British culture saw one of its most beautiful blooms once the flowers became the protagonists. It all started in the countryside, from its presence in home decorations regardless of social class, to its use in the dresses of the most important women of the time who attended Queen Victoria’s balls at the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.
In 2025, you can take a walk through the countryside and still see dozens of women and girls wearing garments with beautiful floral prints. So, what’s the appeal of these delicate yet powerful patterns that keep them in constant rotation in fashion?
In the United Kingdom and at Hartwell, we can’t resist them, so we’ve taken this article as the perfect excuse to share more about floral fashion. From its historical evolution to the psychological appeal, its evolving role in female representation, and how Hartwell continues to honour this tradition, you’ll learn it all here.
The Evolution of Florals in Design
Since the beginning of human history, flowers have been symbols of beauty and abundance, used to decorate homes and one of the most important features of parks and fields. The United Kingdom can get a little bit grey, especially in the colder months, so the presence of flowers to add a pop of colour became a must.
Flowers’s breakthrough from being a decoration to being featured in patterns for clothing and fabrics came in the Victorian era. Their first appearances were through embroidery on veils and fabrics that accompanied women’s dresses.
Flower-Embroidered Ball Gown c.1898-1901. Featured in the Chertsey Museum collection called “Blooming Marvellous: Flowers in Fashion” – The Olive Matthews Collection.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century was the boost this type of pattern needed. Manually embroidering flowers could be tedious, especially in large, repetitive patterns, but with the introduction of machines in the textile industry, this pattern became a favourite.
The more garments with this pattern were produced, the more people wanted them. Its popularity among the public came thanks to the introduction of the “Liberty Print” in the 1920s and the “flower power” boom and the hippie movement of the 1960s.
Since then, it has remained one of the most popular patterns in various shapes and forms, both for the people in the countryside and for those who want to bring the country to the city.
Time To Feel Good: The Psychology Behind Floral Fashion Patterns
Centuries have passed since the Victorian era, so why do floral patterns continue to return to the British countryside every spring and summer? Beyond their undeniable beauty, certain psychological factors explain it.
A study conducted by researchers Ethan A. McMahan and David Estes, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology (2015), shows that contact with nature has a positive impact on people’s moods. The authors add that this doesn’t just apply to taking a walk in the park, but also includes the things one sees, including patterns on clothing.
Floral patterns, whether embroidered or printed, featuring vibrant or muted colours, connect us with nature. Subconsciously, we also associate flowers with spring and summer, two seasons when the sun shines brightly, and we can reconnect directly with nature.
Wearing floral prints can evoke feelings of freshness, optimism, and connection to nature—something particularly cherished in British culture, where gardens and countryside landscapes hold great significance.
Floral Patterns And Female Representation
Going from the world of emotions to that of representations, flowers have symbolized feminine beauty throughout human history. Although it is true that in their origins these conceptions were based on stereotypes, they have mutated along with the new roles that women have taken on in society.
While florals have long been associated with femininity and delicacy, they have also been used as a tool for self-expression in diverse ways. From the soft, romantic patterns of vintage tea dresses to the bold, oversized floral prints seen in modern high fashion, florals can convey everything from subtle elegance to daring individuality.
British fashion, in particular, embraces this duality, using floral motifs to blend tradition with contemporary edge. This emotional connection to florals explains why they remain a wardrobe staple in Britain, appearing season after season without losing their charm.
Whether it’s through dainty Liberty prints or vibrant botanical designs, florals continue to captivate wearers and designers alike. In 2025, the women of the Royal family, celebrities, models, the girl next door, and even you keep the legacy of floral patterns alive.
Keeping the British Floral Tradition Alive: Hartwell’s Collection
At Hartwell, we pride ourselves on being floral print fans. If you feel like you’re not quite ready to welcome spring and summer, then you should check out our seasonal staples with floral prints.
This season, we have some new pieces to suit all tastes. The LAYLA Green Flowers Shirt introduces colours and floral prints in an aesthetic yet conservative way, making it perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for an extra pop of colour, you won’t be able to resist our LUNA Blue Bandana luxury short-sleeved shirt, and even more so the fresh ALINA Colourful Flowers dress, which shows off your bold personality with every look.
For those who prefer classics and basic colours, our ISABELLA Embroidered and EVA Embroidery blouses will become your favourites. You can wear them to the office or for a walk in the countryside, looking fresh and chic.
More Than A Trend: An Iconic Symbol With Endless Representations
Floral fashion patterns are more than just a seasonal trend; they are a cultural legacy that continues to thrive in British fashion. From their early days as intricate embroidery to their mass production during the Industrial Revolution and their resurgence through movements like “flower power,” florals have evolved while maintaining their timeless appeal.
Whether worn as a statement of femininity, a nod to nature, or a celebration of tradition, these patterns remain as relevant today as ever. The best part? There’s something for everyone, as you can focus on slinky fabrics, bright colours, basic and neutral colours, embroidery, and more.
With Hartwell’s latest collection, the floral legacy is not only preserved but reimagined for the modern wearer. We are committed to keeping the legacy of British countryside culture alive through fashion, so don’t miss the new twists we’ll be putting on classic patterns, without losing their timeless charm.