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Flower power
Sheer floral blouse by Tulle, $70 at Vintage Charm.
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Updated: July 24, 2012 11:17AM
Flower power is back but don’t try to channel the ’60s. Today’s floral prints are flirty, feminine, romantic and the biggest trend this summer and heading into fall.
Floral print
Alixandra Collections and sister store Hollis, both in Hinsdale, have brightly colored large floral print dresses flying off the racks.
“Given the heat, floral dresses are in high demand,” said Nikki Jaskulka, buyer and manager of operations at the store.
Just remember, when wearing a floral print, make sure it’s tailored, not too oversized and paired with a neutral colored shoe. Wearing floral prints from head to toe is a fashion faux pas. You don’t want to look like the wallpaper in your great grandmother’s bathroom.
“Dresses and accessories are the hottest-selling items in our store,” agreed Suzette Smejkal, owner of Hammer Boutique in La Grange.
Her store carries a range of accessories from flower belt buckles to floral handbags to flower pins and barrettes.
Floral accessories
Accessories are the perfect answer if you are apprehensive about the flower trend.
Start small with a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet. Then work up to a scarf or handbag. After that, try a floral top, which looks great paired with white cropped jeans.
Nancy Allodi, owner of Vintage Charm in La Grange, has always loved floral prints, and her customers love them, too. Dresses and tops are the most popular items.
“If you’re afraid of floral prints, try the ditzy print, which is a smaller floral print, or try a dress with flower detailing,” she said.
Fall floral
Fall merchandise shows and markets are continuing the floral print trend, noted Allodi. So if you’re just getting the hang of floral print, don’t worry. They aren’t going away.
