocktail dress. In any case, the floral dress seems to continue to influence the industry in the coming season.
Why you should order it:
A floral maxi dress is a sure addition to a collection as it regularly reappears as one of the key trends for the spring and summer seasons. With the new variations seen on the Fall Winter 22 runways, it’s clear that this style of dress will be seen more often throughout the year. Many of these designs featured long sleeves and a layered silhouette, making them better suited to the colder months. The prints presented this season were also very diverse, offering many different style options for those looking for something closely linked to a specific brand identity.
figcaption>Image: Nicowa
Where we saw it on the runway:
Arguably the most notable exponent of the floral maxi dress, Richard Quinn presented a number of exaggerated versions as part of the brand’s Fall/Winter ’22 runway show. Bold floral prints encased balloon-like gowns, often paired with a dark latex bodysuit underneath. Rejina Pyo also opted for eye-catching floral prints, which looked like they were painted on the label’s casual cocktail dresses. Zimmermann’s Autumn/Winter 22 collection, on the other hand, showed influences from the hippie era of the 70s, with flared hems and lots of fringes. This style was reflected in the brand’s long, flowing dresses, which were paired with florals and paisley patterns, seen on either tiered dresses or floor-length dresses trimmed with pompoms.
How to style it:
Depending on the print you choose, there are different ways to style the floral maxi dress. If you’re leaning more towards Zimmermann’s hippie look, pair the dress with a fringed waistcoat, leather boots and a wide-brimmed hat for a 70’s vibe. On the other hand, if the print is more reminiscent of Richard Quinn’s bold all-over prints, go for color blocks, with a jacket in a contrasting hue and light-colored boots, for example. Regardless of the pattern, a long coat can always be paired with this style of dress. Add a chunky sweater to take the floral maxi dress into the colder seasons and make it a garment to wear all year round.
The floral maxi dress will always be a staple of fashion, returning each year with new silhouettes, print styles and textile techniques. And this year is no exception. It’s a style that brings any collection to life as a statement look and can help define the desired identity or vibe a brand is striving for.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Simone Preuss