Fashion: Flower power

All outfit details below.

Take a dark approach to seasonal floral prints for a refreshing twist.

Floral prints are, of course, in abundance for spring and are the perfect way to ring in the new season after months of muted tones and layers.

The options for floral prints are also endless, from the painterly to more photographic prints. Dainty, vintage-inspired prints are a popular choice, particularly the florals from Ingrid Starnes and the botanical prints from Ruby.

For those who love hydrangeas, you can't look past the brilliant print tops and dresses from Stolen Girlfriends Club. The "Happy Hydrangea" T-shirt (#3) for example, features a signature photograph by renowned photographer Derek Henderson and works well paired with one of the brand's popular denim or leather pants for a surprisingly cool contrast of hard and soft.

Yes, that traditional fashion trope of tough and pretty is one most New Zealand designers default to each season, however, if there was ever a truer example of playing down sweet florals, this is it.

While crisp whites and bright blocks will be filtering through in the coming months, plenty of designers have included black this season - teaming well with even the brightest floral print and working for daytime occasions and after-five events.

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from left to right:

1 Juliette Hogan top, $399, shirt, $439 and skirt, $749. Alexander Wang suede boots, $1139, from Workshop.

2 Gregory top, $269. Paula Ryan flared pants, $360. Mi Piaci sandals, $250. Karen Walker cameo earrings, $65.

3 Stolen Girlfriends Club T-shirt, $139. Juliette Hogan skirt, $429. Gerard Darel coat, $670, from Adorno. Alexander Wang heels, $798, from Workshop.

4 Kate Sylvester shirt, $349, and lace skirt, $445. Karen Walker belt, $45. Alexander Wang suede ankle boots, $1139, from Workshop.

5 Blak Luxe dress, $349, from Blak Chaos. Karen Walker belt, $45. Mi Piaci sandals, $230.

Stockists

• Adorno (09) 378 4333
• Blak Chaos (09) 777 7189
• Gregory
• Juliette Hogan
• Karen Walker
• Kate Sylvester
• Mi Piaci
• Paula Ryan
• Stolen Girlfriends Club
• Workshop (09) 361 3727