Floral dresses have always had a place in women's wardrobes.
But if you think a floral maxi dress has to look overly romantic or reserved for special occasions, it's time to rethink how you style it.
The secret is often in the contrast.
Pair a feminine floral dress with contemporary footwear. Add a structured jacket. Keep your jewellery minimal. Or introduce casual accessories that give the whole outfit a more relaxed feel.
The Ivy Dress is the perfect example.
With its flowing maxi silhouette, V-neckline, floral print and soft angel sleeves, it has plenty of feminine appeal — but the right styling can make it feel modern, effortless and completely wearable.
Meet The Ivy Dress
The Ivy Dress is a flowing floral maxi with a feminine silhouette designed to move beautifully as you walk.
The V-neckline adds a flattering finish, while the angel sleeves create softness and movement through the upper body.
The floral print gives the dress its romantic character, but that doesn't mean you have to style it in a traditionally feminine way.
In fact, some of the most interesting outfits come from mixing feminine and contemporary pieces.
Shop The Ivy Dress:
https://relr.co.uk/collections/all/products/floral-print-v-neck-angel-sleeve-kash-maxi-dress
What Makes a Floral Maxi Dress Feel Modern?
The dress itself is only part of the outfit.
Your accessories, shoes and layers can completely change its personality.
For a more modern look, think about introducing:
- Trainers
- Structured handbags
- Tailored blazers
- Minimal jewellery
- Contemporary sunglasses
- Denim
- Simple belts
The idea isn't to hide the feminine nature of the dress.
It's to balance it.
1. Wear The Ivy Dress with Trainers
One of the easiest ways to make a floral maxi dress feel more contemporary is to add trainers.
The contrast between a flowing, feminine dress and clean, casual footwear immediately makes the outfit feel more relaxed.
Try:
The Ivy Dress + white trainers + crossbody bag
It's an easy combination for shopping, lunch, weekends and days when you want to look stylish without feeling dressed up.
2. Add a Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is another simple way to change the feel of The Ivy Dress.
The structured, casual texture of denim contrasts beautifully with the softness of the floral print and flowing silhouette.
Try wearing the jacket:
- Over your shoulders
- Open over the dress
- Tied loosely around your waist
It's particularly useful during spring and cooler summer evenings.
3. Choose a Structured Handbag
Accessories can make a surprisingly big difference.
A soft, oversized bag will emphasise the relaxed, bohemian side of a floral maxi.
A structured handbag creates a much more polished and contemporary look.
Try a simple handbag in a neutral colour and keep the rest of your accessories understated.
Let the dress remain the focal point.
4. Keep Your Jewellery Minimal
You don't need lots of jewellery with a floral print.
The V-neckline already creates a natural focal point, so a delicate necklace can be enough.
Alternatively, skip the necklace and choose statement earrings instead.
A modern approach to styling is often about knowing when not to add more.
5. Add a Tailored Blazer
Want to take The Ivy Dress somewhere smarter?
Add a blazer.
The structured shape of tailoring creates contrast with the flowing maxi silhouette.
Try:
Ivy Dress + tailored blazer + loafers
for a smart-casual look.
Or:
Ivy Dress + blazer + heels + statement earrings
for evening.
It's an easy way to make a feminine dress feel more sophisticated.
6. Change the Shoes for the Occasion
The shoes you choose can completely transform The Ivy Dress.
Trainers: relaxed and contemporary.
Flat sandals: effortless and summery.
Loafers: smart and modern.
Ankle boots: perfect for transitional seasons.
Heels: elegant and evening-ready.
If you want to make one dress work harder, don't underestimate the power of footwear.
7. Create a Monochrome Accessory Look
If you want the floral print to stand out, keep your accessories within one simple colour family.
For example:
Neutral handbag + neutral shoes + minimal jewellery
This keeps the overall look clean and modern.
You don't need to match every accessory exactly.
Instead, choose complementary tones that allow the floral print to remain the focus.
8. Try The Ivy Dress with Boots
Floral maxi dresses don't have to be limited to sandals.
Ankle boots can completely change the mood.
Try The Ivy Dress with simple ankle boots and a jacket for autumn.
The combination of floral print, flowing fabric and structured footwear creates an interesting contrast.
It's also a great way to extend the life of your dress beyond summer.
The Ivy Dress for Work and Smart-Casual Dressing
Depending on your workplace and dress code, a floral maxi can also work as part of a smart-casual wardrobe.
Add a tailored blazer and simple flats or loafers.
Keep your jewellery understated and choose a structured handbag.
The result feels feminine without being overly dressy.
The Ivy Dress for Lunch
For lunch with friends, keep things effortless.
Try:
Ivy Dress + flat sandals + small handbag + delicate jewellery
If the weather is cooler, add a lightweight jacket.
You don't need to over-accessorise.
The floral print and flowing silhouette already give you plenty of visual interest.
The Ivy Dress for Evening
For dinner or drinks, it's time to let the dress become more glamorous.
