FORGET chintzy pastel prints, this season, florals are bigger and bolder than ever.

After several seasons in the fashion wilderness, during which time minimalism and monochrome reigned supreme, flower-powered picks are back on the catwalks, and when you get a load of these gorgeous garms, you'll want them in your wardrobe too.

But these aren't just any old petal prints, of course.

This season, say goodbye to micro-florals and hello to intricate illustrations, dark romance and 3D embellishments.

Take your pick from summer's best botanical buys

BY THE TEXTBOOK

For SS16, repetitive meadow motifs and blurred flower heads have made way for the kind of precise illustrations you see in botanical textbooks.

At Stella McCartney, dark tailoring got an injection of summer spirit with the addition of sparse, individual stems in bloom.

These stunning prints can really hold their own, so pair a top or trousers with tonal separates, and add a bright clutch or heels if it's a dressy do.

Yumi Botanical Floral Print Tunic Dress, £50 (www.lipsy.com)

Luisa Cerano Trousers, £199 (for stockists, call 020 7323 6100)

Zehda Rose Camellia Flower Botanical Tote Bag, £12.59 (RedBubble.com)

Damsel in a Dress Botanical Floral Shell Top, currently reduced to £76 from £109 (www.damselinadress.co.uk)

BLACK MAGIC

Moody blooms don't have to be reserved for winter - bright florals on a black background are chic all year round.

Oasis' recent collection, inspired by the Chelsea Physic Garden, is packed with beautiful, photo-realistic prints, ideal for teaming with black palazzo trousers or a white boho blouse.

That's the key to making a dark colour palette work in summer - balance a slim silhouette with breezy pieces that flutter like flowers in the breeze.

Oasis Chelsea Silk Floral Vest, £40 (www.oasis-stores.com)

Damsel in a Dress Aromatic Skirt, currently reduced to £54 from £109 (www.damselinadress.co.uk)

JD Williams Embroidered Floral Backpack, currently reduced to £17 from £35 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)

Evans Black Floral Print Tapered Trousers, £30 (www.evans.co.uk)

SEW THE SEEDS

Another side-effect of the seemingly never-ending Nineties revival, embroidery has made a major comeback this summer, on everything from gowns to jeans.

Inspired by the Gucci SS16 catwalk, a frock covered in floral applique can't fail to turn heads, and is ideal for a country wedding.

As for daywear, a smattering of stitched roses on a pair of 'mom' jeans, or an oversized denim jacket, is all you need to channel a pre-millennium vibe.

Oasis Embroidered Lace Pencil Dress, £120 (www.oasis-stores.com)

New Look Parisian Blue Embroidered Skinny Jeans, £24.99 (www.newlook.com)

Dune Kesha Flower Embroidered Raffia Wedge Sandal, £75 (www.dunelondon.com)

BURSTING BLOOMS

Taking embellishment to the next level, on the Phillip Lim catwalk, floral corsages burst out of the surface of silk tops and dresses.

On the high street, 3D flowers are concentrated on accessories, by way of petal-encrusted sandals and mini handbags.

These cute, focus-pulling bags offer great value for money - if you're on a budget, use one to zhoosh up a trusty LBD.

ASOS Salon Heroism Embellished Heeled Sandals, £65 (www.asos.com)

New Look Black 3D Flower Stripe Mini Satchel, £12.99 (www.newlook.com)

Accessorize Embellished Flower Rectangular Across Body Bag, £14 (www.accessorize.com)

GET THE LOOK

If you loved the flamenco stylings of the Proenza Schouler SS16 collection, you'll want to snap up the equally ruffle-tastic Kristin Romper, £395, new in at Oxygen Boutique (www.oxygenboutique.com).

BUY IT NOW

It's a match made in sneaker heaven: Nike has teamed up with Liberty on a six-piece collection of trainers (and one pair of pool slides), featuring a print inspired by the famed department store's extensive archive. In store and online now, prices start from £55.

Nike X Liberty White Liberty Print Tennis Classic Ultra Trainers, £95 (www.liberty.co.uk)