Garden Party Chic
Open toed vintage sandals and a cute, floral frock are all you'll need to fit into this summer's garden party vibe: never has chintz been so cute! Whether you're watching the pennies or simply channelling that Great Gatsby vibe, it's time to take advantage of the balmy summer evenings, and we've rounded up a selection of this summer's most perfect floral fashions to help you do so in total style.
Liberty print
Be it a dress, top, scarf, pinny or tablecloth, get yourself along to Liberty for some of their floral fabric; it’s the epitome of chic, garden party style.
Arthur Lasenby Liberty started selling cloth in 1875 and liberty fabric is renowned worldwide for its superior quality, luxury design and finest traditional cotton.
A name that truly does span all ages and social groups; donning a liberty, floral print this summer will make sure you’re head and shoulders above the rest.
http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/departmenthome/dept/fabrics
Liberty
Prices vary
Tea Dresses
Tea dresses are common place these days, but this feminine, girly and floaty option suits all occasions and would look perfect for tea at Buckingham Palace or at your mate’s garden party. Usually brightly coloured, they are cute and feminine with vintage styling and delicate prints.
French Connection does a belted soft cotton tea dress with an all-over print, pleated bodice and tie sash waist. Black background and popping with colour it will stand out in a sea of pastel.
French Connection £65.00
For pic - http://www.asos.com/French-Connection/French-Connection-Belted-Floral-Tea-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=994170
Poppy Love
Going poppy-tastic we couldn’t resist Nicole Farhi’s simple yet stylish IKAT dress made in 100 per cent pure cotton. It has a contemporary all–over poppy print, with beautifully rounded sleeves to cover any problem areas and will keep you cotton-cool on those (hopefully) hot afternoons. For girls who like to toughen up their florals, try this Ted Baker poppy print top. Team it with cut off denims or an on trend Stella McCartney denim skirt (inspired by pictures of her mum, Linda McCartney, taken in the 70s).
Nicole Fahri dress £300
http://www.nicolefarhi.com/product/whatsnew/21AX3/IKAT+POPPY+PRINT+DRESS.htm
Ted Baker top £39
Dare to Bare
For those who want a splash of floral underneath their clothes, try a pretty, patterned bra or be even braver and step out in a floral bikini. Don a pair of silk shorts paired with your fella’s white, cotton shirt and unbutton to reveal you’re girly side.
Oasis does a vintage floral triangle bikini top with ruffle that channels both the retro and flowery vibe.
For pic - http://www.asos.com/Oasis/Oasis-Vintage-Floral-Triangle-Bikini-Top-With-Ruffle/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=879309&SearchQuery=floral top&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Print
Oasis
£14
Bags and Shoes
If you can't get a bit of floral into your outfit, you can work the look with floral-print bags and shoes showing you can work the flower power look without looking like a 60s throw-back.
Topshop’s canvas floral trim bag is one of a handful of floral beauties around right now. Girly, cute and colourful without being too OTT, this sizeable number with adjustable straps is perfect for the summer season.
Shoe options include strappy sandals, flip flops, Mary Jane’s, gladiators…pretty much anything except Crocs!
Topshop £32
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=169015&parent_category_rn=130031&productId=1741713&langId=-1
Every which way
Scarves are perfect to accessorise any outfit. Around your head or neck, looped like a top, shaped into a dress – they can be worn in a variety of ways and even make it possible to change your outfit mid-party. Liberty has a large, silver cream tea scarf which wouldn’t look out of place at any summer gathering. Not strictly floral, but with its cute cake stands and tea cups how could we not want this on our wish list!
Liberty
£280
http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/Liberty-Exclusives/Large-Silver-Cream-Tea-Scarf,--Swash/41826
