This spring’s prints are inspired by exotic textures, old-school dye techniques, and traditional patterns from around the world, but they’re designed so that you won’t quite be about to put your finger on their origins.
It’s like all the conversational prints from last spring went on vacation somewhere warm and came back looking more interesting – and easier to wear – than ever before.
Can’t quite place the inspiration behind that print? That’s what we like best about this Proenza Schouler dress. Looking simultaneously like stained glass, tangled tree branches and abstract art, it’s the perfect way to keep ‘em guessing and look great at the same time.
Ella Moss Floral Top, $118; Print Shorts, $128
Proenza Schouler Layered Dress with Peplum, $7,850, available at select Nordstrom stores and nordstrom.com
Mixing prints was big last spring, but now the proportions have changed. Try a totally exaggerated floral print with a teeny tiny tile pattern – as long as the color combination fits, they’ll mix just fine.
Ella Moss Floral Top, $118; Print Shorts, $128, available at Nordstrom stores and nordstrom.com
Nobody does a big abstract print quite like Mary Katrantzou . A big box pleat and a scuba-style racerback neckline help this cocktail frock feel of-the-moment, and the oversized digital print makes it a huge step up from a basic black dress.
Mary Katrantzou Printed Party Dress, $2,995, available at select Nordstrom stores and nordstrom.com
A loud print often looks best on a simple silhouette, and this Diane von Furstenberg dress is no exception. The fit-and-flare scoop-neck shape makes it easy to wear and the attention-grabbing pattern makes it hard to forget.
Diane von Furstenberg Fit and Flare Dress, $498, available in March at Nordstrom stores and nordstrom.com
To make sure your favorite print gets the spotlight, pair a pattern on your clothes with a solid on your feet. A sporty metallic sandal does the trick perfect – and it’s comfortable to boot.
Givenchy Swiss Double Strap Sandal, $850, available at select Nordstrom stores
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- Givenchy Swiss Double Strap Sandal, $850
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- Proenza Schouler Layered Dress with Peplum, $7,850
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- Mary Katrantzou Printed Party Dress, $2,995
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- Ella Moss Floral Top, $118; Print Shorts, $128
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- Diane von Furstenberg Fit and Flare Dress, $498
