When John Lewis’ new fashion director, Queralt Ferrer, announced the death of the floral midi dress, you could practically hear the gasp of horror reverberating up and down the land. Taking the unusual stance that the pretty throwback to the 1940s was simply too successful, she called time on the trend, saying, ‘That was one of the main items that we thought we’ve got to move on from. It’s not easy because customers love them, but it’s a trend that has been around for too long and they were everywhere across the high street.’

From a fast-moving cutting edge fashion house, we might nod along sagely. From John Lewis, bastion of wearable clothing for real women, we say no. What about those of us who still love a floral frock? What of the women who feel good in them? We say that a trend isn’t ‘over’ until women no longer want to wear it. Until then, these are just five of the florals with our names on them for this SS23.

Look 1:



Plumo


Fenley Dress, £309
Plumo Dress





Look 2:



Jigsaw


Carnation Smocked Jersey Dress, £155
Carnation Smocked Jersey Dress Jigsaw




Look 3:



Meadows


Sycamore Dress, £220
Sycamore





Look 4:



Boden


Ruffle Detail Midi Tea Dress, £120
Ruffle Detail Midi Tea Dress Boden






Look 5:



& Other Stories


Printed Bandeau Midi Dress, £135
And Other Stories Printed Bandeau Midi Dress




By Nancy Alsop
March 2023