Floral patterned fabrics have become increasingly popular lately, yet it can be difficult to pull them off because most people are too loud when wearing them. Traditionally, they’re not part of the men’s style canon. Now, that doesn’t mean that you should never wear florals, because they can be incorporated into a classic wardrobe in a tasteful way, but it’s not always easy.
In general, floral patterns are very bold and so they were traditionally reserved for eccentric wallpapers or upholstery fabrics. You could find them in women’s wear but now, they’ve made their way into menswear as well. If you’re into the latest trends, by all means, go ahead and wear floral sneakers and bomber jackets.
Since you’ve come to this channel, chances are you like classic things and so today, we want to show you how you can incorporate floral patterns with a modern touch while still looking like a classy gentleman.
Dos & Don’ts Of Wearing Florals
Don’t wear floral patterns out of season, because it is specifically something for spring and summer.
As an example, I once saw a gentleman wearing a really flowery shirt on a pink background in the midst of winter, and it just looked entirely out of place.
Do wear floral accessories throughout the year if they are subtle.
Yes, this is an exception to the previous point, but as with any good rule, there’s always an exception. Now, if you have floral patterns that are very subtle, you can wear them maybe even in the winter, though I still think they probably look better in the summer. A good example of a floral item that you can wear year-round is a pocket square, in my opinion, because it oftentimes comes in paisley patterns or playful patterns. It’s not always easily discernible as a floral and because of that, you can incorporate it year-round.
Don’t pair florals with tweed, because they clash historically and stylistically.
Tweed is traditionally a country fabric that is rich in colors and patterns and as such, it would clash with a floral pattern that is likewise really bold and vivid and comes in many different colors.
Do wear just one or two floral patterns at a time.
If it’s a bolder pattern, it should be just one pattern. If you have a more subtle pattern, you can combine it with another more subtle pattern. Also, don’t mix a floral pattern with another bold pattern such as a Glen check or a strong rope stripe because it’s just over to the top.
Do opt for smaller floral patterns.
They’re always easier to combine in a harmonious way into your outfit than those big bold patterns. Tiny florals can also be worn like paisley or polka dots. I suggest you don’t wear big floral patterns because otherwise, you’ll look more like wallpaper. The only exceptions to this rule are likely swim trunks (which are known for big orchid prints) or Hawaiian shirts.
Best Ways To Wear Floral Patterns
Swimwear
Personally, I think the easiest way is to wear it in a swim trunk. Because it’s a very casual garment, you only wear it when it’s warm outside, when it’s summery then it’s a perfect time to wear florals. It’s definitely fun and playful but at the same time, smaller flower petals in swim trunks are easier to pull off than those big chunky contrasting ones.
Pocket Squares
Pocket squares are traditionally printed and so are most floral patterns. Also, pocket squares are often a little louder than their necktie counterparts and so people are, in general, more used to louder pocket squares and also to patterned pocket squares. When you fold a pocket square, the floral print may not always be immediately discernible which makes it very easy to wear. Also, you’ll probably never find a suit jacket or a sport coat made out of a floral pattern, and so the pocket square will stand out in an elegant way. It’s a small enough accessory that it doesn’t overwhelm the entire outfit; it merely creates a tasteful accent in your overall ensemble.
Socks
In recent years, crazy socks have become really popular. If you want to incorporate florals, socks are a good way. Again, if you keep smaller patterns, maybe on a darker ground such as navy, you can wear it with navy pants. On the flip side, if you wear a really bold flowery sock, it’s really difficult to combine with a classic man’s wardrobe. It makes you look more like a clown than a well-dressed gentleman.
Neckties
Neckties are a classic staple of a man’s wardrobe yet in recent years, they’ve become increasingly unpopular. If you don’t want to go with classic stripes or maybe checks, you can add a little casualness to your outfit by going with florals in your neckwear. That being said, most florals out there are really crazy, in my opinion, and so they don’t lend themselves to a more neutral office appropriate outfit.
On the other hand, if you go with something more subtle and not even discernible from afar, you can wear it for more casual office environments. Muted floral neckties are also okay for modern business casual events, but definitely do not wear them in a formal setting. Because they’re a bolder pattern, even if the colors are muted, I suggest you keep the patterns low on a jacket, ideally you pair it with solid jackets or suits and maybe a very thin faint stripe in the shirt but ideally, with a solid as well because it makes it look more harmonious overall. Definitely stay clear of any striped suit or any other bold pattern on your jacket.
Shirts
Personally, I think it’s a little more difficult to pull it off properly simply because it’s a relatively large surface. Even though some people wear short-sleeved shirts with floral prints, I suggest you stick with button-down shirts with long-sleeve shirts, because that’s traditionally part of a classic man’s wardrobe. If you take a pattern that’s out there, at least stick with a classic cut.
Also, if you want a floral shirt, I suggest going with something that has a white or light pink background and little flowery items rather than an all-over floral print shirt because that just looks a little weird with a navy blazer or a business suit. If you wear a floral shirt with smaller prints, stick to solid colored jackets or sport coats such as a navy blazer or a pastel-colored sport coat for summery outfits.
Boutonnieres
Now if you like the idea of flowers but you find the printed floral patterns over-the-top, think about a traditional boutonniere which is the lapel flower that is worn through your lapel buttonhole.
CONCLUSION
If you want to add florals to your outfit, try to stick with small patterns in muted colors. You can wear them as part of a swim trunk, a shirt, a tie, a pocket square, maybe a bow tie–but otherwise, stay clear of them. Some people also like them for socks, but you should definitely stay clear of things like floral shoes or jackets. If done right, meaning you just wear one or two floral patterns at a time, they can even be office appropriate. Also, remember to always wear a floral pattern against a neutral solid color, that way, the overall look is more advantageous.
You didn’t mention “Aloha” shirts for casual wear; usually with white slacks.
I have a “floral” tie that I bought to wear as a guest at a wedding. It was a Japanese silk brocade of chrysanthemum flowers in tones of silver, grey and the palest pink. It was almost a rhythmic abstraction, since the medium-sized “flowers” overlapped and ran off the edges of the tie. If anyone knows how to do floral for men, it’s the Japanese. Got it on Madison Avenue in NYC, on the upper part of Madison.
Liberty of London has a long tradition of bold yet elegant floral prints for ties. A spring – summer staple for me.
Sven asks: “How & when do you wear your florals?”
Never. Not my style.
Can look good on others though…