Floral tops have had a bad rap.
A hallmark of the Indie-twee movement of the 2010s, collared floral shirts buttoned up to the very top paired with a bolo tie, tiny ribbon or – unforgivably – with a dangling moustache necklace, might have deterred fashion enthusiasts from the style for good. But we’re here to change your mind.
While floral blouses can often reflect a delicate, highly feminine prairie style akin to movies such as The Wizard of Oz and Little Women – this particular aesthetic is having a fully-fledged renaissance. The style, which many refer to as ‘coquette-core’ or ‘grandma-chic’ consists of delicate silk and lace garments, and slip dresses paired with floral blouses featuring extra large collars.
This trend also overlaps significantly with a more sultry, 1920s femme fatale-inspired aesthetic. Simply team up that dramatic flower-adorned blouse with a pair of straight-leg cigarette trousers or a long black skirt, add a swipe of bold red lippy and you’ll look just like a vignette from an old silent movie.
Remarkably intertwined with French It-Girl fashion, you’ve likely come across some of your favourite style icons wearing subtle floral blouses without immediately realising it.
This is because floral garments aren’t always ostensibly frilly, brightly-hued springtime pieces – contrary to popular belief. Floral blouses with subtle, deep colourways have the ability to undergo an almost chameleonic shift depending on just how you decide to style it.
Plus, despite the infamous quote from the Devil Wear’s Prada, florals are in always and forever! One glance at Marni’s recent runway show, or Collina Strada’s latest collection will prove this as fact.
So we think you'll agree that floral blouses of varying designs belong in everyone’s wardrobe – no matter the core that you subscribe to. A high-quality flower-adorned garment makes for an incredibly versatile piece, which can be styled in a myriad of ways to suit your changing fashion sense and moods, from work to the weekend, beach to bar and day to night.
We’ve created an edit of the best floral blouses available to shop now for the pinnacle of autumnal dressing. Keep scrolling for more.
Bell Sleeve Organza Blouse
With wonderfully dramatic bell sleeves, an oversized bow and V-cut pintucks at the body, we immediately fell in love with this incredibly luxurious organza blouse from & Other Stories. We can imagine this hanging in wait in the Mad Hatter’s wardrobe for the most special of occasions. Style with wide-leg jeans and some patent, heeled Mary Janes.
Buy now £120.00, H&M
Etoile Antique Rose Print Tie Neck Blouse
Specialists at vintage-inspired modern clothing, this antique rose print blouse by Joanie makes for a brilliant autumnal layering piece.
Buy now £55.00, Joanie
Mango Graphic Rose Tie Back Top, Red
Crimson roses are the rage this season, and Mango has hopped on the trend with a ‘90s-esque, semi-sheer tie-back blouse. We’re big fans of the way this hangs like silk off the frame for a slightly fitted look.
Buy now £45.99, John Lewis
Collina Strada Floral Gardenia Top
Committed to crafting garments from sustainable materials – including recycled cotton, deadstock fabrics and rose sylk – you can pop on a floral piece from Collina Strada this autumn and feel contented by the fact that you’re helping to ensure the presence of real-life flowers by the time spring rolls around. The delicate lace detailing is unlined, offering a slightly sultry look if styled with a black mini skirt and knee-high boots.
Buy now £151.00, Collina Strada
Milou Shirt Maxi Floral Patchwork
When paired with a great autumnal shacket, officer collars offer a lovely contemporary, Scandi-inspired look. This long-sleeved floral shirt from Sezane almost looks quilted, and the thick cotton will certainly keep you warm during the colder months.
Buy now £100.00, Sezane
Rouje Top Yura
We know, this piece from Rouje is more of a top than a blouse, but we couldn’t help but include this ballerina-core dream in this round-up. From the autumnal rose print to the gathered, wrap-effect V-neck, this beautifully flattering garment belongs in everyone’s wardrobe this season.
Buy now £120.00, Rouje
Draped Blouse
For a more subtle floral look, this silky, draped number from & Other Stories features a delicate jacquard design throughout. The high, frilly collar and cuffed sleeves make this a perfect work-to-drinks piece.
Buy now £75.00, H&M
ERL Red Floral Blouse
We couldn’t believe that this shirt hadn’t been plucked straight out of the wardrobe of someone living in the ‘70s with its pointed spread collar and autumnal colourway. Despite not being vintage, this contemporary piece by ERL has been crafted from an eco-conscious viscose blend.
Buy now £390.00, SSENSE
Whistles Farfalle Flower Silk Blend Blouse
Adorned with graphic, bright blue forget-me-nots, this blouse won’t be leaving our minds any time soon – especially with that flattering, smocked bodice and flowy bell sleeves.
Buy now £59.00, John Lewis
IRO Martina Floral-Print Silk Blouse
Designed to slip on without the need to tackle pesky buttons and zippers, this floral blouse from IRO features dramatic ruffles at the shoulders which remind us of something Madonna would’ve worn in the ‘80s with some acid-wash jeans.
Buy now £359.00, Selfridges
