On a happy note, keep smiling

Prints are doing all the talking this summer. From being conversation starters to being the center of attention – quirky and fun prints with interesting cartoons, fruits, birds and tropical motifs are leading trendsetters this season. Not just for the one wearing them, but even for the onlookers – a happy print story is the best way to make a style statement.  

outfits by Samatvam by designer Anjali Bhaskar

Fun prints like animals, polka dots, stripes, and floral prints are the heart of fashion – they are quirky, dynamic and modern. Experiment with printed jumper sets, printed joggers paired with same printed over-layer or tees if you are looking to visit a resort or hit the beach, remarks designer Rishi Jain. He says, “When it comes to choosing quirky or fun prints, we highly recommend a print that can be easily mixed and matched. There is no stereotype to prints and they can experiment with on different occasions. For instance, a banana print culottes can be paired with a boyfriend tee or men’s white basic tee. Also, tropical inspired fish patterned or palm tree print swim-suit, trunk shorts in a vibrant hue or yellow or orange looks cool. Try out patterned neon-white prints, with white base and neon printed camouflage. Play around with accessories, for example, opt for a cartoon printed hat or tropical print tote to add a casual element.”

Outfits by designers Rishi Jain and Soujit Bag

These prints aren’t specifically restricted to the holiday season, you can definitely try out them at a party or an evening get-together with friends, points out designer Soujit Bag. He says, “For a corporate party, you can try out a tropical printed or botanical-inspired saree. These work well with a same print blouse. For summer parties, try out car or coconut patterned shirt dress paired with ripped jean. Try out candy colours, pastels or light shades in your blouse, tops, and kurti – pair them with subtle tones. Another specific variation to prints could be trying out cartoon prints or underwater sea-inspired patterns with lino pants and trench coats. For a rather humid weather, you can give the trench coat a pass. Deep sea elements like a sea horse, a colourful frog print, a small sea lion, animated snake prints can diversify your look. For the comic fans, prints inspired by the Iron Throne, Game of Thrones and Marvel superheroes can be a fun addition as well.”

Some of the most quirky prints that we have been seeing this summer are animal prints, polka dots, stripes, and light floral prints. Speaking about the latest print trends, designer Anjali Bhaskar mentions, “Summer 2019 is the season for embracing statement prints and eye catching embellishments. While classics like floral and animal prints are still in vogue you could also experiment with slogan prints or the bold and beautiful paisley prints. Also what’s made a comeback this season is the tie-dye and polka dots.”

Adding to this, Shreyasi Pathak, style head at fashion brand, suggests, “Let the print be the star in your outfit; pair it with neutral tones like beiges and greys. To let the print stand out, pair with basic solids. Tropical prints, inspired by the flashy Hawaiian prints, are being loved in the summer season. They let out a cheery fun vibe. Conversational prints that exhibit your everyday concepts like a telephone, dogs, and flowers are increasingly popular too. Although, remember to avoid the ‘print on print’ fiasco. Wearing all your favourite prints together may result in neither of them standing out and just resulting in a cluttered ‘too much happening’ outfit.”

Flower prints still continue to rule this year. Large size flowers are in trend, and they can be easily paired with denim, and trousers. If you are someone who wants to opt for something different, go for tropical prints, recommends designer Kanchan Sabharwal. “While wearing a tropical inspired print, it is advised to go for bright colours. The bright colour makes you stand out in the crowd. Also, when pairing your bright outfit with accessories, try and keep it minimal. Cartoon print is not a new concept to us, but its return has definitely made a mark. Outfits with cartoon prints in light colour are a perfect match for this summer season. Never go all out - just because you want to make a statement, it does not mean that you have dress up in it from head to toe. Always accessorise it. Never wear too many colours at once. Keep it soft and sober,” sums up Sabharwal.