Style

Bustle’s Jessica Andrews Proves Florals For Spring *Are* Groundbreaking — If You Break A Few Fashion Rules

by Isabella Biedenharn

Fashion is cyclical, and yes, sometimes that cycle can be especially short. But there’s a definite reason why floral prints are universally adored in the springtime: Everything around us is blooming — bursting with life. And after a long, bleak winter like the one we just had, can you blame anyone for wanting to turn their wardrobe into a garden?

That’s why we’re turning to Jessica Andrews, Bustle’s Deputy Fashion Editor, who knows exactly when to break with fashion’s stale principles to make something more interesting. “Style is so intimate and expressive that you can’t repress it by following arbitrary fashion rules,” says Andrews, who describes her own style as “retro and romantic with a touch of edge.” She’s the ultimate guide when learning how to make a trend all your own.

The first step of course is knowing where to shop, and Andrews styled spring’s freshest pieces from Macy’s, a one-stop shop for your seasonal wardrobe refresh. Macy’s latest drops breathe new life into florals, playing with scale (like teeny ditsy prints and big, exploded blooms) and style (like retro and graphic). For someone with Andrews’s eye, it’s like a playground. “Florals are just one of those classic, springtime looks that will never go out of style,” she says.

Andrews created street style-worthy looks for two occasions: Brunch at home (complete with the waffle iron of your dreams), and WFH on the porch (because we are all about getting some vitamin D during business hours). Feast your eyes on these flowers — and get ready to break a few rules yourself.

Brunch In Full Bloom

When you think of florals, you may think of bright, head-turning prints. Counterintuitively, a subtle take on the pattern can be the boldest choice of all. For an at-home brunch, Andrews chose a cold-shoulder dress with an understated print. “I love that you have to do a double-take to see all the delicate flowers,” she says.

But a little subtlety doesn’t mean playing it safe. The range of colors that would normally show up on a print appear in her color-blocked accessories, a sunny yellow croc-print bag from Melie Blanco and strappy pink Steve Madden heels. These of-the-moment accessories also help keep the print feel extra current. “I was able to incorporate the mini bag and clear shoe trend — both huge for spring,” Andrews explains.

And we can’t forget the face: “I’m all about a sun-kissed beauty look for spring and summer,” she says. “I went for a natural glow with NARS bronzer, and I used gold eyeshadow from the Urban Decay Naked palette.” The best part of brunch? Luxe champagne flutes for bottomless mimosas and a Cuisinart double waffle maker. (Bonus points if you top your waffles with edible flowers to bring it all together.)

Florals Al Fresco

Andrews’s daytime style proves you can have just as much fun with fashion at the (home) office as you can on the weekends. She chose a Riley & Rae patterned suit to give her florals an edge. “I opted for a suit, as you rarely associate the romantic print with menswear,” she says. “This is the perfect WFH look because — while the pants are gorgeous — the blazer really owns the spotlight. I wore it for a super important video call and got tons of compliments from our fashion team.”

The 2000s are back in a big way, so she chose a cami with an ’00s-inspired cowl neck, then finished it all off with a chunky heel. Andrews also added a wash of green to her lids to make the look pop. “Together, this outfit is the perfect conversation starter,” she says.

Style doesn’t stop with just clothes, though, so to spruce up her porch space (and her spirits), Andrews added a bright throw pillow. “Mood-lifting hues bring me so much joy, so I try to incorporate that into both my wardrobe and my home decor,” she explains. Same goes for the plant and planter — who doesn’t feel better with some greenery around?

If you don’t feel quite ready for a power suit like Andrews’s, you can still dip your toe into this (lilypad-covered) pond. “Rather than wear a floral suit like mine, maybe pair a white button-down shirt with floral pants, or a floral top with your favorite pair of jeans,” she advises. “Ease your way into the trend at whatever pace feels comfortable to you.”

Photo: Lauren Perlstein; Digital Tech: Kelsey Wagner; Art Director: Molly Kugelmann; Branded Fashion Lead: Elly Ayres; Production: Danica Butkovich