Spring is always a bright season in terms of fashion. As in nature, we welcome the injection of fresh, vibrant colours to lift out spirits after the dark winter months. This coming season is no exception – for obvious reasons, it’s going to be a colourful Spring/Summer like no other! But in addition to the rainbow-block brights; bold, unapologetic prints are also on the agenda.
For SS22, designers used playful prints to create an escape from reality, bouncing from futuristic styles to classic throwbacks. The fashion runways were awash with colourful patterns which signalled a return to joyful, optimistic times.
Colour therapy doesn’t have to be one dimensional; prints gives us that feel-good feeling too.
Soothing abstracts, energising stripes, satisfying geometric patterns and conversation-starting print mixes – consider how different patterns affect you. According to a PSYKE Fashion study, people who love prints are “more optimistic, worry less and find it easier to stay in a good mood”. But prints patterns can be divisive. If you find them too cheery and noisy; opt for clean, monochromatic patterns or more muted and softer incarnations. There is really something for everyone.
Patterns make the perfect injection to not only lift our mood but to reenergise our wardrobes too. If you are canny enough to have created a capsule wardrobe or if you favour a minimalist style; then a new print maybe all you need to update your look for the new season.
For the more brave of you, try print-mixing – the coolest, most on-trend way to wear print. Think florals plus leopard print as seen at Dolce & Gabbana or mixing more subtle, ditsy prints to create a boho look as seen at Etro. My top tip for successfully mixing multiple patterns is to seek out 2 common colours in each piece.
Finally there’s a strategic element to wearing print. You can fool the eye and draw attention away or towards different areas of your body, and therefore maximise or minimise attention where you do/do not want it. For example, if you have wide hips, wear a bold, horizontal print on your upper half to balance out your frame and take the attention away from your lower half. Smaller, ditsy florals or checks will confuse the eye and are great for minimising a large bust. A vertical stripe or any vertically-aligned print will elongate your frame.
Florals
Florals for Spring aren’t necessarily groundbreaking but they have been revamped this season and come in exaggerated scales or modern-vintage blooms.
Co-ord: Zara / Dress: River Island / Blazer: H&M / Skirt: Ted Baker / Loafers: Ted Baker / Sandals: Next
Abstract
For SS22 designers took abstract prints to the next level. From the surreal to futuristic, either mesmerising or more psychedelic and fun.
Dress: M&S
Stripes
No longer confined to the classic Breton, these practical, clean, patterns fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.
Dress: River Island / Tank: Oliver Bonas / Trousers: Zara / Bag: Boden / Jumpsuit: Mango
Polka Dots
A true classic! A sophisticated print either in tiny or oversized form, they always look chic and a brown polka dot dress will forever be synonymous with Pretty Woman.
Blazer: H&M / Jumpsuit: Next / Wedges: Mint Velvet / Dress: River Island / Earrings: M&S / Dress: Chi Chi London /
Checks
Gingham has always been synonymous with Spring but checkerboard and plaid add a nod to the 80s/90s.
Blazer: Mint Velvet / Jeans: Good American / Cardigan: Zara / Dress: Monsoon / Slides: AND/Or
Geo Prints
Attention-grabbing or subtle, these angular, repeating shapes offer a retro feel with a contemporary twist.
Dress: Zara / Dress: Traffic People / Shirt: M&S / Trousers: Mango / Bag: Oliver Bonas
Which of these prints are you most drawn to? Like colour, your print preference will be linked to personality and emotion.
Dress in main image: Kate Barton
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