text: Pompoms and tassels may sound like they belong to an arts-and-crafts table, but they have proven to be two of the most popular summer 2017 trends transcending from the runways. However, prints and patterns have also been showcased by designers to bring some playful charm to their summer collection. After all, fashion without prints and patterns are like cakes without icing — nice but boring.
  Prints in bright sorbet colours and bold, reinvented prints dominates this year’s warm weather. Browse through our list of summer patterns trends to amp your summer look books.
  Florals may never cease to be a trend and it continues this summer. It may have not been groundbreaking in the past but this season, IT IS. This trend is monumental this summer that it seeps into the other prints (more of that, later)!
  Summer 2017 is not about delicate, feminine floral prints and patterns; they are big, bold and in a wide range of colours. Equip your summer wardrobe with a head-to-toe patterned modest outfit, such as a pair of wide-leg pants called culottes and kimono jacket, in matching prints — break it up with a neutral piece so that the print will not drown you. Floral prints could also add an added edge to an already dramatic silhouette.
  While there are not many patchwork on the runway, it did not go unnoticed. These bohemian patchwork were given a romantic twist with an infusion of discreet floral prints into brightly coloured patches — it is a little reminiscent of the 1990s.
  Say it out loud
  From fun and flirty to provocative and political, wearable messages are in this season — mainly plastered across streetwear. This fun and light-hearted trend are all the rage among many designers. Maria Grazia Chiuri is supporting feminism while it is all about love-related slogans at Stella McCartney. Alexander Wang proved to be quirky while Haider Ackermann is being stoic.
  Let it stripe
  This summer proves that stripes too can make its mark on the fashion industry. There are two ways you can do this trend: rainbow or pinstripe. Rainbow stripes are mainly stripes in sorbet-like colours. It is a great reminder to everyone that summer is about lounging on the beach while nursing a brightly-coloured ice lolly. Maxi dresses are great for this trend because its loose silhouette balances out the rigidness of stripes.
  If rainbow stripes remind you of the outdoors, pinstripes are the total opposite. It is an indoor stripes because it will definitely remind you of silky pyjamas. Get them in eye-cooling blues and greens for a relaxing day out or an arresting red if you want some attention.
  Travel in time
  There are massive retro vibes coming from prints and patterns this summer… specifically the 1970s (it is after all when prints had its moment). Large florals in (modernised) psychedelic hues will definitely prove to be a throwback for your parents. This print is bold and great as a statement piece for some people.
  Playful in dots
  Polka dots had its moment on many summer 2017 runways. It is great for a fun and flirty look this summer. Pair it with other prints to perform pattern blocking – just make sure that it is in the same colour scheme so that it will not distract from the prints. If you are not feeling adventurous, follow Dolce & Gabbana’s classic polka dot approach by wearing polka dots in black-and-white.
  Fawning over prints
  As you may have guessed by now, sprucing your wardrobe with hints of colour will not cut it – you really need to embrace all-over prints. With so many types of prints trending, your best strategy is to mix these prints with each other or with contrasting colours. It is definitely the situation where more IS more.