The fall of flowers

As we transition into colder seasons – or some of us, anyway, because I’m still waiting to feel a welcome autumn chill – its nice to be able to bring a little summer along with us. Floral prints have naturally always been more popular in the spring and summer, but this year it looks like they’re going to survive the frost.

The idea of wearing bright florals in fall and winter still seems a little strange to me, but sometimes I like my fashion to be a little off-kilter. To me, it’s all about finding beauty in the contrast.

You can look for flowery prints in darker or autumnal tones, like rusty oranges, dark reds, and burgundies (like below), or in non-traditional fall colors that would work beautifully with those colors (like the teal blouse above). Take the bright orange dress by Mink Pink (second from the top), for instance: I would style it with the wine-colored fedora just below it, tawny leather boots and an off-white knit cardigan.

{ Gypsy Junkies romper, Topshop jacket + Blowfish wedges }

And, if you participated in one of the many floral trends from this spring and summer – like combining flowery prints or buying floral pants – you’ll be happy to hear they’re still “in.” Just pair these pieces with booties instead of sandals, a felt fedora instead of a straw Panama hat, a chunky knit sweater instead of a silk blouse, and darker fall tones instead of neon colors.