Floral shirts may not always be the trendiest item in the world, but they have certainly not lost their popularity.
Here are a few ways to style these surprisingly versatile shirts, as well as a few tips for choosing one for yourself.
Double Floral
The first look may be a bit bold to some, but to say it isn’t super-stylish would be a lie. Similar to how double-denim is a very chic, casual look, double floral gives you twice the pop of colour and fun.
You also don’t need to have the same design for both your shirt and bottoms, as there is plenty of choice in both men’s shirts and shorts. However, it is a good place to start if you aren’t confident in your pairing abilities just yet.
Subtle
If you want to experiment with florals but you don’t want to go all the way with a bright, intricate shirt, you can also go the subtle route. These types of shirts are typically one or two colours, with much smaller floral patterns.
They are ideal for more formal outfits, and wouldn’t be out of place in a meeting or at a wedding, and they are also a bit easier to pair with your existing wardrobe as well.
Workwear
A floral-inspired workwear outfit is a bit of a unique choice, but it most certainly works. Pairing a more refined, patterned shirt with something rugged like denim shorts and boots gives you a mix of both stylish and functional.
For a cooler weather look, pairing your shirt with cargo pants and sneakers gives you a similar feel, and is also a great choice for a night out.
Winter
Speaking of cooler weather, floral shirts can be a game-changer in your Winter wardrobe. Considering many people tend to opt for muted, neutral looks when Winter hits, a floral shirt can add the pop of colour you may be looking for.
A simple way to do this is to wear one under a jacket or jumper and let the colour do the heavy lifting. It is a small detail that won’t go unnoticed and can break up a monotonal outfit effortlessly.
Formal
For formal outfits with floral shirts, your best bet is to pair it with a pair of neutral slacks or chinos. If you need to wear a blazer, match the blazer to your pants, and let your shirt be the main attraction.
Once again, you can wear a floral shirt under a formal jersey, or a knitted vest. You can also add a neutral tie if that is something you need.
Rethink the Hawaiian Shirt
The Hawaiian shirt has always been associated with dads on holiday, but that isn’t where its styling opportunities end. One of the best parts of them is that they typically aren’t as formal or fitted, meaning they are ideal for layering.
Paired with some shorts, you can wear a white t-shirt underneath with your shirt unbuttoned, or half-button it, and throw a tank top on underneath for an outfit that looks like it came straight from Miami Beach.
Tips for Wearing Floral Shirts
Now that you know a few of the best ways to style your floral shirt, here are a few tips for picking the best one for you and your style.
The Fit
Firstly, much like any button-down shirt, the fit should be slim, but not tight. This means the shirt will accentuate your shoulders and broaden your back, which will, in turn, lead to the appearance of a slimmer waist and stomach, giving you that ultimate V-shape.
Colours
Colours can be a bit tricky to get around when it comes to floral shirts, as they typically have multiple. However, there are two ways to get around this; firstly, you can simply choose a bright, colourful one that you can pair with a neutral pair of trousers or shorts.
Secondly, you can opt for one that is more monochromatic. This option is great for more formal outfits as you have the hint of floral, but your outfit still remains super-chic. A monochromatic shirt is also a good choice for a seasonal capsule wardrobe.
Occasion
When choosing a floral shirt, have a quick think about when you would wear it. Is this a shirt for work? Or is it a fun addition to your Summer wardrobe for a day out? Answering these types of questions will make it far easier to choose one that does the job you want it to do.
This also ties in with the colour and pattern of the shirt; an easy rule of thumb is bright, colourful shirts are great for casual wear, while subtle florals and muted colours are better for formal wear.
Season
Finally, to a lesser extent, you should also consider the season. Florals aren’t just for Summer and sunny days, as you can easily use them to add a pop of colour to a neutral Winter wardrobe.
In conclusion, a floral shirt can be a breath of fresh air your wardrobe may need. They are easy to style, can be paired with almost anything, and are perfect for both formal and casual outfits, as well as being a quirky and timeless piece.
