THE JOURNAL

Photograph by Mr Daniel Bruno Grandl/Blaublut Edition
Florals? For men? Ground breaking. Unlike Miranda Priestley’s waspish aside in The Devil Wears Prada, flower motifs for men are somewhat outré, even in 2021. Men might be more experimental than ever in the way they dress, but that most feminine of patterns tends to get a bad rep, not least because it conjures up images of garishly one-dimensional aloha shirts. No problem with that per se, and a splashy floral shirt is a holiday mainstay (look to Mr Montgomery Clift for timeless style inspiration on that front). But there are whole bouquets of fantastical arrangements out there right now. In other words, you don’t have to go for the garden variety tropical shirt.
Florals have featured in men’s fashion for centuries. Boutonnières evolved in 16th-century France as talismanic protection (and to provide some olfactory distraction from the aromas of the day). From King Louis XVI’s floral embroidery to Mr Jimi Hendrix’s flower power shirts, flora have always featured in men’s wardrobes as a counterbalance to traditionally masculine suiting and shirting.
With late summer’s arrival, and the ensuing louche and easy mood that that calls for, whether you’re staycationing or managing an escape somewhere, it’s worth considering the various incarnations that flowers can take.
01.
Blooms on blooms

Photograph by Mr Daniel Bruno Grandl/Blaublut Edition
Brave is the man who doubles up on his botanicals, but this two-pronged attack works, thanks to the dark base colour of the shirt and trousers. Calling to mind the dark, brooding works of the Flemish Masters – vibrant arrangements against a black background – the large flower print here is tempered by the more sombre tones. It helps that the pops of colour are fairly muted, from creamy magnolia to rich, saturated saffron. Note the way the yellow hues carry on through to the bag, sunglasses and the stamens (we’re getting technical here) of the white flowers. A head-to-toe floral ensemble can run the risk of looking like a particularly exuberant pair of pyjamas, so keep the rest of your outfit deliberate to avoid looking like you’re schlepping to the shops. A standout accessory or piece of statement jewellery will help.
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02.
Dandyish florals

Photograph by Ms Ylenia Cuéllar/Blaublut Edition
Silk chinoiserie is undoubtedly beautiful, but like a particularly heavy ganache, its richness can be overpowering at times. In the same way a good chef knows how to dial down the buttercream, it’s wise to rein in the exuberance by contrasting the dappled cherry blossom print with a shape that’s sharp and boxy. Likewise, keep the rest of your outfit clean and unfettered; it’ll bolster the impact of the chinoiserie design. A crisp collared shirt, neutral trousers and an easy, undone stance take the preciousness out of this most rarefied of patterns.
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03.
Discreet florals

Photograph by Mr Nick Leuze
Consider this approach the quiet dusting of baby’s breath to others’ blousy, showy peonies. A small floral pattern can have a quiet impact. Its particular nuance lies in the fact that it doesn’t immediately look like an obvious floral pattern; it just looks like a discreet motif. That’s not to say that it’s in any way apologetic. Instead, it’s a subtle way to add print and pattern to your wardrobe without going OTT. Wear it with a solid work shirt or classic pair of chinos to ensure a more minimalist, everyday approach to print and keep the colours muted and soft. It’ll look clean and sharp, as opposed to busy.
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04.
Workwear florals

Photograph by Mr Nick Leuze
Solid denim doesn’t usually lend itself to florals, but combining the pattern with the traditional, rustic workwear fabric highlights the subtle shading of the material perfectly. Take the hibiscus motif – a staple emblem of the Hawaiian shirt – here. It’s a play on two opposing sartorial forces and exudes a kind of 1990s Californian ease. Pairing denim on denim will help keep the stance more casual, as will a baseball cap.
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05.
Streetwear florals

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
How to take the tweeness out of a dainty rose design? Be ruthless with the shears and apply a casual, streetwear element, such as the baggy silhouette of these shorts, worn with a sweat top from cult brand Aries. The saccharine nature of such a traditional, recognisable pattern is given a touch of urban cool, while the colours in poison green and black are anything but classically pretty.
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06.
Gap-year florals

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
You’d be forgiven for wanting to return to the free and easy days of your youth, particularly given the past year. This is where a pair of floral-dappled, loose-fit trousers, the kind of attire that’s for ever synonymous with Full Moon parties on Koh Pha Ngan and finding yourself, come in. Which is not to say these trousers can’t parlay into more proper and appropriate wardrobes. They’re not exactly smart, but they’re pulled together enough for a creative-professional approach. Add a pair of almost-smart shoes – not your heavy-duty Oxfords or Derbies, but a pair of loafers or dressy sneakers – and team with a soft-structure blazer up top. Keep the rest of the outfit muted to allow those party pants to speak for themselves.
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07.
The aloha shirt redux

Photograph by Mr Marc Richardson
From Mr Elvis Presley to Mr Montgomery Clift, the happy Hawaiian shirt is a staple of a holiday wardrobe and instantly cheering with its bristling palm fronds and playfulness. But aloha shirts are also fraught with connotations, specifically dad-dressing on holiday, which is why this one works so well. A masterful example of a classic aloha shirt, it’s nonetheless worn in a contemporary way. The fresh white T-shirt underneath, alongside some slick shades, a bucket hat (the calling card of any self-respecting Gen Zer) and a cross-body bag, bring a touch of Blue Hawaii charm to the 21st century.