Have you ever hesitated to wear floral prints to work because you were worried they might appear too girly or unprofessional? Well, you can absolutely rock floral prints in a casual business environment without compromising your professional image. It’s all about selecting suitable floral prints and styling them smartly.
When it comes to wearing floral prints to work, there are three outcomes you want to avoid:
- Looking too feminine: If you want to be seen as a serious and professional woman, you can use the power of color psychology and stereotypes to your advantage. Opt for darker colors, which are perceived as more powerful than lighter ones. Also, choose floral prints with angular or graphic designs rather than overly delicate and flowery patterns. Avoid adding girly elements like ruffles, bows, frills, or lace.
- Being overwhelming or distracting: A full-on floral outfit with large or overly colorful prints can avoid being taken seriously. Traditionally, business attire for men has consisted of small and dark patterns; some expectations have carried over into women’s professional wear. While boundaries have expanded with business casual attire, veering too far can still make you seem lightweight. Strike a balance.
- Appearing too informal: It’s essential to ensure sufficient coverage and structure in your outfit. The workplace values professionalism, so the less skin exposed, the more seriously you’ll be taken. Avoid unstructured garments and revealing cuts. Wearing florals with an unstructured piece immediately shifts the tone to casual and feminine.
Now, let’s dive into some tips to help you overcome these issues and confidently wear floral prints to work:
Forgo Realism for Stylistic or Abstract Prints: Instead of realistic-looking floral prints, opt for abstract, stylistic, graphic, or digital designs. The angularity and modernity of these prints give your overall look a sense of progressiveness and creativity. Consider exploring pop art or mod prints, which are trendy and edgy.
Embrace The Dark Side: Dark colors project a more serious and professional image. Choose floral prints against a dark background for added gravitas. Pair your dark florals with moody accent colors like plum, burgundy, or midnight blue for maximum impact.
Go Minimal:Â Incorporate floral elements subtly to soften and feminize your look. You can add a hint of floral through a peekaboo detail on a sweater, a scarf, or even your handbag. A floral top paired with a blazer, vest, or cardigan is an easy and professional option.
Opt For The No-Fail Floral Combo:Â Black and white is a classic color pairing that always works. Select a black and white floral print for a commanding and professional appearance. The monochrome approach tones down femininity while emphasizing the modern and sophisticated aspect of the floral design.
Blush on a Solid Canvas:Â If you want to experiment with floral prints while maintaining a polished and professional look, wear one floral item at a time and anchor it with a strong, solid color. Traditional business colors like charcoal, black, white, or navy work well and create a striking contrast. All-white outfits can be refreshing and polished for summer, providing an ideal backdrop for showcasing your floral print.
Add a Structured Topper:Â Opt for a statement topper with a structured silhouette when in doubt. This can be a cropped boxy jacket with strong shoulders or a heather gray cape. The structured outerwear balances the softness of floral prints perfectly, elevating your overall look.
Pair with ‘Man-Style’ Pieces:Â Balance your floral prints with tailored dress shirts, jackets, or pants. The juxtaposition of feminine florals with masculine pieces creates a sophisticated and stylish ensemble.
