It seems to be persistently dreary and grey through much of the country at the moment and summer seems a very long way away.
But one way to cheer up rainy winter days is with a splash of colour. Floral prints are absolutely everywhere, ranging from patterns that almost verge on Hawaiian shirt style, to pretty, delicate girly rosebuds.
I think there's something really spirit-lifting about a knee-length dress with a full skirt, cinched in at the waist, in a really over-the-top pattern.
And the good news is, you can get floral dresses, blouses and skirts on any budget. Farmers and Ezibuy stock everyday pieces and some of the country's top designers, such as Carlson, are getting in on the act, too.
I am a bit of a traditionalist in that I can't quite get my head around wearing patterns with patterns. I've heard it said this year that you can team a small print with a big one, but I've yet to see it work, off the catwalks.
I think you can't go wrong in matching a printed skirt with a plain blouse - even in a vibrant jewel colour - or a dress with nude heels.
I know floral jeans and shorts are popping up all over the place and they are not ideal for anyone who doesn't want to draw attention to their bottom half. But, if you're willing to give it a go, look for patterns that are slightly more understated, and pair them with a plain, well-cut top.
Some celebrities have been spotted with floral accessories, such as silk flowers worn around the wrist, or a bag with a flowery detail. Introduce summer into your wardrobe early with a floral print. If you're worried about looking too girly, the bigger the print the better. But be careful, a big print can overwhelm a petite frame in the same way that a small print can make a big person look even bigger.
