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Original poster

So what are we wearing instead of floral midi dress and white trainers this Spring?

588 replies

KrabiBeach · 08/04/2023 12:55

Like many 35-55yo women I've been wearing a floral midi dress with trainers every Spring/Summer for the past few years. I always buy dresses with pockets and love the comfort, practicality and coolness (temperature-wise) on a sunny day. Easy to layer under a denim jacket, biker or blazer and wear with any white trainers or converse etc.

It was inevitable that such an easy outfit would become so ubiquitous that the fashion world declared it "dead".

I'm gutted but I am a follower of style. So yes, I know it's shallow but this is the Style board so.... What other outfits fit the brief?

One journalist in the Sunday papers suggested trouser suits are the new floral midi dress and trainers. But I don't think a trouser suit would work in a hot day like a flowery dress would, no matter how much you keep it casual with a t-shirt and trainers - it's still too hot surely?

If you're a follower of trends, what will you be wearing instead of floral midi from now on?

(Article for reference: amp.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/feb/10/john-lewis-declares-death-of-the-floral-midi-dress)

OP posts:
Thread gallery
34
Daffodilwoman · 08/04/2023 18:47

I’m another one who will be sticking to floral midi dresses and white trainers.
Dresses have always been my go to. I like the length of a midi too. Im not going short it’s too impractical for me.
Trouser suits- no not for a casual day out in summer. Work wear yes, anything else no.
I’m not being dictated too just to encourage me to spend,spend, spend. I’ve recently bought 2 new dresses for spring/summer. Both midis but both just one colour.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 08/04/2023 18:49

Long denim skirts don't have to be heavy, I have just got one that is a relatively light fabric, it won't be hotter than wearing jeans for sure.

I don't have one floral dress, so it will be easy to relinquish this trend, but I still like white trainers with a plain dress (usually black).

Barrel leg jeans just make me look like- a barrel! Great on my late teens with their bra tops, not so great with my fifty-something thick waistline.

Still not sure what we are all wearing!

Daisybee6 · 08/04/2023 18:49

Do people really just stop wearing something because some random person has decided its not 'fashionable' anymore?

Just wear what you feel comfortable and confident in.

GettingStuffed · 08/04/2023 18:53

I've seen a lot more skirts around. White trainers are a,stupid idea mine are white with grubby toes. Today's outfit is a blue leopard print dress and black trainers.

Highdaysandholidays1 · 08/04/2023 18:53

Of course people over time start leaving a look behind. Everyone used to wear shorter floral dresses with three-quarter black leggings underneath- now they don't so much. Everyone doesn't stop wearing it all at once, but over time certain looks fade a bit or change (same with skinnies, you can still wear them but tight blue skinnies don't look fresh any more, just the way it is).

Tanaqui · 08/04/2023 19:01

Fascinating how many people have come, yet again, to the style board to say various variations of wear what you like, despite the OP specifically asking for followers of trends! Seems to happen all the time at the moment.

OP, last year I saw a lot of fashionable looking youngish women wearing long straight ish skirts, often floral, with sweatshirts over, or above knee skirts with a flounce or ruffle trim, but more fitted, not a-line, with tight tops...looked great, although I don't suit the latter look any more myself!

hattie43 · 08/04/2023 19:01

I'm sticking with my dresses and trainers . This year I have seen a lot of wide leg cropped dungarees / jumpsuits but unless your tall and willowy I can't imagine they'd look good .

Lastnamedidntstick · 08/04/2023 19:05

Highdaysandholidays1 · 08/04/2023 18:53

Of course people over time start leaving a look behind. Everyone used to wear shorter floral dresses with three-quarter black leggings underneath- now they don't so much. Everyone doesn't stop wearing it all at once, but over time certain looks fade a bit or change (same with skinnies, you can still wear them but tight blue skinnies don't look fresh any more, just the way it is).

Oh god I hated that tunic over 3/4 leggings look.

never met anyone I thought it looked good on. Plus is was sil and mil staple look and they looked fucking awful.

Mind hated skinnies as well. Not comfy and did not suit me at all. Neither do high waists.

