The Only Spring And Summer Prints You Need
Let’s talk spring and summer prints…
Spring and summer are upon us, and with them come the inevitable articles telling you that you must buy florals the size of a dinner plate, kaleidoscopic geometric nightmares, or some sort of artsy citrus-themed pattern that feels more “Whole Foods reusable tote” than wearable fashion. But I’m here to give you a little newsflash your wallet will love: you already own the only prints you actually need. And let’s be clear, we don’t “need” any of this, but I digress.
Yep. I said it. Let’s Marie Kondo the madness and get back to the real MVPs of warm-weather style: stripes, gingham, polka dots, and animal print. That’s it. That’s the Mount Rushmore of timeless prints. And if you’ve been dressing yourself for more than 40 years (and crushing it, obviously), you probably already have at least one—if not all four—hanging in your closet right now.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
1. Stripes: The Beyoncé of Basics
Horizontal, vertical, nautical, French-girl chic—you really can’t go wrong. A striped tee is the fashion equivalent of dry shampoo: it fixes everything, instantly. Pair it with denim shorts, white jeans, a midi skirt, or layered under a blazer for those weirdly chilly June mornings when the weather is giving “confused toddler.”
Pro tip: Don’t overthink it. A simple black and white stripe looks just as good at a backyard BBQ as it does with a swipe of red lipstick and a glass of rosé on a patio. (Insert wistful sigh here.)
2. Gingham: Picnic Table, But Make It Fashion
Gingham is back every single summer like clockwork. And guess what? It’s always cute. Always. It’s sweet, it’s a little retro, and it goes with everything from denim to linen to a big messy bun and hoop earrings.
Think less Dorothy-from-Kansas and more “cool woman at the farmer’s market with effortless style and a tote full of peonies.”
Got a gingham button-down? Tie it over a tank dress. Gingham pants? Pair them with a white tee and oversized sunnies. Gingham dress? Add sandals and a hat, and you get the gist.
3. Polka Dots: The Print That Refuses to Retire
Polka dots are like the Meryl Streep of your wardrobe. Classic, versatile, and never not appropriate. They work in black and white, navy and white, or even in playful pastels if you’re feeling spicy.
And can we talk about how polka dots do the heavy lifting? You can throw on a dotty blouse with jeans and suddenly you’re giving “casual elegance” even if you’re just going to Target to return something you bought during a retail blackout, no judgement.
Plus, they layer beautifully with solids, neutrals, and even—wait for it—stripes. Yes, mixing prints is allowed now. We’re grown-ups. We have the confidence. We’ve earned it.
4. Animal Print: Always a Neutral, Fight Me
Here’s the thing about animal print: it goes with everything. Leopard, cheetah, zebra—whatever your poison, these prints are basically neutrals in disguise. They add a little edge without trying too hard, and they’re wildly forgiving (pun fully intended).
Got a leopard skirt? Throw it on with a tank and sneakers. Zebra blouse? Tuck it into white jeans and suddenly you’re one espresso martini away from becoming a summer icon. Animal print sandals, scarf, or bag? Chef’s kiss.
And let’s be honest: when you walk into a room in animal print, you’re not blending in. You’re entering the main-character era. As you should.
The TL;DR: You Don’t Need More, You Just Need the Right Ones
The next time you feel the siren call of a wildly busy print dress that looks cute on the hanger but will haunt your closet with buyer’s remorse, take a breath. Turn to your tried-and-true stripes, gingham, dots, and animal print. Mix them, match them, wear them on repeat. These are the wardrobe MVPs for a reason—they’re chic, seasonless, and (most importantly) already yours.
Go shop your closet. Then go live your life.
Prints charming, indeed.
Like this post? Check you this one about Fisherman Core…
