I walked into the studio one day and announced, “I want to cover a coat in fake flowers.” The idea sounded bold, playful and a little over-the-top — like a floral fur coat or a blooming pom-pom jacket inspired by Iris Apfel. The faux flower coat was born, and I’ve been wearing it everywhere since, even to the grocery store.
If you can handle a hot glue gun and pick up some faux flowers, you can make this coat too. It’s a simple project with a big visual payoff.
Before we jump into the step-by-step, a note about sourcing faux flowers. High-quality artificial blooms can be pricey, but craft stores like Michaels and JoAnn’s regularly run big sales — often 50–60% off. I recommend choosing a few standout blooms from a craft store and filling in the rest with more affordable picks from dollar stores. Buy bunches or garlands rather than single stems to maximize value.
For the coat itself, consider buying a low-cost jacket from a thrift shop. A solid color or a simple print works best since the flowers will cover most of the surface; a collarless blazer is ideal for even coverage. Because the jacket gets thoroughly embellished, a secondhand or inexpensive base saves money and keeps you from worrying about ruining a favorite piece.
Realistically, this is not the cheapest DIY: if you follow the sourcing tips above and buy a mix of craft-store and budget flowers, expect to spend roughly $50–60 or more. Still, it’s an investment in an eye-catching statement piece that’s perfect for special events or just for fun.
DIY Faux Flower Coat
Total Time: About 2–3 hours
Supplies
Variety of faux flowers (approximately 150 medium-to-large blooms plus smaller fillers)
Hot glue gun
Jacket (preferably collarless)
Scissors and wire cutters
Directions
1. Using wire cutters or scissors, trim the stems from your medium and large flowers, leaving about a quarter inch of stem where possible.
2. Begin on the back of the coat. Hot glue your largest, favorite blooms across the back in a scattered pattern, saving some for the front and sleeves.
3. Turn the coat over and repeat the process on the front, then finish with the sleeves.
4. After placing the larger blooms and once most of the coat is covered, fill gaps with smaller buds and filler blooms until you’re happy with the look. Try the coat on during this step—it often looks different worn than it does laid flat.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
On me: Jumpsuit | Blouse | Pink Heels | Sunglasses
We had a blast shooting this — it’s a flower coat after all. If you love bold, joyful fashion, this project is a fun way to make a memorable piece for spring or any time you want to stand out.
After posting this project, readers pointed out Rachel of I Make. You Wear It and her impressive flower jacket. I’m grateful to have discovered her work — great minds sometimes have similar ideas independently. Her pieces are inspiring.
p.s. Edible flower donuts are also delightful!