I've never been the biggest buyer into the floral thing but the way the store fronts are shaping up, Im going to have trouble avoiding the issue this Summer.

The whole floral phobia began when I was forced to wear a pair of turquoise flowery hotpants as a teen- yes I know, probably very 'now' in 2010 with all the hippy grunge scene, but age 14 and trying to work my Siouxsie Sioux heavy eye liner and garbage bag chic, hotpants + turquoise + flowers were not rocking my tortured punk vibe. Fast forward to today and the flower thing still has me perturbed. Luckily my style senses are telling me it's merely a glitch in my fashion karma and I can lay the ghost of the hotpants to rest once and for all by following my own advice.

So where to begin, well the key to carrying off the look if you are slightly wary is to start small. Either your print size should be understated or your piece. There are a bunch of great accessories around which could break you in gently. The scarf from Urban Outfitters, the straw trilby from Lanvin or the heavenly shoes by Rene Caovilla.

When it comes to being brave and and thinking garments, the sky's your limit. It's important to fall in love with the print, what's the point of going all out on a piece if the pattern isn't making you smile like it's high summer?

If you're petite, stick to a petite print, you don't want to be looking like you just fell into the petunias at a botanical garden. If you're regular to tall go all out and choose bolder vibes as you know you can carry them off. Tibi has some beautiful funky florals this season, as well as Versace who punt out 'vibrant' year after year.

Consider your proportions when choosing florals – like any print, it can be your friend or foe. If you have a larger top half try a neutral on top and a floral on the bottom – it's amazing how a splash of pattern can draw the eye and help you re-adjust any shape issues. A little heavier on the hips? Work this trick the opposite way and pick a floral top to play down the hips.

You can be sedate or flirty with florals – try a workwear classic by Roberto Cavalli by day and a barely there spaghetti strap mini by night.

With clocks turning this weekend it looks like Spring has arrived, but if you're still feeling the winter chills you can pair your floral piece with some opaques and wedges to get the best of both seasons.

Target have also just announced that Liberty of London are guest designing for them this season on interiors, clothes and even bikes, it looks like wherever you shop you'll spy this trend. It's time to get over any phobia and embrace your inner floralista.