Gone are the days when floral are only associated with women’s fashion wear.

Today, in the modern fashion scene, masculinity is much more secure in itself that it is now venturing to fresher and more exciting ways to step up our style game.
But if you’re still unsure on how to wear floral and how to style floral prints for any occasion, you know we’re always here to help.
Read on for the best ways to wear floral anytime, anywhere!
Types of Floral Patterns
But before we get any further, here’s a quick lesson of floral patterns and their characteristics:
Paisley

A stylised paisley shape is a curved teardrop, made up of smaller motifs including swirls, dots, and flowers. It was originally from Paisley, Scotland.
Damask

Usually an ornamental fabric in one or two colours with a repetitive pattern of abstract flowers and shrubs.
Ditsy
This is an overall design of small flowers and other shapes, finishing a simple yet lively and fun pattern.
Vintage

A floral design with flowers that are usually in feminine colours, decoratively placed in an irregular manner, and is often painted using oil with high attention to details.
Western

Typically seen in modern leather and metal crafts, the Western floral is a highly detailed and masculine design.
Abstract
Often bright and lively depictions of floral scenes, using shapes, lines, and colours to create an abstract design.
Botanical
A floral pattern which is a representation of plants and flowers in a realistic manner, often based on botanical illustrations.
Festive
It evokes a sense of a celebration, like Christmas, religious festivities, and others. Patterns includes depictions of berries, pine cones, and ribbons along with bright and vivid flowers.
Retro
Inspired by the floral patterns prior of the 60s and 70s, it combines muted hues with strong saturated colours in a geometric pattern.
Fleur-de-lis
It’s originally a symbol of purity. It is a classic lily with three petals, which was first used in the Middle Ages and was associated with French monarchy.
When To Wear Floral
- Weddings
Floral patterns are an exciting possibility for social formal events, because it makes a bold and unique statement in contrast to the dull and standard men’s formal wear.
Vintage Floral pattern is the most popular design being used in lots of wedding themes nowadays.
It is mainly because of luxury brands like Cath Kidson and Dolce & Gabbana design modern clothing to walk down the runway with this elegant and timeless pattern.
The groom usually wears a floral tie, while the rest of the male entourage wear a plain, solid neck wear based on the wedding motif.
- Formal Business Events
Wearing statement pieces like floral patterns in formal business events needs to be done with care.
You have to make sure that you don’t overdo it. The common go-to technique is opting for subtle and masculine designs, like Western floral pattern.
This will provide an elegant touch to your whole ensemble without compromising formality due to its modern and monochromatic vibe.
For a black tie event, a well-tailored tuxedo will look stunning with a Western style floral bow tie as it will draw attention to your face, and will emphasise the silhouette created by the vertical lines created by your crisp white shirt and the lapels of your tux.
- Regular Day at the Office
When it comes to playing with patterns, it may seem that men are restricted in choices in what to wear for everyday activities.
But that is not entirely true.
The key here is to opt for classic patterns, and lean towards neutral shades.
The timeless paisley pattern will be such a perfect take on incorporating floral into your plain outfit on a regular day at the office.
You can get a pocket square and have a simple fold to dial down the statement, or sport a pair of paisley cufflinks for that subtle hint of flair.
- Casual Social Gatherings
If you’re out on a night out to the pub with friends, a barbecue party with family in the backyard, or just a casual day out in London, then a Ditsy floral pattern can be perfect.
Since this floral design has a light and lively vibe to it, a slim floral tie or an easy folded floral handkerchief will help you make a huge fashion statement without you looking too made up.
Just make sure to stay with neutral base colour palettes like black, white, or navy for less things to consider when matching your base clothing.
How to Style Floral
There’s actually no strict rule in wearing florals, but here’s some quick style guide you can check out:
- Season
Just like real flowers that blooms in specific times of the year, you should also be mindful of your floral patterns.
We’re not saying you should be some kind of a botanist or that you need a degree in horticulture here, but rather, be meticulous with your colours.
Bright and vivid floral patterns are best worn during summer and spring seasons when it’s hot out, while something that has darker undertones are excellent during winter.
- Find Your Focus
If you want to make a bold statement, while still being fairly easy on the eye, a men’s floral accessory can always do the trick.
Choose one that can be the focal point of your whole ensemble, like a floral cravat and a matching floral waistcoat, then build it up with monochromatic or neutral base clothing like your suit, trousers and your dress shirt.
In this manner, you’ll create the perfect balanced look without looking too flashy and outlandish.
- Dressing it Up and Down
Men’s fashion sense should lean towards simplicity and logic — we must maximise the use of our well-tailored ensemble and give it a new life using accessories!
An amazing looking suit can be dressed down when you pair it up with some jeans, a plain white collared shirt and a slim floral tie on a neutral two-toned shade, for that subtle punch of flair.
Or you can instantly dress up your favourite suiting ensemble with a lux diamond tip bow tie on a bold, popping colour, so you can surely turn heads at any black tie event.
Floral: A Fashion Power Up
If this in-depth floral pattern style guide from DQT did not convinced you to give floral a whirl, we don’t know what else will.
Hands down, incorporating floral men’s accessories in to your whole getup is such a stunning way to showcase your sartorial prowess and fashion individuality all at the same time.
So, shrug off any thoughts of this fancy pattern challenging your masculinity, because it doesn’t!
Now, start stocking up your wardrobe with floral and shop only here at DQT!