John Lewis has called time on the floral dress. We say hang tight: they’re not going anywhere.

When John Lewis’ new fashion director, Queralt Ferrer, announced the death of the floral midi dress, you could practically hear the gasp of horror reverberating up and down the land. Taking the unusual stance that the pretty throwback to the 1940s was simply too successful, she called time on the trend, saying, ‘That was one of the main items that we thought we’ve got to move on from. It’s not easy because customers love them, but it’s a trend that has been around for too long and they were everywhere across the high street.’

From a fast-moving cutting edge fashion house, we might nod along sagely. From John Lewis, bastion of wearable clothing for real women, we say no. What about those of us who still love a floral frock? What of the women who feel good in them? We say that a trend isn’t ‘over’ until women no longer want to wear it. Until then, these are just five of the florals with our names on them for this SS23.

Look 1:



Plumo


Fenley Dress, £309




WEAR IT WITH

Clary & Peg

Headband, £25

Birkenstock

Arizona Vegan Women, £80

The White Company

Straw Circle Shopper, £69



Look 2:



Jigsaw


Carnation Smocked Jersey Dress, £155



WEAR IT WITH

LGR

Sofia | Netflix Emily In Paris, €350

Ottoman Hands

Amalfi Orange Stud Earrings, £75

Superga

2630 COTU, NOW £35



Look 3:



Meadows


Sycamore Dress, £220




WEAR IT WITH

Closet & Botts

Ochre Floral Garland Socks, £6.95

Plumo

Frayed Straw Hat, £35

TOAST

Kit and Clogs Studio Leather Platform Clogs, £195



Look 4:



Boden


Ruffle Detail Midi Tea Dress, £120




WEAR IT WITH

Jigsaw

Denim Trucker Jacket, £98

Free People

Vegan Ranch Boot, £68

Sea & Grass

Shell Clutch, £74




Look 5:



& Other Stories


Printed Bandeau Midi Dress, £135



WEAR IT WITH

Shan Shan

Stud Rose Onyx Earrings, £50

Etsy

Broderie Anglaise Cotton Scrunchie, £6

LK Bennet

Esmeralda Espadrille Wedges, £149



By Nancy Alsop
March 2023

Nancy Alsop

Editor

Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.

FIND OUT MORE