Fashion: Petal pusher

Markus Lupfer, pre-fall 2016.

Winter florals take on a dark, folkloric twist

How do you wear a classic print often associated with the flowering bulbs of spring time and relate that to the depths of winter?

Think dark romanticism and folkloric motifs, with a focus on black or grey-based fabrics that give ample opportunity for floral prints to really stand out.

It's the perfect way to break out and try some colour without feeling overwhelmed.

Floral prints also work best with midi to mini-length dresses, the latter with a pair of classic black tights and flats for a failsafe look you can rely on until spring.

DRESSES:

Whatever length the dress, black-based fabrics are the perfect place to start, allowing colourful florals to stand out.

1. Topshop dress $110.
2. Alice & Olivia dress, about $740, from Neiman Marcus.
3. Warehouse midi dress, about $160, from The Iconic.

TOPS:

Floral prints feature on sporty fabrics and athleisure separates, elevating simple sportswear pieces to the next level.

4. Capture top, $50, from EziBuy.
5. Kow Tow jumper $169.
6. Adidas by Stella McCartney tank top, $90, from Platinum Sports Co.

BOTTOMS:

Printed skirts and pants are a great way to add some personality to any outfit - even better with a crisp white shirt or cosy roll-neck jumper for added impact. Kate Sylvester's Mia skirt is the perfect example of folklore-inspired florals that you'll get plenty of mileage from.

7. Lonely boxer shorts $225.
8. MSGM skirt, about $455, from Matches Fashion.
9. Kate Sylvester skirt $399.

ACCESSORIES:

Dainty earrings and jaunty scarves offer plenty of winter floral inspiration.

10. Ruby earrings $39.
11. Happy Socks, $23, from Slick Willy's.
12. Gucci twill scarf, $171, from Net-a-Porter.

Erdem, fall 2016 collection.

For more fashion go to viva.co.nz.