I am so happy combats at back in. At last the motivation to lose this last stone and start rocking that All Saint’s style again 😂😂

Lovelyring · 08/04/2023 19:09

I love dresses but most of mine aren't floral (although they are midi). The two floral dresses I have are totally different so tbh I don't even think floral dresses are ubiquitous.

I have wrap style, v neck, round neck, cotton, linen, silk, viscose, with or without belt. Some colour block, some geometric, some spotty, some floral.

I don't really care what's on trend as I just wear what suits me. This year I'm going for more natural fabrics and all second hand for environment reasons though.

I always wore with sandals not trainers. White trainers always make my feet look huge and get dirty too quickly.

NatashaDancing · 08/04/2023 19:10

Tanaqui · 08/04/2023 19:01

Fascinating how many people have come, yet again, to the style board to say various variations of wear what you like, despite the OP specifically asking for followers of trends! Seems to happen all the time at the moment.

OP, last year I saw a lot of fashionable looking youngish women wearing long straight ish skirts, often floral, with sweatshirts over, or above knee skirts with a flounce or ruffle trim, but more fitted, not a-line, with tight tops...looked great, although I don't suit the latter look any more myself!

Whilst she mentioned "trends" the thread title is

So what are we wearing instead of floral midi dress and white trainers this Spring.

Answers have been given. Surely even "followers of trend" have the option of saying " Nah, I'll stick with this one".

Supersimkin2 · 08/04/2023 19:18

Summer = floaty dress, gym shoes, straw bag.

Worn this since I was 10.

This year, adding an oversized grass green coat and a resin 🦢 brooch for cooler days. Zara suede clogs from Tk maxx for evenings round the bbq.

Puffy small handbag from Stand Studio to look 21st cent not 20th.

sadsack78 · 08/04/2023 19:18

If your clothes fit you, are in wearable condition and you feel good and confident in them, don't feel like you have to make huge changes.

By all means pick up some new pieces if you want new clothes but do it to impress yourself and make YOU happy.

I'm 28 and the stuff everyone my age wore in their teens and later considered ridiculous is being revived by Gen Z. It's kind of surreal but also a good reminder that there are only so many variations on clothing in the world and stuff declared naff will be cool again.

I don't care if a 21 year old on TikTok calls me 'cheugy' for sticking to high waisted jeans. The low rise ones that are coming back don't flatter me.

I always think that people who dress for themselves and what suits their personality, energy and body type always look good. Linda Rodin is my fave- she is in her late seventies and doesn't ascribe to trends. She always looks both stylish and utterly herself.

mybeautifuloak · 08/04/2023 19:24

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 08/04/2023 14:53

Women have been wearing floral day dresses since the 1950’s , and they keep doing it - because it is practical and looks attractive.

Are you related to the ‘head of fashion’ at a well known department store, who made this pronouncement recently? Have the customers not been playing ball?

Floral day dresses are. It all the sane. It's like saying 'jeans'. Which jeans? Flared, low rise, high rise, spray on, boyfriend etc. of course floral dresses have been around for a long long time but those long flowing midi/maxi dresses worn with white trainers are dead in the fashion stakes.

OP try midi biased cut one colour dresses with dad trainers or flat flat sandals. Or a biased skirt with a big/boxy t-shirt if you like the feel of the dress + trainer thing.

FancyFanny · 08/04/2023 19:43

If you want to stick with a look, even when if it fades from popularity that's fine. However, I know where OP is coming from as if you do this then that's when you begin to look dated and unfashionablle. When people continue to wear styles that were popular some time ago is when their look becomes 'frumpy' and associated with 'older' people. So if you want to look a little bit more 'current' you need to adapt your style.

MrsCharlieD · 08/04/2023 19:45

Black Denim midi skirt is my current go to with a split up the front. I wear with my platform R13's and usually a band tee or basic tee, bomber or leather jacket. I feel this will be my uniform for spring. I also love a satin slip dress, again with the R13's and a band tee underneath. Never was into the floral midi, not my thing at all but this feels wearable by anyone, whatever their style. In summer I'll like swap the R13's out for my DM platform sandals and I'm coveting the Prada cork platforms. Satin midi skirt too is still on trend, with a basic or graphic tee and looks great with Vans etc. throw on an oversized bombet or denim jacket.

