One of the best things about summertime fashion trends is the endless selection of colorful prints! Our winter wardrobe naturally tends to be a bit more somber, which is reflective of the season and makes it so clothing can be easily layered. However, in the summertime, we shed the layers and say hello to color in a veritable celebration of the sun, fun, romance, and wanderlust. (Even if those ‘romances’ and ‘wanderlusts’ are only in novels.)
Here are 6 classic summertime prints and some of our favorite selections. The options range from subtle to obvious because there’s room to play in the fashion-sandbox of summer for everyone!
Dots
To keep dots from venturing into the territory occupied by 5-year-olds, women over 50 should consider sticking to ‘microdots,’ or non-uniform dot prints that are less literal. Emulate the style and color palette of painter Georges Seurat’s beautiful artworks, not Minnie Mouse.
Gingham
Reminiscent of picnics and other outdoor events, the nostalgia embedded in gingham is strong. Let’s not, however, wear the tablecloth to the picnic! Instead, take gingham out of context, and find unique ways to sport the trend. For example, by accessorizing patterned flats or a clutch with tuxedo pants and a crisp white blouse. When choosing gingham in clothing, keep the pattern small and subtle in softer pastels.
Nautical Stripe
Did you know that the obsession with nautical-themed stripes has existed since 1917? Yep! There’s something about the stripe that invokes the need to be near the sea or a swanky New England party on a private island. It was also a favorite of the early Hollywood celebrities and Parisians alike. The only problem? The classical nautical stripe is horizontal. Today, however, designers have worked around that, understanding how unflattering it can be for everyday women. If you choose to go with the classic nautical striped shirt, keep the stripes super skinny, which is more flattering than the wider stripes when placed horizontally.
Tropical
In the past, botanical patterns were a more common staple in our wardrobe. However, tropical-leaf prints have almost completely eclipsed them when choosing a floral pattern. When it comes to tropical prints, there is graceful minimalism in both color and design. Regardless of which you prefer, steer away from the iconic, albeit clichéd Hawaiian shirt.
Cherry
Cherry is another vintage print that’s recently resurfaced. Our favorite way to use this print is in the accessories or a classic wardrobe staple like the button-down blouse. You can also add a whimsical item to your wardrobe to add some color and a dash of fun. Besides, who doesn’t love an excuse to wear cherry red lipstick?!
Rainbow
Rainbow isn’t so much a print as it is an intertwining of colors and is a huge trend via the modern, vertical stripe that will be everywhere this fall. However, in the summer, you can keep the rainbow of colors to a brighter, lighter mood – something that’s been missing in the last year.
Summer days lead to colorful patterns and bold prints– a welcome change after a dreary winter filled with days spent at home. So it’s the perfect time to kick up your wardrobe a bit with some fun clothing options and bright accessories.
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