Prints: the 4 key trends of autumn 2024

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Summer barely had time to unpack its bags before the back-to-school trends already started to emerge. And this year, for a sharp look, we are 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 discreetly timeless trends. However, the prints of this back-to-school season will allow us to add pieces that are a little less subdued and a bit more fun to our closets!

The leopard print

Ah the 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 offer coats adorned with this roaring print. However, it was especially in the 1990s that the leopard became a star. Adopted by major Italian houses like Versace and Cavalli, this pattern has made its mark in fashion, and even on our screens. For those of us who are older, we remember the outrageously sexy looks from The Nanny. Grrrrr!

In recent years, however, the leopard had been somewhat shy, keeping a low profile. It made a grand return in 2024 and is determined to spend the back-to-school season with us. We find it in the autumn-winter collections at Dior, McQueen, Isabel Marant, but also in fast fashion wardrobes and Parisian brands like Sézane.

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

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

Prefer to be understated? A leopard beret or clutch will do the trick!

The zebra print

Indeed, the back-to-school 2024 will be wild or not at all! The zebra pattern is far, very far from the quiet luxury trend. In fact, we often find it in the wardrobes of “mob wives,” these bold women who fear nothing, neither in life nor in fashion!

We saw the zebra pattern strutting down the autumn-winter runways, for example at Jacquemus. And honestly, when well matched, it could almost make us swoon!

It awakens the animal side that slumbers within us, and when well-measured, it enhances an outfit without making us look like a throw 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 to wear the zebra pattern as a statement piece: jacket, sweater, pants. Pair it with a solid color preferably, and you’re good to go.

However, be cautious, and this also applies to leopard: if you opt for a statement piece, choose a quality garment and perhaps a bit more expensive.

These two prints do not forgive cheapness.

The polka dot print

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

Do you doubt it? Just observe the impeccable wardrobe of Kate Middleton who has loved polka dots for a long time. Too tame for you, Kate’s looks? Nothing stops you from wearing an oversized puffer jacket with big polka dots for a more street look, or matching a polka dot shirt with men’s trousers.

You can very well break the girly side of this print with a leather jacket for a more rock vibe.

The tartan print

We saw it in all the autumn-winter 2024-2025 collections, at Burberry, Rabanne, Helmut Lang, Balenciaga…, this print is urgently to be adopted this back-to-school season 2024. The enfant terrible of the golden age of punk in the 1970s, the tartan has never left the collections of the late Vivienne Westwood.

We also remember its remarkable presence in our 90s wardrobes, inspired by the iconic look of Cher Horowitz in Clueless. Its return is somewhat of a cheeky 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.

Do you prefer it more classic? Don’t forget that Burberry made beige tartan its trademark since the 1920s! A shirt, trench coat, pants, just one piece is enough to be fashionable. Pair it with a solid, non-textured textile for an easy-to-wear look.

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

• Photos: Pinterest