Summer florals

Fashion in the flowerbed

 
Whether you\'re checking out a flower show or heading for Glyndebourne our pick of the best floral dresses, pretty separates and accessories will leave you feeling positively flowered up

Jive talking

 
A bit rock and roll, a bit Doris Day (or should that be Lily Allen?). This fifties frock is so fabulous it makes us want to jitterbug!

 
Cotton dress, £149, 6-16,
LK Bennett
www.lkbennett.com

Over the top

 
And don\'t forget the perfect fifties cover-up...

 
Beaded cotton cardigan, £119, 6-16,
LK Bennett
www.lkbennett.com

Flowers and stripes

 
Think Carrie Bradshaw and team stripes and florals for a striking summer outfit that wouldn\'t look out of place on Park Avenue. Then accessorise with the obligatory Cosmopolitan!

 
Nemone print dress, £85, 6-16, and striped cardigan, £65, s-l, both
Saltwater
www.saltwater.net 

Take a bow

 
Fashion fact: Accessories can make or break an outfit. A super-sized corsage a la SJP is a step to far, but a cute ribbon belt tied neatly around the waist, is the perfect way to finish off a beautiful frock

 
Printed dress, £60, xs-l,
Great Plains
www.greatplains.co.uk

Manhattan style

 
We\'re sure you\'ll agree that this gorgeous dress could have walked straight out of the new SATC movie  - and this really is the last time we\'ll mention that film, honest!

 
Bandeau dress, £50, 6-18,
Wallis
www.wallis-fashion.com

You wear it well

 
The best way to wear beautiful blooms is to keep things simple. Pair a pretty skirt with a plain top then just add some chic accessories to finish

 

Chic silk skirt, £65, 8-20, and chic silk clutch, £55,
both Boden
www.boden.co.uk

Weekend away

 
This cheerful holdall is proof in itself that florals can take you anywhere

 
Medium holdall, £85,
Billy Bag
www.billybag.com

Work it

 
Jaeger\'s petal print blouse looks fashion-forward, professional and smart enough for work. Give this woman a pay-rise

 

Petal print blouse, £175, pinstripe jacket, now £175 and matching trousers, now £99 all 6-16,
Jaeger London
www.jaeger.co.uk

Power dressing

 
And just to confirm that florals are neat enough for the office...

 

Floral shirtdress, £149, 4-14,
Jesire
www.jesire.net

Good news

 
Fashion newsflash: check out the new and exclusive range of floral frocks by Oasis, with designs taken from the archives at Bath Museum of Fashion. We want them all!

Rose print dress, £80, 8-14,
Oasis
www.oasis-stores.com

Full length and fabulous

 
Whatever the occasion - from Glastonbury to Glyndebourne - a floral maxi dress is the way to go

 

Maxi dress, £50, 6-18,
Wallis
www.wallis-fashion.com

Garden party

 
For an elegant, grown-up look, we recommend this pretty linen shift dress from LK Bennett. Finish off with chunky platforms and a big, bold necklace

 

Linen poppy print dress, £149, 6-16,
LK Bennett
www.lkbennett.com

Easy chic

 
This elegant camel and white print dress proves that floral prints needn\'t be bold, bright and over-bearing. Neutrals do the job just as well

 

‘Daphne print\' dress, £65, 8-16,
Nougat
(020 7323 2222)

Chic cover-up

 
We know it\'s hard to cover up a favourite summer dress, but when the temperature drops a crochet cardigan is a neat way to keep warm and look cool

 

Floral print dress, £267, 8-14, and crochet cardigan, £97, s-l,
both Anonymous by Ross + Bute,
www.anonymousclothing.com

Acceptable in the seventies

 
Looking for a bit of extra coverage this summer? Then look no further. This stylish maxi skirt looks fab with a simple t-shirt and big leather belt - worn on the waist, mind, not on the hips

Floral maxi skirt, £86, 36-42, t-shirt, £47, s-xl, and belt, £68
all Comptoir des Cotoniers
www.mothers-and-daughters.com

My kimono

 
No need to worry about flashing your undies. This sheer georgette kimono top comes with it\'s own bias cut camisole.

 

Silk georgette kimono top, £85, 8-18,
Toast
www.toast.co.uk

Flower power

 
Just like a tasty cupcake, this jolly printed top will brighten up a not-so-hot summer day  - and look neat with jeans

Hotchpotch gypsy top, £35, 8-20,
Boden
www.boden.co.uk

Retro style

Another beauty from the Oasis collection

 
Poppy print dress, £85, 8-14,
Oasis
www.oasis-stores.com

Chelsea flower shoe

 
Named after the Royal Horticultural Society\'s annual extravaganza, we\'d like to award this gorgeous floral shoe first prize

 

‘Chelsea\' shoe, £169, 3-9,
LK Bennett
www.lkbennett.com

Original print

 
And no floral fashion feature would be complete without Laura Ashley, a hothouse of beautiful blossom prints for well over 30 years

 

Peony skirt, £27, 8-18,
Laura Ashley
www.lauraashley.com