They say life is better in technicolour - and there’s no better way to animate your wardrobe than with a dazzling print or two.
Prints are a vibrant celebration of style, particularly perfect for lifting the wardrobe in summer. As the weather brightens, so too should our wardrobes - and nothing does that more efficiently than bold, expressive prints.
Iconic fashion houses have long embraced this aesthetic. Dolce & Gabbana’s romantic rose and zesty lemon motifs evoke the lush gardens and orchards of Sicily, infusing outfits with Mediterranean charm. Erdem consistently reimagines florals with a painterly softness, ideal for feminine summer dressing. Emilio Pucci is famed for the Marmo print, a swirling kaleidoscope of colour that exudes carefree glamour.
For those who gravitate toward the striking and untamed, Roberto Cavalli’s signature animal prints offer a fierce, sultry edge. Versace takes a different route to opulence with oceanic prints, starfish, sirens and coral, bringing beachside luxury to life. Meanwhile, Etro’s bohemian paisley designs carry a sense of wanderlust, their intricate details primed for sun-drenched escapes.
A handful of independent brands have also carved out a reputation because of their signature prints. Farm Rio and Alemais have nailed the ‘Caribbean-Chic’ vibe with their palm tree peppered collections, while Susmies and Nobody's Child have reimagined timeless polka dots as cool-girl staples.
Wherever design takes your fancy, there are ample prints to play with this summer. Discover our favourite printed dresses below and step into the season in style.
Best printed dresses for SS26:
Printed Silk Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress
Pucci
Pucci is always our first port of call when it comes to summer prints. Featuring the designer's archival 'Orchidee' print, this mesmerising silk slip dress will become a lifelong staple in your luxury holiday wardrobe.
Cathy Midi Dress
Rixo
Peppered in exquisite summertime blooms, Rixo's midi tea dress showcases a sensual fluid crepe, short flutter sleeves and an elegant empire waistline.
Freudian Slip
Evil Girl Collective
Call us dramatic, but Evil Girl Collective's Freudian Slip dress may just be the best item of clothing we've come across all year. Made sustainably in the UK from 100 per cent silk, this tongue-in-cheek number is set to spark street style envy.
Printed Dress with Foulard
Mango
Look beautiful without breaking the bank. Mango's modern striped midi is a striking sheer pick - ready to take you from beach club to bar with ease.
Maria Dress
Susmies
Crafted from stretchy viscose, Susmies' spotted delight of a dress is a Gen Z dream. Polka dot print meets sweet halterneck detailing and a slinky silhouette to create a charming choice for playful dressers.
Light Blue Spring Affair Cut-Out Mini Dress
Farm Rio
Tap into tropical motifs with a helping hand fro Farm Rio. The brand is saturated with delightful summer prints that champion 'Caribbean-Chic' - ideal for sun-drunk holidays in far flung destinations.
Draped Scarf Neck Mini Dress
Topshop
Boasting a dazzling mosaic print and sensual scarf detailing, Topshop's stand-out mini dress is heading to the top of our high street summer wish list.
Printed Halterneck Maxi Dress
Dries Van Noten
If you're searching for the crème de la crème of dazzling prints, look no further than Dries Van Noten. The iconic Belgian designer is revered for his ability to toy with prints - as evidenced in this luxurious halterneck number that will pack a visual punch wherever you go.
Guava Flores Dress
Donde Esteban
Tap into tropical dress codes with a radiant tangerine-toned piece. Topped with colourful blooms and gentle flutter sleeves, this designer gem is a sunset-toned 'fairycore' dream.
Romantic Long Dress
Stine Goya
Florals needn't be mumsy - just take it from Stine Goya. The Scandi brand is home to a series of voluminous gowns, including this romantic bloom-clad option that's breezy and ethereal in equal measure.
Jovanna Dress
Rat & Boa
Beautifully fluid with draping all over, Rat & Boa's Jovanna dress is a date night dream. The rich golden hues of the maxi slip pair seamlessly with chunky gold jewels, ensuring your next night out on the town is your most stylish yet.
Amaia Maxi Dress
Malina
Malina's Amaia maxi dress offers a delightful, romantic aesthetic with its slinky silhouette and fairytale floral print. Crafted from a sumptuous silk blend, this stunning design in soft cornflower blue and pistachio radiates serenity.
Jacie Mini Dress Valencia Stripe
Faithfull
Didn't you hear? Stripemaxxing is in for summer. Colourful, surf-inspired fashion is catching the next wave of Gen Z's nostalgia revival - and our retro piece of choice would be Faithfull's striped mini option.
Mokshini Embellished Midi Dress
Alemais
A vibrant piece created in collaboration with multi-disciplinary artist Mokshini, this kaleidoscopic maxi is set to take centre stage at any high octane summer bash this year.
Mimika Dress
Siedres
Turkish brand Siedres is saturated with printed gems. Our choice? This patchwork mini - flirty, fun and full of zest. Style yours with a raffia clutch and gold heels.
Black Floral Juniper Maxi Dress
Nobody's Child
We love this petal-clad treasure by Nobody's Child. Complete with dainty flutter sleeves and painterly florals, this feminine slip-on is set to become a summer wardrobe hero.
Green Floral Embellished Slip Maxi Dress
River Island
Pocket-friendly and perfect for getting the party started after a long day of sun-bathing, River Island's embellished maxi is a modern take on traditional florals with a glam twist.
Lilo Mini Dress
Damson Madder
Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton, Damson Madder's spotted delight of a dress is a Gen Z dream. Polka dot print meets sweet ruching and a voluminous silhouette to create a charming choice for playful dressers.
Ava Dress
Alexandra Miro
Air light and featuring beautiful scarf detailing, Alexandra Miro's semi-sheer Ava Dress is a colourful concoction that pairs perfectly with gold jewels and a sun-kissed glow.
Sunblush Bloom Maxi Dress
Rebecca Vallance
A luxurious strapless gown that's destined for high octane weddings and St. Tropez getaways, Rebecca Vallance's strapless, bloom-printed maxi is classic elegance personified.
Checked Plaid Strap Dress
Desigual
Say it loud and proud with Desigual's unmissable graphic slip. Not only does the statement piece champion the coveted underwear-as-outerwear trend, but it also acts as the chicest conversation starter thanks to its head-turning design and slinky cut.
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