As soon as the sun starts to shine, the temperature rises and out come the darling buds of our favourite summer trend: romantic florals. Cue the pretty shirts, floaty flower-print dresses and seventies-inspired, hippie print smocks. Floral fashion appears but once a year and this summer will see a change in how we wear our favourite summer staples as well as embrace the uber-feminine, pretty trend we love to adorn. Expect to see dramatic cuts, super-sheer fabrics and creative accessorising.

It’s easy to update your floral wardrobe this spring with a few clever, clashing accessories that work to add a sexy edge to an otherwise romantic trend. Take a floral-printed smock from beach to bar with a slick, patent belt cinched neatly at the waist. Pull on some chunky heeled sandals and invest in some serious statement jewellery. A long string of tribal-inspired, wooden and gem-mix beads look great on top of a floaty, floral blouse giving your look edge, steering away from the romantic and towards the seriously sexy.

Alternatively if it is the dreamy bohemian, 1970s princess look you’re after florals also allow you to melt hearts with their pale and pretty innocence – all in a delicate, chiffon top or dress. Choose voluminous, ethereal shapes and shades in palest vintage pink, peach and cream with delicate, small floral print. The tiniest roses, posies and leaves should scatter your garment evenly – leave the larger, flower-power print tops back in the seventies with your bell-bottoms, platform shoes and sequin boob tubes. Look for floral tops and dresses with interesting, pretty features like ruffles, pussy-bow neck ties, pretty buttons and sheer layering.

If this ultra-feminine look appeals, be careful with accessories – choose summery, neutral sandals, dainty jewellery and pull on a pair of pale denim, high-waisted flares, tucking in your floral top to maximise curves and tame your frothy chiffon if you’re brave enough. If high-waisted is a little off the fashion radar for you, wear floaty floral smocks and tops over a pair of skinny jeans or mini skirt, pulled in with a slim waist belt.

Of course the best, most dramatic way to wear florals is with one, graceful, slip-over-the-shoulders maxi dress. Ancient Greece and seventies sister come together beautifully in this season’s most coveted summer one-piece – the full-length maxi covering you head to toe in swathes of pretty, multi-coloured flower-print. Look for interesting designs that form layers of colourful, patchwork gradually splaying out into a shape that rustles when you walk and brushes the ankles passers by. The perfect summer soiree dress, wear with a lengthy strand of beads, golden bangles and a pair of metallic, gladiator flats. Buddy gorgeous.