How to Wear Summer Patterns Now
Retro, tropical and boho motifs are big news this season and will easily transition from day to night, says COLLEEN ROSS
Summer is on the horizon, which means it’s finally time to embrace sunshine-ready patterns – and few are more joyous than those by LA-based label The Elder Statesman. Last week, the brand celebrated the launch of its exclusive high-summer ’25 capsule with NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER at Hôtel Du Couvent in Nice’s picturesque Old Town, where guests, including Erin Wasson, Sofia Boutella, Carla Ginola and Cheyenne Maya Carty, gathered to enjoy dinner, drinks and live music – all decked out in vibrantly striped, crocheted co-ords and tropical tie-dyed sets from the collection, alongside other resort-ready styles from brands such as Pucci, Donde Esteban and Missoni.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best looks from the event, as inspiration for how to style bold patterns and prints this summer.
Day
Vacation style should always feel effortless, especially during the daytime, making a crocheted dress the perfect choice – those in slip-on-and-go silhouettes are perfect whether you’re on a city break or by the beach. If boho is more your speed, take cues from DJ Louise Chen, who channeled an escape-ready spirit in Escvdo’s ‘Amazonas’ maxi from our NET SUSTAIN edit, which she paired with an oversized suede jacket and chunky square-toe mules. The artisanal pattern was designed using a traditional ‘Abanico’ stitch that mimics ocean waves – in honor of those depicted in ancient Peruvian drawings and textiles. For something a touch more casual, The Elder Statesman’s tie-dyed cashmere coord is the way to go. Sarah Lysander balanced the colorful two-piece with a pair of retro Nike ‘Cortez’ sneakers and Loewe Paula’s Ibiza’s raffia bag. For days spent chilling by the pool, slip the shorts over your bikini, adding flip flops for an iced-coffee run. Or, if you’re heading to lunch, wear the sweater draped over your shoulders with a floaty white dress.
THE ELDER STATESMANTie-dyed cashmere sweaterر.ق.3,254.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
LOEWE+ Paula's Ibiza Ola embellished leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag
THE ELDER STATESMANTie-dyed cashmere shortsر.ق.1,695.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
DRIES VAN NOTENLeather-trimmed suede sneakersر.ق.625.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - out of stock37 - out of stock38 - out of stock39 - out of stock40 - out of stock41 - out of stock
Day to night
For a masterclass in day-to-night dressing, look no further than Erin Wasson. The model showed us how cool girls do eveningwear, with The Elder Statesman’s tie-dyed starfish sweater left nonchalantly untucked over a striped dress from the collection (both of which are exclusive to NET-A-PORTER) for the perfect high-low mix. Notice how the complementary pink tones help tie the look together, while the pops of yellow add a playful contrast. Wasson styled her look with open-toe heels and jet-black shades that elevate the look for golden-hour drinks without feeling overdone. Elsewhere, content creator Carla Ginola wore the same dress, decorated with flattering vertical stripes inspired by summer sunsets, with Chloé’s raffia tote in bright fuschia and trending thong sandals for a look that epitomized sunset glamour.
THE ELDER STATESMANFringed striped open-knit cotton midi dressر.ق.3,341.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - low stocklarge
OLIVER PEOPLESAero II aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses
CHLOÉSummer Banana embellished crocheted raffia tote
AEYDEMelody leather flip flopsر.ق.1,105.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock35.5 - low stock3636.537 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
After dark
Alfresco summer soirées call for a show-stopping outfit – and you can always rely on Pucci for something bold enough to match picturesque surroundings. Evoking the jet-set glamour of the ’60s, the brand’s silk-twill kaftan is printed with an archival ‘Marmo’ motif and has a billowy shape emphasized by lace-up batwing sleeves. It has the sort of easy elegance that a balmy summer night requires, yet still delivers plenty of drama. Take your style cues from Wasson by styling yours with oversized earrings and a minimalist heel that will let the print take center stage. Alternatively, if dresses aren’t your style, try an oversized shirt instead. Cheyenne Carty effortlessly styled her archival Burberry iteration with Capri pants – one of this season’s most talked-about micro-trends – and stacks of sculptural jewelry.
PUCCIBig Marmo printed silk-twill kaftan
MIZUKI14-karat gold pearl earrings
SAINT LAURENTJill leather mulesر.ق.4,050.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeEU 34EU 34.5EU 35EU 35.5EU 36 - low stockEU 36.5EU 37 - low stockEU 37.5EU 38 - low stockEU 38.5 - out of stockEU 39 - low stockEU 39.5EU 40EU 40.5EU 41 - out of stockEU 41.5EU 42
SHAYFloating Bezel 18-karat gold diamond ring
