If It's Not Clear by Now, Summer Is All About Prints—6 You Need to Know

As we welcome August, the essence of summer fashion has completely taken center stage. A brief browse through my Instagram feed reaffirms the prevalence of vivid colors, especially eye-catching patterned garments. While I'm not suggesting that quiet luxury is "out" this season, it's apparent that a more maximalist aesthetic is leading the way.

Since I'm always eager to discover the print trends that fashion enthusiasts are embracing, I've dedicated time to closely monitor social media and street style platforms to pinpoint the most popular, functional, and chic summer prints. After thorough research, I've narrowed them down to six that feel especially relevant right now, including sleek gingham and classic stripes, with each one transforming the way chic people dress in the warmer months.

Keep scrolling to discover the only print trends that matter this summer, complete with styling suggestions and shopping picks. The best part? Many of these trends will seamlessly transition into fall, making them a valuable long-term investment.

Similarly to past summers, this year, the fashion scene is filled with the timeless appeal of stripes. The latest styles showcase stripes on designs that exude an elegant and opulent aura.

In fashion capitals like L.A, NYC, Paris, and Copenhagen, trendsetters are embracing stripes with ethereal cottagecore ensembles, especially in the form of poplin dresses, pajama-inspired pants, and balloon-hem skirts. We're even seeing stripes make a ubiquitous statement on preppy silhouettes, such as polo shirts, button-downs, and sailor-collar sweaters.

While stripes are popular this summer, they are anticipated to remain a staple in the fall. So whether you opt for soft or structured pieces, make sure you style them with pleated skirts, tailored trousers, denim pants, or breezy shorts.

The animal-print trend is making a strong statement this summer. Whether it's leopard, cheetah, snake, or zebra, these prints have become the new go-to neutral in fashion. They are styled in various ways, from head-to-toe outfits to mixed-and-matched ensembles, creating attention-grabbing looks. What's great is that you can't go wrong with a cheetah-print bikini, a zebra-print skirt, or snakeskin shoes. These prints will effortlessly add a touch of glamour and elegance to any outfit.

This season, florals are back in a bold new way. Designers are embracing larger-than-life floral prints, moving away from the delicate motifs of the past. Whether it's a single-stemmed flower with leaves or a vibrant mix of blown-up, fully bloomed designs, it's clear that the timeless floral print is here to stay. If you're inspired to try this trend, consider experimenting with a floral-print dress or maxi skirt. Then, when styling the look, ensure you let the garment do the talking with hushed, minimalist basics.

Gingham print has made a big comeback as a late-summer fashion trend. It has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts as much as stripes because it's a fantastic way to infuse color and pattern into your warm-weather wardrobe.

Whether it's a bold red dress or a vibrant green top, designers like High Sport, Simon Miller, and Reformation are showcasing gingham in various eye-catching hues. When shopping, consider gingham-printed clothing like a chic pencil skirt or a breezy A-line dress for a rich-looking outfit.

The captivating ocean-inspired print has become one of the most popular print trends of summer—and it's completely understandable. This print exudes positivity, evoking a sense of joy that inspires thoughts of beach getaways and boat adventures. With options that incorporate whimsical mermaids, playful dolphins, and elegant starfish or seashell motifs, there are countless ways to embrace this seaside fad.

There's so much to admire about this beach-worthy aesthetic, so why not embrace it by flaunting a printed dress or skirt paired with chic kitten heels and eye-catching accessories?

Once confined to beachwear, the classic polka-dot pattern has emerged as a prominent trend on this summer's runways. From the collections of Stella McCartney and Maison Margiela, this timeless print has transcended its bikini origins to become a versatile choice for everyday attire. It's a simple way to infuse your wardrobe with a touch of femininity. However, mastering this trend hinges on the art of styling. Fashion-forward individuals are elevating their polka-dot ensembles by pairing them with edgier elements like moto boots, chunky sweaters, and distressed leather jackets. This adaptability makes polka dots a great choice for transitioning into fall, as they lend themselves well to layered looks.