Florals are a pattern staple used through every season in any piece of clothing.  I used to be completely adverse to florals because the dresses my mom would buy (usually from Sears) or make for me had giant floral prints way more suited for your grandma's favorite couch.  Big, bib-like white doily collars were also involved.  It was not pretty, y'all.  I'm definitely not anti-floral now, but I do find that it is a pattern I don't have too much of in my closet.

We all know florals are pushed more during the spring and summer, but don't shy away from rocking your floral all year long.  Getting the most out of a piece of clothing is key to getting the most out of the money you put into it.  For today's post, I've teamed up with my blogging buddies again (Janeane of Designing From My Closet, Liz of With Wonder and Whimsy, and Nina of Curvy Mod) to show you that your florals don't need to be tucked away for the winter.  With just a few layering pieces, you can turn a summer ready dress into a fall perfect one.




As I stated above, I don't have a big selection of florals in my closet.  I gravitate more towards polka dots, chevron, and leopard print; But I do have this great teal rose-printed Torrid dress from a couple years ago.  It is one of my favorites because of the style (a deep V and three-quarter sleeves? Sign me up!) and deep teal color with lighter accents.  The sleeves really help this one transition into cooler months for me, but don't be afraid of your sleeveless options either.

I'm all about three-quarter sleeves at any time of year because I love that coverage.  For summer, layers are neither desired nor required!  I kept the look simple with strappy brown sandals and a new brown belt.  Big earrings and, of course, sunglasses round out the very pared down look.

Teal Floral Dress - Torrid (from a few years ago)
Lizzette Slide Sandal - c/o Propet USA
Military Stretch Belt - Lane Bryant




To create a fall-ready ensemble, I took away the belt and added a denim vest and warmer scarf to cover the more open neck of the dress.  This will shield me from the fall and winter wind and rain.  Jackets, large scarves, wraps, and cardigans are also great choices.

I traded the sandals for tall boots and over-the-knee socks.  This is my first time trying a really tall sock like this.  I just bought them and was a little unsure about how best to scrunch them above the boot.  I ended up tucking them under themselves just a bit to keep them up and make them into short thigh highs that give my legs a bit more coverage.  Tights and leggings are my typical choice for legwear in the colder months.  I would even layer these socks over tights, leggings, or pants.

Denim Cutoff Vest - American Rag via Macy's (similar, similar, similar)
Talia Stretch Boot - Avenue (similar, similar, similar)
Over The Knee Boot Socks - Lane Bryant
Cashmere Scrunchy Scarf - Nepali by TDM (similar, similar, similar)