When it comes to summer occasionwear and office styles, dresses have always been the clear front-runner. But with more women seeking pieces that are both empowering and effortless, tailoring is emerging as one of this season's must-have formal looks… and we think we've found the perfect way to wear it.

At Joe Browns, we love clothing that lets you balance comfort and personal style, so naturally, we're obsessed with the idea of swapping your sundress for an eye-catching linen blend suit. 

That's why we've reimagined one of our favourite SS25 styles for a brand new season. Our Fabulous Floral Suit was the star of the show last year, even making an appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show, and this time around we've updated it with a gorgeous new print and a flattering new shape.

We're sure you'll love this version just as much. So, read on to discover how we designed our Beautiful Butterfly Linen Blend Suit, and learn three ways to style it.

The Inspiration

When designing our beautiful butterfly suit, our biggest inspiration was you. We saw the styles and patterns that made you bloom last summer, and we wanted to create an outfit that gave you more of that same feeling this summer.

The Fabulous Floral Suit had a relaxed shape for an ultra comfy and flattering fit. So, we made sure our SS26 version had a similar fit, except this time the trousers are wide-leg rather than flared and the jacket has a longer, oversized shape. 

Finding the Perfect Print

We know you love an English floral, so flower designs and garden party styles were a huge influence. We took inspiration from some of the top womenswear designers, like Stella McCartney, and noticed that florals were being incorporated in a different way this year.

Instead of the typical all-over print, flowers were scattered in springs across the garments, creating a look that felt more natural and carefree. We loved the effect and went searching for a print that encapsulated that feeling.

Eventually, we came across the perfect pattern. A watercolour design, with pretty pastel butterflies and roses, we fell in love at first sight and we knew you would too.

Rock the Full Three-Piece

If you’re looking for an outfit that turns heads everywhere you go, the full suit is the ultimate choice. The perfect weddings guest outfit or garden party ensemble, the blazer, waistcoat, and trousers combine to create a showstopping party look.

If your office dress code is ‘corporate chic’, you could even flaunt this suit to the office for an ultra feminine take on soft power dressing. 

Grab a pair of T-Bar shoes and a matching handbag to finish the ensemble.

Style Your Blazer with Jeans

Jeans and blazers are both staples of smart casual fashion, so it’s no wonder they’re a match made in heaven. 

This outfit is so easy to put together but it never fails to draw the eye. Simply take your favourite jeans and pair them with a pretty camisole. Slip your blazer over the top, and you’ve got an easy breezy style that can take you from promenade to party in the blink of an eye.

Pair Your Waistcoat with a Dress

Not sure whether to wear a dress or a suit for your next big event? We’ve got good news!

By layering our beautiful butterfly waistcoat over a dress, you get the best of both worlds. This combination puts a feminine spin on the typical suit, for an outfit that brings both structure and elegance. 

You’ll want the waistcoat to be the star of the show, so choose a dress in a shade that complements the print. Strappy sandals are the perfect shoe to elevate this summer-ready style, and you can even add a straw hat for a retro twist.

Dress Your Trousers Down with a Blouse

This suit was made to be the life of the party, but that doesn’t mean you have to save it for special occasions. 

By dressing your trousers down with a blouse, you can bring a little bit of that magic into your everyday life. Add a white denim jacket and some canvas pumps, and you’ll be ready for all the afternoon tea, coffee dates, and brunches life throws your way.

Don’t just take it from us!

Last year, Andie Mcdowell, founder of the award-winning flower farm Dahlia Beach, wore our Fabulous Floral Suit to the Chelsea Flower Show. She even got pictured in the suit next to King Charles and David Beckham!

Because she loved the design so much, we decided to gift her our Beautiful Butterfly Suit and here’s what she thought:

What Drew Andie to the Floral Suit, this year and last year?

Andie first spotted the floral suit last year and wore it to Chelsea as felt it would be perfect, so when she saw a new version this season it immediately caught her eye again. What drew her to it originally - and still now - is the fit and the vibrancy of the pattern. The colours feel really bright and joyful, which aligns perfectly with the Dahlia Beach brand. She also finds the tailoring of the suit incredibly flattering.

She did initially wonder whether this year’s softer, more pastel tones might feel a little too subtle, but actually they work beautifully with her skin tone and still feel really fresh and eye-catching. 

The addition of the waistcoat this year is also something she particularly loves - it adds a different dimension and feels a little nostalgic, reminiscent of outfits she used to wear in her early twenties, but styled in a much more modern way.

How She Feels Wearing the Suit

 Andie describes the suit as empowering. It’s a nice alternative to a dress, especially at an event like Chelsea - something that feels smart but still full of personality - and she loves that it stands out while still feeling wearable.

How She Would Style the Suit

For styling, Andie feels that wearing the full three-piece suit together will create maximum impact, especially for an event like Chelsea Flower Show. It’s bold, cohesive and makes a real statement. 

That said, the individual pieces are also really versatile and she loves that she can lose a layer if it's a bit warmer (thanks to the waistcoat!) or add a layer if it's a chillier day.

Overall, she absolutely loves it; the fit, the quality and the reaction it gets. Every time that she has shared these suits, they've received so many lovely comments both in person and online. So, it’s definitely a standout outfit for her.

You can read Andie Mcdowell's inspiring story, and buy some of her gorgeous dahlias, by visiting the official Dahlia Beach website.

Keep up with Andie on instagram at @dahliabeach!

Ready to spread your wings? Dive into our women’s tailoring and start styling your Beautiful Butterfly suit today.