Tyler McGillivary's flower top is built around raised, dimensional petals, and anything with that much shape on the front changes how the rest of an outfit has to behave. As a designer, I think of it as a top with its own architecture: everything below and around it should be quieter in line, so the petals stay the one sculptural thing in view. It goes with denim, tailoring, skirts and playful party pieces alike. Texture is how I change its mood. Crisp cotton reads fresh, satin reads dressy, faded denim relaxes it. Below are twenty pairings, with notes on proportion, how to keep the petals from being crushed, and which ones need a little caution.
How a Raised Flower Sits on Different Frames
Anything that stands off the body adds visual width exactly where it sits. With a flower at the bust, that's the first thing I'd consider before deciding how to style it.
- Fuller busts: the petals add projection, so balance with a clear waist and a bottom that has some width at the hem, like wide-leg jeans or an A-line skirt. A slim, clingy bottom makes the top look heavier.
- Petite frames: the petals are a fixed size, so they take up more of a small torso. Keep everything below in one color to lengthen the line, and favor a high rise that meets the hem.
- Tall or long-waisted: a cropped flower top can leave a wide gap. Very high-rise bottoms or a fitted tank underneath close it.
- Broad shoulders: the flower draws the eye to the center, which helps. Avoid jackets with structured shoulders worn open over it, which add width on both sides.
Try it on with your intended bottoms and look from the side, not just the front. Side-on is where you see how far the petals project and whether the bottom balances them.
1. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Wide Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans are the easiest start because the volume at the hem balances the volume at the bust. High-waisted denim in a medium or dark wash meets the top's hem and shows the waist, which matters when the dimensional petals add width up top. Full-length legs make a long line; cropped wide legs feel more casual. White platform sneakers for daytime, colored block heels to dress it up. I'd carry a structured mini bag in cream, pink or a shade from the flower, worn on the shoulder away from the petals. Small hoops and narrow sunglasses are plenty. A big necklace would sit right on the petals and flatten them.
2. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With White Trousers
White trousers are the cleanest backdrop there is, and every petal color in the flower top shows against them. High-rise with a straight or slightly flared leg; the flare suits a top with more volume. A tailored waistband looks polished, while a linen blend relaxes the whole thing. Neutral sandals, pointed flats or low kitten heels work. Keep the bag to white, silver or one accent color from the flower. Studs and a low bun let the neckline show. White trousers do show every mark, so I'd save this one for an event rather than a day of sitting on park benches.
3. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Black Maxi Skirt
A black maxi skirt calms the top's bright, oversized shape and makes the petal colors look richer. A bias-cut skirt skims the body; a straight column is more modern. If the top is cropped, choose a high waist that meets the hem so there's no awkward gap. Slim black sandals, a small shoulder bag and sculptural silver earrings suit it. Pull your hair back so it doesn't fall onto the petals, which can catch and tangle. This pairing goes from an afternoon exhibition to a dinner without a change, as long as you skip extra prints.
4. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Denim Midi Skirt
For a relaxed day out, a high-waisted denim midi skirt makes the flower top feel less precious. A front-slit pencil gives structure; an A-line is softer and easier to walk in. Mid-wash looks casual, while dark indigo is smarter. Colored ballet flats or low sandals that repeat a petal shade connect top and bottom. A woven shoulder bag brings natural texture. Keep jewelry small, perhaps thin gold hoops and one fine bracelet. I'd wear this to a museum or a market. Just watch crowded places, since raised petals take a knock from bags and elbows.
5. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Satin Slip Skirt
Satin and a crisp, sculptural top are a contrast in how fabric behaves: one falls, the other stands up. A slip skirt in champagne, pale pink, soft blue or a shade pulled from the flower suits it, and midi length worn high on the waist gives the best balance. Minimal strappy heels and a small metallic clutch keep it light. Pearl studs are enough. Satin clings to anything underneath and shows every line, so a smooth, line-free slip or fitted shorts under it are worth it. It's a good choice for a birthday or cocktail party where expressive clothes are expected.
6. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Cargo Pants
Cargo pants pull the romantic top somewhere tougher, and I like the tension. Pick a streamlined pair in olive, khaki, stone or black rather than very baggy ones, which make the whole outfit look wide. A high waist with a tapered or straight leg keeps it neat. Retro sneakers, chunky loafers or platform sandals work by season. A small crossbody worn across the body sits under the bust rather than across the petals. Simple metal hoops and narrow sunglasses finish it. Matching your shoes to one bright petal color adds a little wit. It's a comfortable outfit for a concert or a travel day.
7. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts keep the top polished in warm weather. A high-rise pair with a clean waistband and enough length balances the cropped, dimensional shape; very short shorts make the whole outfit read top-heavy. Cream, navy, chocolate or black are reliable, and pastel shorts are the colorful choice. Slingback flats, low block heels or slim leather sandals suit it, with a small structured bag and simple earrings. A light blazer draped over the shoulders adds coverage without pressing the petals, as long as you don't button it. I find it looks most finished when the shorts and accessories share one neutral.
8. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Pleated Mini Skirt
A pleated mini brings out the playful side of the top, which is why I keep everything else plain. A solid skirt in white, navy, gray or a soft pastel stops it looking like a costume. High-rise keeps the proportions in order. Loafers with ankle socks give it a preppy feel; platform Mary Janes make it bolder. Carry a small top-handle bag and wear almost no jewelry. Opaque tights carry it into cooler months. I'd be honest here: a statement top plus a short pleated skirt can look young, so structured accessories are what keep it grown-up.
9. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Colorful Suit
Tailoring with a sculptural top works better than people expect. Start with a single-breasted blazer and straight or wide trousers in a color that appears in the flower. Wear the blazer open; closing it squashes the petals and leaves them bent. If the top is very full, size the jacket for the extra volume at the chest or choose a relaxed cut. Pointed heels, polished loafers or simple sandals all fit, with a small neutral bag. Simple earrings and neat hair keep it professional. It suits creative workplaces and presentations where a standard suit would feel too plain.
10. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Leather Pants
Leather or faux leather pants are smooth and flat, and that surface makes the petals look even more three-dimensional. Black is the easy color; deep brown, burgundy or cream feel softer. A high-rise straight leg defines the waist without bulk. Pointed ankle boots for cool weather, heeled sandals for indoor events. A small metallic or patent bag adds a little shine, with silver hoops or one sculptural ring. Both pieces are statements, so no prints anywhere else. Leather pants get warm, so I'd keep this for evenings, concerts and dinners rather than a hot afternoon.
11. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Linen Pants
Linen softens the drama. High-waisted pants in white, oatmeal, pale yellow or light blue, wide but not sloppy, make the top feel ready for summer. The slubby natural weave contrasts nicely with the structured flower. Flat leather sandals or espadrilles and a woven mini bag keep it light. Small shell earrings or plain gold hoops are enough. Repeat one petal color in your shoes or bag to tie it together. Linen creases fast, which suits the relaxed mood, but steam the pants before you leave so they look chosen. It's a lovely pick for a garden lunch or a coastal weekend.
12. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Printed Pants
Printed pants are a risk with a statement top, and they only work when the colors connect and the print is small. Choose narrow stripes, small checks or a tiny geometric rather than another big floral, which would fight the petals. At least one color in the pants should repeat in the flower. A high-waisted straight leg keeps the shape simple. Solid shoes, like white sneakers, black loafers or heels in one accent shade, and a plain bag give the eye a rest. Keep necklaces off the neckline. If you dislike pattern mixing, skip this one; nothing here forces you into it.
13. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts look more grown-up than cutoffs, and their length balances a cropped top. A tailored pair ending just above the knee in black, cream, navy or soft gray works well. Sleek mules, pointed flats or low slingbacks lengthen the leg, which longer shorts need. A small structured tote and geometric earrings suit the clean lines. Subtle front pleats and a fitted waistband add definition. Skip heavy belts; they compete with the top's lower edge. It's a good option for a summer office with a relaxed dress code or a day of walking around a city.
14. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Parachute Pants
Parachute pants make the top sporty and very comfortable. Choose a high-rise pair with modest volume and adjustable ankles; too much fabric and you lose your shape entirely. Silver, white, black or muted green support the top without muddying the colors. Slim sneakers and a small nylon shoulder bag give a streetwear feel, with tiny hoops and sporty sunglasses. A fitted drawstring waist shows your middle better than a low-slung one. I'd wear this for a long day on my feet, like a festival or a day of travel, where comfort comes first.
15. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With A-Line Midi Skirt
An A-line midi skirt gives a classic, feminine shape around the top. Solid cotton, poplin or light twill with a defined waistband holds its line instead of collapsing. White and cream feel fresh; navy and black give stronger contrast. A hem below the knee adds movement without competing with the petals. Ballet flats, low block heels or Mary Janes suit it. I'd carry a bag with a short strap so it hangs at the waist, not against the flower. Delicate drop earrings and a bracelet are enough. It's a sensible outfit for showers, family gatherings and daytime parties.
16. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Matching Color Pants
Tonal dressing makes the flower top look part of a plan. Find the strongest petal color and choose trousers from the same family; they don't need to match, and a slightly deeper shade adds depth. A pink flower, for instance, works with raspberry, rose or burgundy pants. A high-waisted tailored cut, neutral shoes in cream, silver or black, and a bag in the same neutral keep it controlled. Small earrings, no necklace. With this much color, you need far fewer accessories, which is half the appeal. It suits birthday dinners and creative work events.
17. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Silver Maxi Skirt
Silver gives the flower top a futuristic party finish while the petals keep it from feeling cold. A streamlined metallic maxi in a smooth column or slight A-line is enough; skip ruffles, since metallic fabric already throws light everywhere. Minimal silver sandals or pointed shoes and a small white, gray or clear bag suit it. Small crystal earrings echo the shine without crowding the neckline. Silver sits most naturally with cool petals in blue, violet or green. Warm petals can work with soft neutral accessories. Metallic fabrics crease and mark easily, so hang the skirt until the last minute.
18. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Overalls
Overalls make the flower top casual, but they need room. Pick a roomy denim pair with space at the sides and bib so the petals aren't flattened. One strap down shows more of the flower; both straps up is tidier and stays put. Straight or gently tapered legs work better than very baggy ones. Colored sneakers, clogs or platform sandals and a canvas tote suit it, plus small studs and a bright hair clip. Check where the bib lands. It should sit below the flower's main detail, otherwise you'll hide the top you chose to wear.
19. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Cropped Cardigan And Jeans
A cropped cardigan takes the flower top into cooler weather without hiding it. Choose a soft knit with a wide enough neckline to show the petals, and wear it open or buttoned only at the bottom. Avoid fuzzy mohair or loose-knit cardigans, which can snag on raised edges. High-waisted straight jeans in dark or mid wash keep it simple. Loafers, ankle boots or retro sneakers suit it, with a small shoulder bag. A cream cardigan gives contrast; one in a petal shade feels coordinated. It's an easy spring or autumn layer for lunches and gallery visits.
20. Tyler McGillivary Flower Top With Tulle Midi Skirt
A tulle midi skirt leans all the way into the top's fantasy side, so I'm strict about the rest. Pick a skirt with controlled volume, a smooth waistband and a solid lining, because unlined tulle looks see-through in bright light. Black, cream, blush or a matching petal shade are easiest. Pointed flats or simple ankle-strap heels, not embellished ones, plus a small clutch and fine earrings. With volume both above and below, the waist has to be clearly defined. Done carefully, it earns its place at milestone birthdays and photo sessions.
Stop the Petals From Getting Crushed
Dimensional fabric details hold their shape through structure: stiffer fabric, interfacing or stitching that keeps them standing. Once they've been flattened for a while, they can bend or crease and won't spring back. Most of the damage happens off the body, in the wardrobe or a bag.
- Store it with nothing pressing on the front. A padded hanger with space on either side works, or lay it flat on a shelf with tissue paper bunched lightly under the petals.
- Never fold it with the petals inside. If you have to pack it, put it at the top of the bag, petals up, cushioned with tissue.
- Steam, don't iron. Hold the steamer a little away from the petals and reshape them with your fingers while they're warm.
- Watch cross-body bag straps, car seatbelts and tight coats. Each one presses across the bust for hours.
- Check the care label before washing. Structured pieces like this often need gentle hand washing or spot cleaning, and a spin cycle can collapse the shape.
If a petal does flatten, a short burst of steam and a little patience shaping it by hand usually brings it back. Let it cool fully in position before you hang it up.
Let the Petals Do the Talking
This top suits far more outfits than its shape suggests. Denim, tailoring, skirts, metallics and utility pants all give the petals a different personality. What makes them work is balance: a high waist to show your shape, one color repeated from the flower, and nothing hanging over the neckline. Neutrals make it easy, while tonal colors and contrasting textures make it bolder. Add comfortable shoes and a layer that doesn't crush the petals, and it stops being a once-a-year piece.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply