How to Make Florals Modern & Edgy | Laura Ashley SS14

How to style florals SS14
Styling florals at this time of year in new (and slightly more modern) ways can be challenging – and that is exactly the challenge I was set by Laura Ashley, a brand known for their floral prints. They wanted me to style some of their SS14 pieces in a way that was a little different to the girly, chintzy florals of old; something fresher and more modern.

I chose the Ditsy floral print trousers because rather than a soft, pretty floral, this print is edgy due to the bold punches of black and bright pink and the paint-splat effect of the flowers. And rather than a direct pattern-mix, I thought the Candy Orange lace sleeve top in that gorgeous coral colour would work well with the sleeves rolled up and provide a nice soft background for the black and gold jewellery. With the addition of a fierce pair of heels and a Panama hat, I think the look is pretty far-removed from the floaty, feminine florals so often associated with Laura Ashley… I love this for spring. It’s still feminine and it’s still floral, but hopefully a little more unexpected and bold.


Have you found any new and exciting ways to wear florals? What do you pair with your floral pieces to keep them fresh and on-trend? Do share in the comments!



How to style florals SS14
How to style florals SS14
How to style florals SS14

Catherine x
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Panama hat: Tumi at Amazon, Top: c/o Laura Ashley, Trousers: c/o Laura Ashley, Heels: New Look, Bag: Asos, Bracelets: New Look, Earrings: Unknown, Necklace: Unknown (old), Nails: Essie Chocolate Cake




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34 Comments

  1. 24 May 2014 / 11:40 am

    I think you did a wonderful job. Love that top with the sleeves rolled up on the trousers. Together with the shoes and the hat they make the look edgy.
    Ah… you and these hats… A match made in heaven.
    Greetje

  2. 21 May 2014 / 2:53 pm

    You look fantastic and I love your heels!!! Great stuff.
    fashionfascinate.blogspot.com

  3. 18 May 2014 / 7:18 pm

    Catherine firstly your shoes are to die for (!) and as a fellow red head I love to see how you mix and match your colours and patterns. Those Laura Ashley trousers are a fab print x

    • 23 May 2014 / 8:58 am

      Glad to be of some inspo, Keri!! Thank you x

  4. 16 May 2014 / 7:31 pm

    Love the way you have styled these trousers! The heels and bag look great x

  5. 16 May 2014 / 6:16 pm

    Hello Catherine, I've browsed through your looks and I'm charmed by your elegance with an edge. I loved especiallythelook with the checkered shirt and NB sneakers, so unique!! I've just come across your blog and I'm your newest follower via G+ and Bloglovin. Hope you will follow back, so we can stay in touch!
    Baci,
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:36 pm

      Thank you Coco – I've sent you a Tweet… you're such a sweetheart!! x

  6. 16 May 2014 / 5:35 pm

    Fun! That is such a great hat, you have the lovliest blog~

    Gina

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:33 pm

      Aww thank you Gina – so nice of you to say!! x

  7. 16 May 2014 / 3:09 pm

    I like the pink gloss with that top – nice combination. And the bag is perfect!

  8. 16 May 2014 / 9:59 am

    Oh I love those trousers, I tried them on a few weeks ago but they weren't a good fit on me, but it's nice to see someone else has taken them home to love them!! You've styled them really nicely. P x

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:32 pm

      Hehe you and I always seem to end up liking the same things, Sarah!! Thanks sweetie x

  9. 16 May 2014 / 9:02 am

    You are so beautiful in pink! Adore these floral pants and the cute hat! ^_^
    I personally love styling florals with denim *_*

  10. 16 May 2014 / 1:39 am

    I LOVE this, dear Catherine…it's the perfect balance between feminine and tomboy!! The hat and the "baseball" style of the top are certainly a little masculine; but the colour and lacy sleeves of said top – together with the floral pants and those incredible shoes! – make for a super pretty combination!!

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:23 pm

      Oh yeah it IS like a baseball tee, isn't it M?! I'd not really thought of that, but you're completely right! Thanks hun x

  11. 16 May 2014 / 12:42 am

    This is great. I'll have to keep this in mind when I style my high-waisted 1980s Ralph Lauren floral pants!

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:22 pm

      Wow I love the sound of those, Gracey – they sound amazing!!

  12. 15 May 2014 / 10:16 pm

    Love love love those trousers ! They look so good. Also like the sleeves on the top. Great outfit
    :0)
    Paul

  13. 15 May 2014 / 9:55 pm

    What a fun outfit! You know, I usually avoid florals simply because they can "clash" with my red hair. But, what a great alternative to have floral pants! This looks really nice! Thank you for the inspiration!

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:22 pm

      You're very welcome, Susie – and thank you!

  14. 15 May 2014 / 8:13 pm

    Lovely, without being overly "sweet". Love the print on those trousers. xox

  15. 15 May 2014 / 8:01 pm

    I actually own only one floral dress…which again isn't your typical romantic floral dress! I like those pants…they bring to my mind Jackson Pollock's paintings rather than Laura Ashley!
    Anna

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:21 pm

      I thought exactly that (that the print was very Pollock-inspired) – I think LA have done really well with this print, very modern 🙂

  16. 15 May 2014 / 5:45 pm

    My favorite way to wear my floral pants (or shorts) is with a graphic tee. With my pants I love wearing my Star Wars tee, with my shorts it's my "Jaws" tank top. :o) They seem to balance out the girly-girly-ness of the florals.

    http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:20 pm

      That's a superb idea, JJ – I have a black Bowie t-shirt that I'm so going to wear with the trousers… thanks for the inspo!! x

  17. 15 May 2014 / 5:00 pm

    You styled the florals beautifully and made them your own look, Catherine!

    I have a gorgeous Laura Ashley vintage floral dress in dark blue with big roses and a Carmen-style cleavage which I wore to a wedding many years ago…a loooong time ago, they are divorced for even longer 😉
    I have no idea how to restyle and modernise it!

    Annette | Lady of Style

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:19 pm

      Thank you lovely Annette 🙂

      How about wearing it on the blog and asking for ideas…? Or perhaps just on Facebook/Twitter – you never know what people may suggest! x

  18. 15 May 2014 / 4:38 pm

    I love outfits like this that are unexpected and combine contrasting styles. This is now one of my favorite outfits you've done. Those pants would look great with a black moto jacket too. Super fun!

    • 17 May 2014 / 6:18 pm

      Oh thanks so much – and yes to the moto jacket! I must try that…!

  19. 15 May 2014 / 2:42 pm

    Gorgeous outfit Catherine, those trousers have such a lovely print xx

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