How to Sew This Summer’s Must-Have Prints?
This summer, go bold with prints! Paired with skirts, dresses, and flowing pants, they add a unique touch to all your outfits. You can pair them with solid-colored pieces or other patterns.
We’ve put together an overview of the prints you’ll be seeing everywhere in the coming weeks!
Dots
This year marks the big comeback of polka dots, a print we’re used to seeing on 1950s pin-up dresses and pencil skirts. They create a decidedly retro look! The fashion world has decided to give this print a fresh twist for summer by pairing it with contemporary wardrobe staples. We’ve seen it in recent weeks on lightweight jackets, pantsuits, and loose-fitting dresses…
To give your polka-dot outfits a modern twist, you can choose to go with color instead of the classic black-and-white, brown-and-white, or blue-and-white combinations. For example, try multicolored polka dots, oversized polka dots, or polka dots arranged asymmetrically on the fabric. Or textured polka dots (shiny, overprinted, etc.). This will break up the retro look of your outfit and give it a unique twist.
How to Wear Polka Dots This Summer?
If you’d like to incorporate this pattern into a casual outfit, you can sew a midi skirt. For example, the one from Instinct Couture made from a flowing viscose fabric. And wear it with a simple top, such as a white T-shirt or a solid-colored blouse.
For a more original look and to highlight the polka dots as a statement piece, choose the Monica skirt from Clic Pattern. Pair it with a garment in a different print.
People tend to associate polka dots with solid-colored clothing. But they go very well with floral or animal prints (like leopard print). You can also mix small polka dots with large ones.
If, on the other hand, you want to keep the retro look, make the Marjolaine straight skirt from Miss Cactus using polka-dot jersey.
This season, we’re also seeing this print a lot on high-waisted pants like the Suri from Clic Pattern, which you can sew using a flowing viscose, a cotton voile, or breathable linen. This will create a look that’s both elegant and casual—perfect for wearing all summer long.
Use fabric scraps to make a small scarf by cutting a square of the desired size. Along each edge, sew a small folded hem. You can wear it in your hair or around your neck for a little nod to 1950s fashion.
Finally, you can also use a polka-dot print to sew yourself a pretty, trendy summer dress. It will pair beautifully with a flowing style like the “Aédé” from Mangue-Chocolat or the “Sorolla” from Les Patronnes. Or even the low-neckline dress from Muna Patterns, which can serve as the basis for an elegant outfit if you’re invited to a wedding this summer!
Vertical Stripes
This summer, we’re ditching horizontal sailor-style stripes in favor of vertical stripes. Whether thin or thick, multicolored or two-tone, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to embracing this summer trend. In particular, you’ll see this timeless print a lot on flowy shorts, to be worn with a white T-shirt or a matching tank top.
To try out this trend, you can make the Orsi shorts from Les Patronnes (for adults) or our Figuette shorts (for kids). Choose a cotton voile or cotton poplin for this project. With its elastic waistband, it’s perfect for beginners and is ideal if you’re looking for a quick sewing project that you can make over and over again.
Animal Prints
Just like every year, animal prints are all the rage! Zebra, cow, leopard, suede… You’ll be spoiled for choice. The best way to wear this kind of bold pattern is to pair it with a solid-colored, more understated piece. For example, you could wear a leopard-print blouse with a black skirt. Or indigo jeans. Or even a long brown skirt.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make piece, sew the Judd top from Les Patronnes using a printed cotton fabric (double gauze, voile, poplin, etc.). For a more elaborate top, the Théia blouse from Mangue-Chocolat features lovely details: bust darts, a button placket, and gathers… It’s perfect for bold prints like leopard or zebra. Here again, opt for a lightweight, flowing fabric. Linen or viscose will give it a very nice drape.
What about you—what prints would you like to sew this summer?
