Prints: The 4 Key Trends for Fall 2024

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Summer barely had time to unpack its bags before the back-to-school trends started to show themselves. This year, for a sharp look, we’re betting everything (or almost) on prints. Our wardrobes have embraced “quiet luxury” and “very demure”, and the autumn-winter 2024-2025 collections do not shy away from these subtly timeless trends. However, the prints of this back-to-school season will allow us to add some pieces that are a little less demure and a bit more fun to our closets!

The leopard print

Ah leopard! You either love it or hate it, but it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. In the 1950s, Christian Dior was one of the first to showcase coats adorned with this roaring print. However, it was mainly in the 1990s that leopard became the star. Adopted by major Italian houses like Versace and Cavalli, this pattern has made its mark in fashion, even on our screens. For those of us who remember, we recall the fiercely sexy looks from The Nanny. Grrrrr!

For the past few years, however, leopard has been somewhat shy, keeping a low profile. It made a grand return in 2024 and intends to spend the back-to-school season with us. We find it in the autumn-winter collections at Dior, McQueen, Isabel Marant, as well as in fast fashion wardrobes and at Parisian brands like Sézane.

And that’s great, because this print dresses you in the blink of an eye.

The most dramatic queens will opt for a full leopard coat over black, or a body-hugging long dress (though we advise against the total look, it can be a bit too much). Others will take the advice of Jenna Lyons, former artistic director of J.Crew: “Leopard is a neutral.” What does that mean? We can match this print with anything we want, even with other patterns! A lovely oversized leopard sweater with striped pants, a leopard pencil skirt paired with a chunky cherry-colored knit.

Are you more discreet? A leopard beret or clutch will do the trick!

The zebra print

Indeed, the 2024 back-to-school season will be wild or not at all! The zebra pattern is far, far away from the quiet luxury trend. Moreover, it is often found in the wardrobes of mob wives, those bold women who fear nothing, neither in life nor in fashion!

We’ve seen the zebra pattern featured on the autumn-winter runways, for instance, at Jacquemus. And honestly, when matched well, it almost makes us melt!

It awakens the animal side that lies dormant within us, and well-balanced, it adds flair to an outfit without making us look like a walking rug.

Wear it in small touches here and there if you’re shy: as a detail on a bag or shoe, on a hair clip… And for the bolder ones, dare the zebra print as a statement piece: jacket, sweater, or pants. Match it preferably with a solid color, and you’re good to go.

However, be careful, and this also applies to leopard: if you opt for a statement piece, prefer a high-quality garment, which might be a bit pricier.

These two prints do not forgive cheapness.

The polka dot print

Are you refined and a bit vintage? Polka dots are surely already part of your wardrobe, and that’s perfect, because this print is back this fall. We’ve seen this trend from the 1950s, the hallmark of the pin-up style, make its grand comeback on runways, on a dress like Nina Ricci, or on a blouse like Patou. So it’s a big YES for polka dots (you’ll note that this print dates back to the 19th century when the dance of… polka appeared!)

Doubting? Just observe the impeccable wardrobe of Kate Middleton, who has long cherished polka dots. Too demure for you, Kate’s looks? Nothing stops you from wearing an oversized puffer jacket with large dots for a more street style, or pairing a polka dot shirt with men’s trousers.

You can easily break the girly aspect of this print with a leather jacket for a more rock vibe.

The tartan print

We’ve seen it in all the autumn-winter 2024-2025 collections, at Burberry, Rabanne, Helmut Lang, Balenciaga…, this Scottish check print is a must-have this back-to-school season. The enfant terrible of the punk golden age in the 1970s, the tartan has never left the collections of the late Vivienne Westwood.

We also remember its notable presence in our 90s wardrobes, inspired by the iconic look of Cher Horowitz in Clueless. Its return is somewhat a nod to the demure look. Insolent, eye-catching, dramatic, we love it on a jacket to shake up a too-simple look, we adopt it in a straight skirt, and we have fun opting for tartan pants.

Prefer a more classic look? Remember that Burberry has made beige tartan its trademark since the 1920s! A shirt, trench coat, or pants, just one piece is enough to be fashionable. Pair it with a solid, non-textured fabric for an easy-to-wear look.

And if it’s still too tartan for your taste, the simplest way to wear this print will always be the shawl! (or slippers ;))!

• Photos: Pinterest