Prints are making a comeback in fashion and are trending this summer. They are making a statement in shoes, runways, and even street styles, inspired by playful polka dots and bold stripes.
Although they might not suit everyone and cannot be everyone’s cup of tea, the spring/summer 2025 collection is brimming with several options that are worth your attention.
Pucci Prints
Pucci prints are known for their geometric patterns, which include bold, colorful designs characterized by abstract motifs. This summer, Pucci prints have been spotted on several women on Instagram, along with a few celebrities. While Pucci is still well known and recognized, thanks to the works of Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci, several brands have taken over the inspiration, copying the design in their styles. To let the prints take center stage this year, you can pair a Pucci print summer strapless dress with a crisp white T-shirt or a classic tank top. A Pucci print blouse will also look effortlessly elegant when paired with linen trousers.
Statement Stripes
Many designers this year are experimenting with different stripe widths and orientations, changing their designs with various colour combinations. This year’s summer collection has included loose linen striped shirts, crocheted striped dresses, and divisive boxer shorts trends; because of their simplicity stripes make a bold statement. As a word of caution, stripes can accentuate the body’s appearance. Therefore, when considering stripes, opt for vertical stripes over horizontal stripes, as they can create a more slimming effect.
Playful Polka Dots
Polka Dots are all in this year; they have been spotted in numerous design collections and are making an appearance in scarves, dresses, and even shoes. Ever fashionable, celebrities like Kaia Gerber, Sydney Sweeney, and Priyanka Chopra have all been spotted wearing polka dot outfits. Because of their timeless appeal, polka dots are suitable for a wide range of styles and dresses, often putting a modern and fresh perspective on any outfit, and they also mix nostalgia and modernity. There are a variety of polka dot outfits that you can wear from casual to breezy; you can also pair a polka dot top with tailored pants or a skirt.
Gingham Checks
Reminiscent of summer picnic blankets and dresses, Gingham prints are particularly chic. They blend different colour combinations. Typically made from cotton, they are perfect for summer. Fashion designers are increasingly coming up with a wide range of styles that include tops and blouses, skirts and dresses. While gingham prints are usually popular in a few remarkable and striking colours, don’t be afraid to pick and choose different styles that are bolder and don’t fit the stereotypical trends. Increasingly, many designers are coming up with newer styles that are suitable not only for casual occasions but also for more formal occasions.
Graphic Florals
Unlike floral dresses, graphic floral print dresses and outfits typically feature large print florals with more striking blooms. They usually offer a contemporary take on the classic motif. They can be found in dresses, tank tops, skirts, and even jumpsuits. An ideal example of such a print that’s currently trending would be a dress featuring a large sunflower or a skirt mixing geometric shapes of large blooms in a vibrant colour palette. If you don’t like a maximalist design that has a busy print with several flowers, you are in luck, as many designers are now including a single central flower in their design or a handful of large blooms to extenuate their designs.
David Messiha | Staff Writer