the Patterns we Love to Wear to a Baby/Bridal Shower & Why They Seem So Natural - P.S. They're also great for weddings

The girls are busy prepping for their sister's baby shower, flowers here and there, pink plates and party cups, you know the drill."Wear the floral dress" the mother-to-be says. "But it feels like the dead of winter still," her sisters say. We're not having the love in her eyes and flowers in her hair kinda weather that Led Zeppelin likes to sing about. “Wear the floral dress.” she says. "Yes ma’am” says we.  Why is it that babies, brides, and spring weather bring about the love of all things floral? And why would the mother-to-be feel it more strongly that the rest? Believe me, this isn't an isolated incident. I've seen it time and again and felt it myself. There's something about being with child that stirs up that loving, nurturing, tender kind of feeling that makes us want to show it in what we wear.  After all, "what you wear does affect how you think, feel, act and others react or respond to you."(According to Judith Rasband image consulting master.)

What you wear affects you psychologically and can create powerful illusions about your physical appearance. Let's break it down:

The psychological effects of floral patterns - 
When you wear floral patterns or any curved lines in patterns or clothing shapes you can expect to look and feel more gentle, romantic, fragile, soft, casual, subtle, friendly, sensual, fun, happy, feminine, with a sense of buoyancy. Of course the lines, shapes, colors and textures all contribute to this affect.  In terms of pattern, as seen below the mood and message of the floral pattern is decidedly romantic, soft, and feminine. 

Darker colors in this floral pattern may appear more charming, sensous, and mature.

Lighter colors in this floral pattern may appear more youthful, dainty, and sweet.

The physical effects of floral patterns - 
Rounded and floral patterns can reinforce rounded soft-body curves, aka emphasize a beautiful baby belly as they repeat her curves.  They might also serve to soften straight lines and angular body areas. Adding a touch of yin to an otherwise yang body type. It's also interesting to note that when the pattern takes attention onto itself it can actually camouflage and create powerful illusions about the size, shape, and weight of the body. In other words, you may notice the pattern more than the body beneath it.  ​

The smaller scale of the pattern on her upper torso can appear to minimize the upper torso as the larger scale flowers near the hem of the skirt emphasize her bottom half.

She could have a tummy bump or not in this dress. The empire waistline will accommodate either, with the focus being more on the floral print, who knows?

So the next time you have a girlie occasion such as a bridal or baby shower (and/or wedding) know that floral prints are usually a safe bet.  They will put you in the mood to shower her with gifts of love and may allow you to eat a few more eclairs.  Happy showering my friends. 

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Are you looking to learn more about what clothing communicates to you and others? You'll love my PERSONAL STYLE COURSE here. 

LEARN HOW TO DRESS WITH INTENT

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 Side note on dress trends - Are they right for you? You don't have to adopt every one! I'm seeing lots of cut-out details and high necklines.  If this trend doesn't emphasize your best attributes or work well with your face shape, let it go.  Otherwise, have fun trying out something new!

And don't forget to check out the shopping links in my Spring Dress Guide, which includes accessories, BELOW. 

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