Scroll through TikTok or Instagram on any given day, and you’ll realize that what trends are popular right now fall into two categories: overly sexualized and anti-sexualized. You see those polarities through rising fashion aesthetics like villain era dressing or hot girl summer, all about embracing micro-mini skirts and baring all the skin. And then, on the other side of the spectrum, you have the rise of aesthetics like a coastal grandmother or preppy aesthetic that emphasized more demure and functional pieces like oversized knitwear and breezy linens. Both polarities are ultimately about playing with, subverting, and even controlling the gaze through what you choose to wear. And while they may seem entirely different stylistically, it’s ultimately about having the power to decide how you want to be seen this summer. Of course, for the fashion-obsessed, that choice can be challenging. If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of a risqué cutout piece just as much as a crochet cardigan, so opting for one particular style for the summer feels like choosing a favorite pair of shoes. Luckily for us, one trend manages to bridge the gap between wanting that modest feel with a bit of the excitement that riskier trends bring to the table: tropical prints. Hear me out on this, tropical prints happened not only to be one of the most standout print trends in Spring/Summer 2022 collections, but it’s the perfect thing to invest in for the summer. And if you don’t believe me on this, you’ll want to keep reading as I’ve highlighted not only how this print has managed to make a comeback, but I’ve also found the best tropical print pieces to shop for right now.
Every season, a few print trends manage to make a comeback, and tropical prints happen to have found their way back into the fold. But this isn’t your grandpa’s tropical print button-down. You can see that through how designers like Johanna Ortiz gave the pattern a more contemporary look with an almost Matisse-like feel and minimal hues. Or how Staud paired the print with more sultry pieces like low-rise maxi-skirts and matching sets. It’s less a focus on the cliché vacation print and more of a shifting emphasis on the feeling of being on vacation. It uses abstraction, geometric shapes, watercolors, cutouts, and vibrant colors to bring this print into the future.
If you’re not sold quite yet on why this print trend is perfect for summer, then look no further than looking at how the fashion set has opted this fastidiously. Of course, there are the traditional ways of styling this pattern, but the possibilities are endless for this print. You can find it in everything from conservative linen button-ups to full-length cutout gowns, and you can style it in whatever fashion suits your style best. Ultimately, the key to making this print work is by leaning into how you want to look this summer, and if you do that, you’ll be sure to serve a look that Grandpas (and fashion girlies) everywhere can get behind.
Not to be too biased, but isn’t this dress phenomenal?
The perfect little tropical print top.
And it comes with a matching top? Zara never fails.
A more subtle tropical print for the minimalist shopper.
Style this with a little white puff-sleeve top, and you’ve got the perfect summer outfit.
Beach ready.
It should be illegal that this top is that good.
Suddenly, I’m a shorts person.
This may be the most unique tropical print shirt I’ve ever seen.
A more abstract take on the tropical print trend.
Obsessed with this ’70s-inspired take on tropical prints.
High summer vibes.
Found: the perfect one-piece for your upcoming vacation.
We love the more minimal take on this trend.
This will go perfectly with your favorite linen pants.
I’m going bananas over this bikini.
Oh, ok, Nasty Gal. Go Off.
Perfect for a trip to the tropics or to your local bodega.
Fair warning, Grandpa’s everywhere may want to steal this shirt from you.
The best thing about this skirt? You can wear it with just a bikini top to the beach, or a button-up during the week.
Tropical print swimwear? I’m about it.
The tailoring on this dress makes the tropical print all the more special.
Dreaming of wearing this dress somewhere by the sea.
This matching set is a masterpiece if you ask me.
These pants are on island time.
Now here’s a tropical print that means serious business.
Is it hot in here, or is it just this dress?
The fashion set can not get enough of Louisa Ballou’s abstract tropical pieces.
My jaw is broken because of this dress.
Have an upcoming destination wedding? This dress is a must-pack.
By far the coziest thing you can pack.
Love, love, love.
I’m shook over this dress.
The contrasting green on the black linen button-up takes the print into a whole new territory.
Who said grandpa-inspired prints couldn’t be a little risqué?
Four words: beaded palm tree dress.
She’s perfect for a vacation in Tulum.
PatBo always makes the perfect tropical print pieces.
