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.
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.
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.