Marie Kelly explores ways to make florals look fresh this summer

Ground-breaking they may not be, but florals will always be at the heart of our wardrobes because they say summer like nothing else (except perhaps maritime stripes). This season, the perennial print is less girlish than in previous seasons and more modern, appearing on structured pieces and worn over utilitarian denim.

Ruffled print silk chiffon dress €622 Anna Sui

Silk Maxi dress,€570 Diane Von Furstenburg 

This is the time to take a few style risks. You don’t want your florals to look passive. In fact, you want them to state your presence loudly and proudly. Try clashing prints; florals with leopard; big blooms with ditsy daisy prints. If you suffer easily from print overload, then try matching a floral-print blouse or dress with stone-washed jeans instead. A masculine coat or blazer lends itself beautifully to vibrant blooms, as the minimal lines and unfussy detailing will allow the print to take centre stage. And anything with pockets works great with a floral print, as they bring a boyish nonchalance that counteracts any overly girlish associations.

Donnelly fringed shirt,€143 Ganni

Floral print Cloque blazer, €274, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Flower T-shirt,€115, Paul Smith