These Are the Top Print Trends of Summer 2021

While we've already given you the rundown on the colors of the summer, now's the time to talk about my favorite part of fashion: prints. I've always been one for prints. The images from high school of me wearing cheetah, stripes, and Aztec (yes, all three) haunt me till this day. While I may not be clashing multiple prints all at once, I'm still incorporating them into my wardrobe as a whole. There are plenty of prints that stay in my rotation, such as stripes, plaid, floral, etc. But there are cooler reiterations of the patterns I wore in high school plus some new ones that have surfaced on the fashion scene. After last summer had a lot of COVID-19 restrictions in place, it seems this summer, people are ready to reemerge into society with the loudest prints possible.

For starters, retro prints are having quite a moment in the spotlight right now. Slap them on bikinis, slip dresses, shorts, or headbands, and they're bound to sell like crazy. Checkerboard also shows no sign of slowing down, while the vintage florals of the Bridgerton craze are still going strong. Scroll down to see and shop my favorite summer print trends that you're sure to fall for.

After seasons of neutrals reigning supreme, the '60s and '70s have reemerged onto the fashion scene with bright-colored prints. They're largely inspired by Emilio Pucci, who championed the kaleidoscope patterns in the '60 with his namesake line.

We saw checkerboard plenty in winter and fall, but summer has arrived. Think checkered bags, hats, and definitely bikinis. You can opt for classic black and white or opt for brighter colorways if you’re feeling brave. 

Not Your Grandma's Florals

I love a good grandma print, but the florals on the market are nothing like a couch you’ll spot in Goodwill. On par with the Pucci prints, these florals are equally as joyful. Florals may not be "groundbreaking” as Miranda Priestly stated, but these standout options may give her a run for her money.

While sea prints are bubbling up in the market, it’s the tropics that are reigning this summer. Think island-style prints but nothing like the ones dads might wear on vacation.

Blame Bridgerton—vintage-style prints are still high in demand, and I think always will be. From light florals to delicate patterns, anything that looks like it came off of a tea set is good in my book. It particularly looks stunning on cottagecore dresses and corset tops.

We’ve already established that there’s a colorful summer ahead, but it’s the colorful array of stripes—primarily rainbow colors—that I’m seeing a lot of on the market. In Christopher John Rogers's latest collection, he set the scene for bold colors and patterns. 

I can’t describe this print any other way than it looks like something you’d make in art class. Watercolors, painted patterns—if it seems abstract enough, it’s a print that’s ready for summer 2021. 

Next: 5 New Swimsuit Trends That Work for Every Body Type