And style them for a variety of occassions, from casual to fancy
Summer is just about here. There are less than two weeks left of school as I type this and I am probably more excited about it than my kids! There are so many articles out right now that are all focused on what to do this summer, where to go this summer, and of course, what to wear this summer. We could get into the latest, greatest summer trends or something more specific like Mermaidcore at Work…um, that last one is a no for me personally, but you get the gist.
Rather than focus on how to style what’s hot right now, I wanted to focus on something more timeless-summer prints. This isn’t a, “what is in and what is out” post, but rather a look at the most popular patterns that somehow “trend” year after year. In addition, I have included how to incorporate them into your summer wardrobe in three different ways: casual, formal, and pattern mixing.
1. Floral Prints
Let’s face it. That quote from THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA could have just as easily been, “florals for summer? Groundbreaking.” They are a summertime staple, yet always featured in all those, “New This Season” articles. They are such a diverse print that there is something to suit every taste. Florals literally come in every color, size, and style, making them versatile and suitable for any occasion. From tiny ditsy florals to bold and oversized blooms, floral prints can add a feminine and romantic touch to your outfit. If boho or other vintage-inspired looks are more your style, floral prints can go from neutral and groovy to bright and psychedelic depending on the colors. Speaking of, if monochromatic is more your style, some of my favorite floral pieces use different hues of the same color for a striking look.
For a casual daytime look, pair a floral sundress with sandals and a denim jacket. For a more formal occasion, opt for a floral maxi dress with statement heels and accessories. You can also mix and match floral prints by pairing a floral blouse with a patterned skirt or pants, or wear the same print head-to-toe for a chic look.
2. Polka Dots
Polka dots are a classic print that also tends to “comeback” summer after summer. Like their floral counterparts, these dots come in various sizes and colors, making them easy to style with any outfit. Either in small doses or as the main pattern, polka dots add a playful and fun element to your look while still looking chic and sophisticated.
For a casual daytime look, pair a polka dot blouse with high-waisted shorts and sneakers or wedges. For a more formal occasion, opt for a polka dot midi dress or set in a satiny fabric. Pair the look with strappy heels and a clutch. As far as mixing and matching patterns, I love to pair polka dots with stripes or plaid. Both of those combos can read timeless, academia, or even nautical, which is always fun and appropriate in the summer. Boat and/or water, optional.
3. Gingham
Here in Texas, as well as all over the south, Gingham is an absolute staple that starts to make an appearance every Easter and goes strong until Starbucks starts selling the pumpkin spice latte. But we are arguably talking about picnic blanket material here, so it practically screams summer no matter where you live. Red and white, as well as black and white are two of gingham’s most classic variations, but it comes in every color under the sun, from bright to pastel, and in a variety of different sizes.
For a casual daytime look, you cannot go wrong pairing gingham with denim shorts and sandals. As far as a formal occasion, I would honestly shy away from gingham. It reads too casual. Unless you are going to a casual, daytime, garden picnic wedding, then a midi-length dress with retro vibes would fit right in. Floral and gingham are a fresh combo, as is mixing the same color but in different sized checks is a great summer look.
4. Tie-dye
Tie-dye was always in the shadows, then right around 2020, tie-dye became synonymous with Boho Chic and NormCore, rather than hippies and Grateful Dead shows. And why not? It is a playful print that gave us all a nostalgic comfort during the uncertain times of the pandemic. Tie-dye was both familiar and fresh and it is now considered with such classic prints as stripes and florals…and it is about time. Muted and more neutral tie-dyes are chic and sophisticated. It can add a pop of color or a bohemian touch to your outfit.
It doesn’t get more casual than a tie-dye t-shirt with distressed jeans and sneakers. For those formal occasions, color choice is key. This is a great place to style one of the aforementioned muted colorways in a fancier fabric (silk as opposed to satin). Choose a tie-dye maxi dress in hues of creams, pastel blues, or blush pinks. Pair it with strappy, bejeweled sandals and statement earrings. I do not know if this is pattern mixing per say, but I love pairing tie-dye with athletic and athleisure pieces that have sports logos or engineered striped details.
5. Animal Prints
Animal prints are what I call Nature’s Neutrals. My old blog partner even wrote a post on why here. Once a daring print is now everywhere from the office to the gym, so you can definitely find ways to incorporate it into your summer closet staples. Animal prints come in various colors and styles, from leopard to zebra to snake prints, and can add a fierce and edgy touch to your outfit.
For a casual daytime look, pair an animal print t-shirt with anything preppy for a twist on the classic. For a more formal occasion, pair an animal print dress with black heels and sparkles. You can also mix and match animal prints by pairing a leopard print top with a striped skirt or go full flora and fauna with snake print pants and a floral top.
6. Stripes
Do I really need to say anything about stripes for summer or any other season, for that matter? They are the epitome of everything from Parisian chic to the American prep style made popular by labels like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. They belong on a boat as well as sports arenas as they have been seen on everything from rugby shirts to basketball pants.
For a casual daytime look, I opt for a pair of high-waist, wide-legged trousers paired with a simple fitted tee or tank. For a more formal occasion, look for stripes in more sophisticated colors and fabrics. And while I have suggested a lot of dresses, maxi or otherwise, jumpsuits, as well as two piece sets and suits in chic textiles are all great options.
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We all have at least one, if not all, of these patterns in our closets. I hope these ideas give you fresh inspiration when trying to find something exciting to wear with items you already own. With summer about to begin, there will be a lot of noise about updating your wardrobe with what’s new now, when all they are doing is giving a different spin on timeless items. Lean into your personal style, mix and match, and do not forget to have fun.