by Arielle Paech

Spring showers bring summer flowers and heaven knows we’ve had enough rain this year. Everywhere I look, I'm this seasonal saying come to fruition, and not just in the garden: it’s also on the runways.

This season, many designers took inspiration from Mother Nature’s garden with bouquets of floral-printed garments. Designers like Oscar de la Renta, Gucci and MaxMara featured bold, colourful floral prints on everything from dresses to pant suits. Other designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Giambattista Valli opted for corsage-style florals, evoking a romantic aroma that botanically inspired clothes often do.

With so many designers digging into this trend, retailers have cultivated their collections to resemble wild gardens, offering a large assortment of floral prints. There seems to be a unique green thumb on dresses, play suits, tops, skirts, even shoes and handbags.

Go for a bold all-over floral look as seen at Gucci, Oscar de la Renta and MaxMara with this bright garden blossom sundress from Plastic Island. Or Yoana Baraschi’s over-blown daisy super natural Uptown shift dress. If you’re feeling brave, make an outfit pop with a floral blazer over another, contrasting, floral-printed dress or top. Or opt to keep it clean and simple, pairing flower-patterns with solids. The Prairie Petal Blouse by Edme & Esylite is perfect to plant with more florals or to wear alone as a statement piece.

Feeling more like a wallflower than a wild rose? Wear the trend but tone it down with floral inspired accessories like printed shoes or handbag. It will liven up an everyday outfit. These Sweet Papaya Lyla printed peep-toed shoes from J. Crew add just a hint of horticulture and the Hobo International ‘Lauren’ Double frame clutch boasts an easy touch of beautiful botanicals.

Or take your floral cues from the Dolce & Gabbana corsage style by adding a rosette broach or hair accessory, like these chiffon flower bobby pins and you’ll no longer be a shrinking violet.

With so many assortments and arrays of floral-prints to select, there is no excuse not to stop and smell the roses this summer.

Arielle Paech is a Toronto-based image consultant whose new show, Style Files will soon be appearing on the WP website.