Definitelycross · 08/04/2023 20:00

@maddnorth I've bought some jeans ones from M&S - I saw some gorgeous ones on Albaray and Cos but too expensive for me just now.

Definitelycross · 08/04/2023 20:06

I'd love to wear skirts but every time I buy one I get really fuddled with the top. I think it's because I've got a longish body.

I'd love a black denim midi but I know I wouldn't get the wear out of it.

Someone on here also mentioned a chambray long sleeved dress and I've got a sleeveless knitted vest top to go over it. Love that look. The dress is plain blue and the vest top is cream with embroidered flowers so it's a bit different.

Definitelycross · 08/04/2023 20:08

MrsCharlieD · 08/04/2023 19:45

Black Denim midi skirt is my current go to with a split up the front. I wear with my platform R13's and usually a band tee or basic tee, bomber or leather jacket. I feel this will be my uniform for spring. I also love a satin slip dress, again with the R13's and a band tee underneath. Never was into the floral midi, not my thing at all but this feels wearable by anyone, whatever their style. In summer I'll like swap the R13's out for my DM platform sandals and I'm coveting the Prada cork platforms. Satin midi skirt too is still on trend, with a basic or graphic tee and looks great with Vans etc. throw on an oversized bombet or denim jacket.

God. I have too many clothes you've just reminded me I've got a lovely navy satin bomber jacket.

I'd love to wear a satin/silk slip dress but my mum bod (3 sections) would look vile

LivingDeadGirlUK · 08/04/2023 20:09

I got some great cargo trousers from Uniqlo that are such a light fabric and comfortable fit that I got them in two colours. I think its these https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/easy-wide-fit-cargo-trousers-456106.html?dwvar_456106_color=COL56&cgid=IDw-trousers-leggings my only complaint is the non flat waistband isn't hugely flattering so I'm wearing my tshirts untucked.

I'm wearing these with fitted tshirts/vests and a oversized shirt and it feel like I'm young again lol.

Easy Wide Fit Cargo Trousers | UNIQLO UK

Soft cargo pants with casual stitching and a comfortable wide cut.<br>- Soft, finely brushed cotton-nylon fabric. <br>- Pull-on design. <br>- Wide cut. <br>- Casual stitching. <br>- Adjust the hems to create your own style.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/easy-wide-fit-cargo-trousers-456106.html?cgid=IDw-trousers-leggings&dwvar_456106_color=COL56

Original poster
KrabiBeach · 08/04/2023 20:33

They're nice @LivingDeadGirlUK but wouldn't suit me as I need straight / wide leg style. Those wouldn't flatter my tummy.

OP posts:
mauveiscurious · 08/04/2023 20:42

I think the midi dresses lacked form. I'm definitely seeing a rise in wide belts to shape garments

Notanothernewname · 08/04/2023 20:55

I'll be in pencil skirts. it's what I usually wear in spring/summer for work. If I wear dresses I put sandals on or ballet shoes. I have big feet white trainers make my feet look huge.

Sorryyoufeelthatway · 08/04/2023 20:56

Jeans (mom and 90s) and t shirts as always! I do have a few floral midi’s but I never wore them. Oops
I see loads of women wearing skinny jeans so i a floral dress won’t raise eyebrows.

GarlicGrace · 08/04/2023 21:03

whirlyhead · 08/04/2023 18:03

I only wear dresses in summer and can’t say I’ve ever noticed women where I live in wonderful trendy Cheshire wearing floral dresses and trainers. Where is this a thing? It’s all vertiginous heels, skinny skin tight jeans and low cut clingy tops here. All bloody year round. Whatever your age.

Wonderful trendy Cheshire is like Essex on steroids 😂 If you don't look like an overpaid stripper (either sex) you just ain't it!

Give the place a shock. Wear comfy dresses with comfy shoes. But don't forget the monogrammed designer bag & spray-painted makeup if you want to be taken seriously ...