If you thought retro prints were cool for summer, just wait and see these 15 fabulous pieces for fall…
Don’t kick your minimalism to the curb just yet, but as fall quickly approaches we are definitely seeing signs that our head-to-toe neutrality may be at its end. A literal cornucopia of patterns and prints are vying for our attention on everything from apparel to handbags and everything in-between.
REPEATED PATTERNS
Cozy plaids, woolen tartans and fuzzy argyles are all back for fall. Joining them are some heritage and vintage patterns straight out of the 70s and 80s. Of course this season’s versions have their own fresh take on these iconic favorites.
Starting with this great option to energize your wardrobe. There’s plenty of pattern to pay attention to, but the brown and black color scheme make it surprisingly user-friendly with your current neutral tops.
Rue21, Brown Geometric Print Pants $22.99
It’s no secret that this fall we’re challenging the traditional autumnal color scheme with brights and pastels normally reserved for S/S. This classic argyle is a perfect example, and will definitely give a little lift when rotated in with the rest of your fall fits.
LoveShackFancy, Cropped Wool & Cashmere Argyle $149.99
(on Sale NOW from $345)
Speaking of unexpected colors, this fun and fringe-y houndstooth skirt from Lulus is a fresh upgrade. Instead of the usual black and white, this mini gives a little color injection with a nice earthy green.
Lulus, Get The Grade Houndstooth Tweed Mini Skirt $48
Checkerboard patterns have always had a place in fall fits, but this season, we’re super sizing them. Case in point, this new arrival knit dress from Equipment.
Equipment, Celestia Knit Dress $450
Plaid is probably the pattern we think of when we think fall. Vilagallo’s comfy cozy coat is all that and hits the on-trend note with a fresh infusion of Barbiecore pink.
Vilagallo, Plaid Teddy Coat $249.99
(on Sale NOW from $450)
This is definitely not your mother’s Fair Isle sweater. Heritage-inspired patterns meet modern deconstruction with this cropped wool sweater from rag & bone.
rag & bone, Hollis Wool Fair Isle Sweater $371.25
With its delicate elegance, lace is a staple fabric usually reserved for dressier fall events. This season though, we’re bringing this feminine fabric front and center into our day wear. Proving this point, Milly’s cotton lace pants are cut in this season’s cropped flair. Add a silky button down for a power office look, or a tee and moto jacket for an unexpected texture to your regular off-duty fit.
Milly, Paige Cotton Lace Pants $350
FLORA & FAUNA PRINTS
Has there ever been a fall without animal prints and florals? While the patterns themselves are eternal, every season has its favorites. So what’s in for F/W 22?
Let’s start with the valedictorian of animal prints – Leopard. After losing the popular vote a few seasons to *other* cats, Leopard print is back in a big way this season. A print this iconic deserves plenty of real estate, and this fab midi skirt from The Kooples provides this purr-fectly (oh, come on, you knew we couldn’t resist). We cannot wait to pair this versatile piece with some knee high boots and a cozy, bodycon knit top.
The Kooples, Long Leopard Print Silk Skirt $335
From the Flora side, the big contender for most popular print this year is furnishing florals. Think vintage furniture, Bridgerton-inspired wallpapers, or any regencycore piece. Joie’s lush green and black sweater is the staple piece you didn’t know you needed.
Joie, Junot Wool Crew Neck $278
Another animal print that’s having more than a moment this season is Zebra. The traditional black and white version hit the S/S runways and never looked back. Moving into the fall line up, we’re seeing designers getting bolder with this print, playing with color combinations while keeping the pattern intact. This gorg midi dress from Diane von Furstenberg’s new collection displays this concept beautifully.
DVF, Jaxson Midi Dress in Zebra Sky Blue $391
(on Sale NOW from $558)
Another nostalgic-to-new floral pattern dominating the scene? Look no further than moody Indienne patterns, which are showing up on…well, just about everything. Truth be told, there’s something youthfully fresh about juxtaposing vibrant stylized flowers against saturnine backgrounds. This blouse by Isabel Marant captures the vibe splendidly.
Isabel Marant, Etoile Floral Blouse $195.99
What do we have left in our F/W 22 animal print rotation? Snakeskin is once again making the rounds. And while the common black & white pattern is classic, our attention this season is being drawn toward warm toned versions, such as this sunset-inspired take from Hobo Bags.
Hobo Bags, Lauren Clutch in Patchwork $178
INTERESTING ABSTRACTS
Our final big group of 2022 throwback print trends are a bit of a motley crew spanning more than a few decades and concepts of design.
The fashion ethos of New Wave was punk attitude meets 80s pop. The end result was some of the most fun and unique make-up, hair and outfits. This was the era of Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, Souxsie and many more. Stella McCartney’s multi-colored sweater emulates the best of the bright, chaotic and vibrant pattern.
Stella McCartney, Ed Curtis Edition Knit Cardigan $1,795
Moving further back, we get our groove on with kaleidoscopic prints. This season’s interpretations tap into the quirky, cartoonish designs that would be the envy of any flower power child. Case in point, this beauty of a bodysuit from La Double J is a feast of maximalistic, happy vibes.
La Double J, Kaleidoscope Print Bodysuit $350
We couldn’t have an abstract pattern category without including this season’s chic illusionary prints. Looking like the work of a watercolor artist’s brush turned into fabric, Elie Tahari’s sensual silk shirt is a stunning example of this trend.
Elie Tahari, Silk Illusion Shirt $348
Wishing for the moon and stars this season? You’re not alone. Blame it on our newly collective obsession with all things space related and you’ll start to understand why runways were filled with celestial inspired prints that haven’t seen this much spiritual fun since the 90s. Ermanno Ermanno’s breathy, dark night sky print can be your inspiration to this look.
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