Add:
- Heels
- Statement earrings
- A small clutch
- A bracelet or watch
You could also choose a sleek hairstyle to create a more polished finish.
The result is elegant without looking as though you've tried too hard.
The Ivy Dress on Holiday
A floral maxi dress is almost made for holiday dressing.
Wear it during the day with sandals and sunglasses.
Then, when evening arrives, simply change your shoes and accessories.
Daytime
Ivy Dress + sandals + woven bag + sunglasses
Evening
Ivy Dress + heels + statement earrings + clutch
One dress.
Two completely different looks.
That's exactly what you want from a holiday wardrobe.
How to Make a Floral Dress Look Less Romantic
If you love The Ivy Dress but don't want your outfit to feel overly feminine, introduce something unexpected.
Try:
Trainers + denim jacket
or
Ankle boots + leather-style jacket
or
Loafers + structured blazer
The contrast is what makes the outfit interesting.
You don't have to fight the floral print.
Just balance it with something more structured or casual.
Building a Modern Outfit Around The Ivy Dress
Think about your outfit in three parts:
The Dress
The feminine foundation.
The Shoes
The element that determines whether the outfit feels casual, smart or glamorous.
The Accessories
The finishing touches that give the outfit your personality.
You don't need to change the dress.
You simply change the other two elements.
When You Want Trousers Instead
Some days call for a dress.
Others call for trousers.
For an effortlessly polished alternative, try The Liv Trousers.
The high-waisted, wide-leg silhouette creates a completely different look while remaining just as versatile.
Shop The Liv Trousers:
https://relr.co.uk/collections/trousers/products/high-waisted-wide-leg-olivia-trousers-new
For more styling ideas:
What to Wear with Wide-Leg Trousers – Easy Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/what-to-wear-with-wide-leg-trousers
How to Style Wide-Leg Trousers – Effortless Outfit Ideas for Every Occasion
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-style-wide-leg-trousers
Pair The Liv Trousers with a Bodysuit
A fitted bodysuit is the perfect partner for wide-leg trousers.
It creates a clean silhouette through the upper body while allowing the trousers to flow through the legs.
Explore the RELR Bodysuit Collection:
https://relr.co.uk/collections/all-bodysuits
For more inspiration:
The Bodysuit – The One Piece Every Wardrobe Needs
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/the-bodysuit-the-one-piece-every-wardrobe-needs
Why Every Woman Should Own a Bodysuit – The Ultimate Style Guide
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/why-every-woman-should-own-a-bodysuit-the-ultimate-style-guide
The Lola Dress: Another Easy Maxi Option
If you love the simplicity of a one-piece outfit but prefer a more understated look, The Lola Dress is another RELR favourite.
Its long-sleeve maxi silhouette makes it easy to dress up or down.
Shop The Lola Dress:
Read more:
The Lola Dress – Effortless Elegance for Every Occasion
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/the-lola-dress-effortless-elegance-for-every-occasion
The Lola Dress – Your Go-To Dress for Effortless Everyday Elegance
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/the-lola-dress-your-go-to-dress-for-effortless-everyday-elegance
More Ivy Dress Inspiration
If you're looking for even more ways to wear The Ivy Dress, explore our previous guides:
The Ivy Dress – Timeless Style You'll Reach For Again and Again
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/the-ivy-dress-timeless-style-youll-reach-for-again-and-again
The Ivy Dress – The Effortless Dress You'll Wear Season After Season
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/the-ivy-dress-the-effortless-dress-youll-wear-season-after-season
The Ivy Dress – Effortless Elegance for Every Season
https://relr.co.uk/blogs/news/the-ivy-dress-effortless-elegance-for-every-season
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a floral maxi dress look modern?
Pair it with contemporary accessories such as trainers, a structured handbag or tailored blazer. Mixing feminine and casual or structured pieces creates a modern contrast.
Can you wear a floral maxi dress with trainers?
Yes. Trainers are one of the easiest ways to make a floral maxi dress feel more relaxed and contemporary.
Can you wear The Ivy Dress in autumn?
Yes. Pair it with ankle boots, a jacket, blazer or coat to create a more seasonal outfit.
What jacket goes with a floral maxi dress?
Denim jackets work well for casual outfits, while tailored blazers create a smarter look.
How do you style a floral maxi dress for evening?
Add heels, statement jewellery and a small clutch. Keeping the rest of the outfit relatively simple allows the dress to remain the focal point.
Modern Style Doesn't Mean Following Every Trend
Modern dressing isn't about buying something new every time fashion changes.
It's about styling the pieces you already love in fresh ways.
The Ivy Dress has all the feminine details you'd expect from a beautiful floral maxi, but that doesn't mean you're restricted to one particular aesthetic.
Wear it with trainers.
Add a blazer.
Try boots.
Keep your accessories minimal.
Dress it up with heels.
Make it your own.
Because the most stylish wardrobe isn't necessarily the one filled with the latest trends.
It's the one filled with pieces you know how to wear.
Discover The Ivy Dress at RELR and create your own modern take on floral maxi dressing.
