Fashion

15 Unique Ways To Wear Plus Size Florals

by Alysse Dalessandro

With spring now in full bloom, it's time to ditch the winter wardrobe in exchange for fresh pieces. Plus size spring fashion doesn't have to be about wearing the same structured A-line floral dress that retailers have been remaking in slightly different variations for years, though. It can be about exploring all of the options that plus size fashion now has to offer.

Florals are one of those patterns that are pretty timeless in fashion. Spring season after spring season, you can find such prints on the runways and on retailer racks. But it wasn't always so easy to find those pieces in plus sizes. As a teen, I remember hopelessly searching for anything flowery that didn't remind me of something straight out of the 1950s.

Plus size style is slowly becoming just as diverse as its straight size counterpart, which means "floral" doesn't always have to translate to "pinup." For instance, there's something magical about combining flowers with spikes or ripped denim for a hard and soft look. You can wear florals and have the look fit your punk, grunge, boho, or even sporty sartorial sensibilities.

So this spring, you can put aside that floral A-line dress or skirt. Whether you opt for mini roses or oversized poppies, there's a way to experiment with a different floral silhouette this season. Here are 15 ways to wear all things flowery.

1. Structured Coat

Joe Browns Fabulous Floral Coat, $125, Simply Be

A cherry blossom pattern isn't one you see every day, but then again, neither is a tailored plus size coat with no lapel. This jacket is soft and sweet, but a show-stopper at the same time.

2. Sheer Maxi Skirt

Wind-Swept Maxi - Midnight Floral, $54, Re Dress

The fullness of this maxi skirt along with the fact that it's sheer will surely have you feeling wind-swept. Pair it with the Re/Dress caged bra to recreate this exact look.

3. Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

BB Dakota Plus Size Abra Bottom, $45, 6 PM

I love a wide-leg jumpsuit — mostly because there's still so much plus size fashion out there that's designed to be "slimming," so I rejoice at the use of anything wide. Add the deep V-neck and black and white floral pattern and I'm totally sold on this number.

4. Border Print Blouse

ASOS Curve Watercolour Floral Border Print Blouse, $51, Asos

While a floral blouse alone may not be so fashion-forward, the fact that this one is slightly oversized with a border print that looks almost hand-drawn definitely makes it stand out for the right reasons.

5. Soft Flare Pants

Printed Soft Flare Pant, $27, E loquii

ELOQUII has mastered the art of making a bold pattern look totally sophisticated and these soft flare pants are no exception.

6. Fitted Blazer

Contrast Lapel Floral Blazer, $18, Ashley Stewart

This blazer will definitely have the office water cooler crew talking about how to look as sharp as you.

7. Fringe Kimono

Torrid Insider Floral Fringe Kimono, $67, T orrid

With festival season approaching, you can keep it casual and comfy in this floral print kimono. I can also see this doubling as a robe or a swim cover-up.

8. Knit Leggings

Arizona Leggings - Juniors Plus, $12, JC Penney

I know that spring might make you feel like you want to ditch leggings, but a lightweight knit pair can still be the perfect mate to your wide-calf rain boots for those April showers.

9. Scuba Tank

Floral Scuba Tank, $39, Chubby Cartwheels

This soft rose print tank may be from the Chubby Cartwheels Intimates Collection, but I can totally see it pairing with denim bell-bottoms for a fun '70s look.

10. Wide-Width Canvas Tennis Shoes

Cream & Pink Ditsy Floral Lace-Up Canvas Pumps in EEE Fit, $26, Yours Clothing

These wide-width canvas shoes prove that you don't just have to wear floral as a plus size garment. Get these sweet sneakers covered in grass stains by taking them on a spin in the park.

11. Flouncy Bathing Suit

Splash, Prints, Repeat Swimsuit Top, $70, M od Cloth

What would spring break be for a plus size babe without a fatkini? There are so many fun floral options available, but I am partial to the flounce style for this season.

12. Elastic Waist Shorts

Lovely Floral Print Shorts, $8, GS Loves Me

These floral print shorts are not only available in peach, black, and mint, but with a price tag under $10, they are certainly easy on the budget, too.

13. Bomber Jacket

Plus Size Floral Print Bomber Jacket, $30, C harlotte Russe

I was specifically on the hunt for a plus size bomber jacket when I discovered this one. It comes in a busy and bright floral pattern that I find ideal for pairing with a spring pleather.

14. V-Neck Romper

Playsuit, $27, Simply Be

This three-quarter length sleeve romper is fashioned with an elastic waist and V-neck for a total boho-friendly look.

15. Lace Bralette

Floral Crop Lace Bralette, $28, T orrid

I'm an advocate for underwear as outwear, so I would pair this lace floral bralette with a light-wash denim coat as part of my fresh spring 'drobe.

Floral prints may be expected of spring fashion, but they certainly don't have to be worn in the most traditional ways. While it may be a comfortable pattern to wear, consider stepping out of your sartorial comfort zone and trying out a new garment style. Spring is your chance to blossom.

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Images: Courtesy Brands