Ovadia&Sons SS14, Paul Smith SS14, Comme des Garcon SS14, and Comme des Garcons SS14. Images courtesy of style.com and Ovadia&Sons
In seasons past, floral prints were generally reserved for women’s wear. Luckily, designers have begun to broaden their sartorial minds and expand floral prints to menswear. For some men, wearing flowers is a fearful leap. Not to worry; Fashion Reverie will guide you through the fashion field of flowers and ferns.
Images clockwise: Rodd & Gunn-Glendowie Shirt-$145, MarcByMarcJacobs-Bellflower Print Shirt-$178, Steven Alan-reverse print floral shirt-$124, Saint Laurent Requin Collar Surfer Shirt in Red Palm Printed Silk CRÊPE-$890, and Monitaly-M15352 WEBBING SHORTS 80s Floral
First, know your comfort level. Do you like colors that are loud and bright or subdued and muted? When it comes to scale, do you like floral prints big and bold or small and subtle? Intensity and proportion are key elements when wearing floral prints. Do you want to standout and grab obvious attention? Or do you prefer you be laid back and let only those close by see how stylish and trendy you are?
Dries van Noten SS14 images courtesy of style.com
Secondly, what kind of visual effect do you prefer, literal or abstract; all-over print or strategically placed? The visual effect of your garments may affect how people perceive you. Wearing lifelike prints may offer the image of sophistication and seriousness, while more cartoonish versions may suggest you’re more playful and aloof.
Gucci SS14, Prada SS14, Tom Ford SS14, and DSquared2 SS14. Images courtesy of style.com
Thirdly, dress for the occasion. Are you lounging at the beach, going about your daily routine, or hitting the town for the evening? Florals are being used on almost every type of material and garment. From mesh tank tops to jacquard blazers, you’re sure to find a way to incorporate floral prints into wardrobe, day or night.
Images clockwise: Leroy Jenkins Floral black Palms Snapback, Tom Ford Chesterfield Floral Embroidered Silk and Cotton Tassel Jacquard Evening Slipper $3770, Prada-Red Ibiscus Motif Briefcase-$2670, Duchamp GRANDI FLORAL SOCK $17, Topman Black Floral Print Rucksack $40, and Tretorn-Otto featuring Florence Broadhurst-$80
Fourth, don’t forget about your accessories. Some men may still shy away from fully embracing floral patterns on their clothing. If that’s you, try something small. Skip the shirts, pants, and jackets and try hats, socks, belts, bags, and shoes.
Remember, for spring/summer 2014 it is all about flower power!!
—Carl Ayers
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