I’ve been on a major print kick lately, with so many pieces on my summer wishlist featuring chintzy florals, petals, geometric shapes, and even sea life!
I’ve spent the last few years adding more color to my wardrobe, so prints feel like a natural progression. I love how they can bring a summer outfit to life, whether a statement piece that becomes the centerpiece or a colorful accent that injects a pop of personality.
Not to mention, incorporating prints in a way that still feels true to my personal style—relaxed, feminine, and chic—is a welcome challenge! In honor of prints, I thought it’d be fun to share the spring/summer 2023 print trends to know, plus a few favorite pieces to shop for each and notes on how I’d style them.
Spring/Summer 2023 Print Trends
1. Retro-Inspired
The resurgence of retro prints—dreamlike psychedelic patterns, fluid waves, ombre, and abstract shapes—might be the biggest print trend of summer 2023! I love the sense of playfulness, but I’d wear them with a modern twist. A wavy top in a contemporary silhouette with straight white jeans, an ombre mini with raffia heels, an abstract tank with tailored shorts—there are so many ways to incorporate the energy of retro prints while keeping the finished look relevant!
2. Chintzy Florals
Florals? For summer? Groundbreaking. Sometimes it’s painterly petals, other times abstract foliage, but 2023 is all about chintzy florals. These are delicate prints—imagine 19th century decor. I’d pick an updated silhouette and lean into the romantic feel with feminine accessories, dainty jewelry that I found at sites online.
3. Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes technically fall in the retro-inspired category, but I wanted to give them a callout because they’re everywhere and incredibly fun! A dress is perfect for making a statement, but for a more subtle look, I’d dial back a separate with neutral basics (a white tank with geo pants, everyday denim with a geo top).
4. Wide Stripes
Stripes are a classic mainstay that never really go out of style but get updated each season. The summer 2023 iteration has lots of blocky, wide stripes and even some two-tone stripe styles, which I love! The retro and stripe trend are also being combined in multicolor pieces with a chic 70s vibe like this halter.
5. Sea Life
Sea shells, coral, and creature motifs might be a little too on the nose for some, but I think they’re so fun to experiment with, especially if you have a beach vacation on the books! Alemais is notorious for prints like this while maintaining classically feminine silhouettes. Other brands who do this well are Marni, Saloni (this dress is to die for), Ciao Lucia, and Farm Rio. A few marine-inspired, but still chic, picks below!
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