by Sammy Duder
Leading Influencer and stylist Sammy Duder picks five easy looks to show how a versatile floral print maxi dress is an essential item in every summer wardrobe
Influencer and Stylist Sammy Duder @theturquoiseflamingo demonstrates the versatility of her new Ridley London statement floral print maxi skirt with two contrasting looks (from left to right) worn here with a matching Liberty print floral top also from Ridley London to create a 'seamless' dress which is perfect for more formal occasions and a white top and black faux leather biker jacket for some evening rock chick chic
Anyone who knows or follows me on instagram will be aware that I absolutely love a summer dress. Especially a beautiful floral print Ridley one. That said, it’s horses for courses and as well as having a go to dress for the season ahead, it’s always nice to have a variety of fresh looks in your wardrobe to fall back on. Pieces that you can rely on to always make you look and feel your absolute best, that introduce a different edge, and immediately get you in the summer mood. And this is where your hero summer maxi skirt comes in. Especially if the occasion requires a slightly more laid back style, and as well all know English summers can occasionally turn a little chilly, which is where a maxi skirt brings real versatility.
For me, nothing says spring or summer quite like a floral print, and this season’s catwalks and Ridley’s new spring summer collection features a whole variety, from fresh ditzy pastels to punchy overblown tropical motifs. So in a sense there’s something here for everyone. And the really great thing about a statement floral print skirt is that if it’s cut right, they can have a fantastically slimming effect. Plus they can be easily teamed with so many items that you probably already have in your wardrobe, as the multiple colours within each print bring ample opportunity for tonal matching. So when you're choosing a floral print skirt, always keep in mind the colours of some of the tops that you really enjoy wearing and see if you can find a print that tones in with or compliments these. Likewise, a statement floral print maxi skirt is a great way of introducing other on-trend colours into your wardrobe that perhaps you might not ordinarily wear, or would necessarily flatter you if worn as a top for example. But as part of a print design you can literally try anything. And to get maximum versatility out of your floral print summer skirt here are five really easy spring summer looks I think really work:
(From left to right) Sammy pairs her Ridley London statement floral print maxi skirt with a simple white peasant style top from M&S for a pretty and easy day time summer look and adds a denim jacket with unusual feminine detailing so that this can be carried through into the evening. Finally for chillier spring days, Sammy shows how easy it is to colour match a sweater and retain an effortless spring summer look
1. Spring into summer Daytime
Particularly for cooler days, team your skirt with a complimentary sweater. The pink pastel tone of this one works well with the pink colours within the skirt’s floral print. And I’d go for a pair of this seasons must have retro trainers
2. Feminine Summer days
The great thing about a skirt is it’s just really easy to throw on and team with a pretty white cotton top for a timelessly feminine summer look. The top in question is from M&S and works really with the multi layering in this beautiful Ridley London floral print Sammy maxi skirt. I’ve also added a pair of sandals and a simple horizontally striped belt from Zara which just helps to break the look up a bit and accentuates the waistline of the wearer.
3. Summer days into relaxed evenings
Same look, I’ve simply added this denim jacket from @undimancheaparis. The unusual feminine detailing on the collar really compliments the overall look, where as a standard denim jacket could feel a little rugged and out of place. However replace the top for a t-shirt, or sweater and the sandals for trainers and you have a more urban style, with exactly the same skirt. Both are perfect easy looks for garden dinners and relaxed evenings out.
4. Summer nights out on the town
Who doesn’t like a bit of rock chick chic and it couldn’t be easier. Simply swap the denim for a faux leather biker, this ones from @lawandcostores and suddenly you’ve joined the line-up ofFleetwood Mac. There’s something about the contrast here that just works.
Two floral statement skirts from Ridley London's new summer collection which features both ditsy spring florals and bolder tropical prints. (From left to right) new cotton maxi skirt and new A-line midi skirt in the pink jungle crepe silk print
5. Smarter summer occasions
Who says skirts and dresses are mutually exclusive. Ridley London have created these fantastic tops in a matching floral liberty prints which will magically transform any of their skirts into a dress. Literally doubling their wearability. Again the belt just helps to break the look up a bit, which works particularly well with smaller ditzier floral prints while accentuating your waistline.
There you go, five distinct summer looks created out of a handful of items. Now think about all the different colours and pieces you could team together and you can suddenly see why a floral print maxi skirt is such an essential item for every summer wardrobe.
The luxurious new collection of statement Ridley London floral print maxi skirts is available to purchase on-line and in Ridley's London store. Celebrate your individuality with a unique piece that's made to measure from your choice of any of our stunning new printed floral silks or cottons. Call us to arrange a virtual fitting:
Ridley London, 82 Church Road, Barnes, London SW13 0DQ T: 01730 823097