The Floreat dress & top is one of my favourite patterns we’ve released of late. It’s comfortable and feminine but it’s the versatility I’m super duper excited about! Sometimes I look at my own makes using this pattern and I feel like it’s hard to tell they all come from Floreat! So today we’ll be taking a look at a huge list of inspiration & ideas for the Floreat dress & top!
Floreat includes woven and knit versions, which of course means our inspiration board was overflowing with ideas on how to style, alter and customise dresses and tops. Take a look at our favourite inspiration images and make sure to make note of any ideas you love for your Floreat!
- Use a super lightweight fabric and use as the perfect layering piece over leggings.
- Use a contrast colour fabric on the end of the waist tie as a feature.
- Make the ties extra thick to create a comfortable unique feature to the dress that will highlight your waist.
- Knot the asymmetrical point on the front hem of your knit top.
- Extend your woven Floreat further down the leg and straighten the hem to create a midi/maxi loose fitting dress. Sew your tie separate from the dress and tie it loosely around your hips instead of the waist for a different look.
- If you’re after an oversized fit, create an extra long tie in self fabric and wrap multiple times around your waist allowing the dress to blouse over the top. Pair with some sandals and jewellery…you’ll feel grecian chic in no time!
- Oversized knit dresses are perfect for the winter months, leave the hem with the asymmetrical point to make layering a breeze.

- Use a super thin waist tie or remove the tie all together on a sleeveless Floreat. Use a heavier weighted linen or light cotton to create the perfect summers dress.
- Using more luxurious, flowy fabrics give this dress a glamorous edge. Don’t think of it as just a day dress…this version could easily be a sleek cocktail dress for the evenings with the right fabric choice!
- A long sleeve knit Floreat is perfect for maternity styling, tying just above the bump.
- A woven blouse with ties is such a classic look with pants and heels. Extend the top for a longer silhouette.
- Floreat makes the perfect basic tee, with a slight tie variation on the hem.
LOOKING FOR MORE FLOREAT POSTS?
Here’s the full list of Floreat posts and tutorials:
- Pattern tester round-up
- Inspiration + Ideas (this post!)
- Waist tie and separate belt
- Center back: zipper and slit options
- Pockets and seams (sleeved dress and blouse versions)
- Neckline facing (sleeved versions)
- Sleeves
- Sleeveless version: facing and seams
- Hemming
- Bonus: Knit version
- Inspiration: Floreat as maternity
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNfloreat and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
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