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Patchwork is showing up on the red carpet, in street style, and on the runway© Getty Images

Patchwork is back: Here’s how to revamp the fashion trend

Celebrities are embracing this old trend and here’s how you can too


MAY 24, 2020 10:33 AM EDT

Patchwork on its way to becoming one of the top trends this spring and summer and all options are on the table: from daring to subtle. However you embrace this fashion trend, all you have to do is combine different prints or fabrics, even if only a little. In 2019, a number of fashion influencers wore pieces using this technique in street style during London Fashion Week, and patchwork has also been worn by several celebrities like  Selena Gomez .

 Adriana Lima  has also been a fan and demonstrated her support for the style. Its presence has gained momentum and, given the looks proposed by a number of brands for the spring-summer 2020 season, patches of different sizes and patterns, including flowers, stripes and polka dots—worn all together if possible—are certain to become an essential aspect to your summer looks.

Eleonora Abbagnato wearing a patchwork dress and tall boots© GettyImages

A foolproof spring trend

Combining different prints in small batches or head to toe is one way to quickly pull together a look, especially if you’re inclined to wear one-piece outfits like dresses. This is exactly what ballerina Eleonora Abbagnato did.

Gigi Hadid wearing a patchwork sweater, denim Bermuda shorts, and combat boots© GettyImages

Comfy

Combinations of color and texture patterns will add a dash of joy to your outfits, and if you’re looking for comfy, do what model Gigi Hadid did: pair a lightweight sweater with denim Bermuda shorts and combat boots.

Noa Souffir wears sunglasses, a white shirt, a cylinder-shaped bag, a skirt with red floral print and green checked pattern© GettyImages

A hypnotically flowy skirt

There are a few garments you always need in your closet; a long, hypnotically flowing, asymmetrical ruffle skirt is one of them. It’s beautiful and will put a glamorous cherry on top of any outfit. One with these characteristics is the perfect way to hop on this fashion trend’s bandwagon.

A guest wearing Ferragamo sunglasses, beige blazer, and mixed print pants© GettyImages

Pants or a jumpsuit taking center stage

Another great option is to wear this trend in a pair of pants or a jumpsuit. As with the skirt, these items will become the centerpiece of your outfit. See how this street styler combined mixed print pants with a blazer. The top layer provides the balance point necessary, thanks to its simple lines and neutral color.

Monica Bellucci wearing a long patchwork dress featuring floral and polka dot patterns© GettyImages

A classic floral dress

With patchwork, a traditional spring dress is transformed into something new. The great thing about this style is that it can be worn in formal looks, like this one worn by Italian actress Monica Bellucci, or more informal looks, according to the occasion. It all depends on the silhouette of the dress and the accessories.

Patchwork dress with floral and polka dot patterns in Missoni's runway show© GettyImages

A reinvented spring-summer classic

On the spring-summer 2020 runways, the patchwork trend was even more present in shows by brands like Missoni, which included flowing dresses perfect for spring. This photo, for instance, shows a lightweight shirt combined with a dress full of flowers, polka dots and stripes.

Patchwork denim jacket and pants on the Gucci runway© GettyImages

Practical style with every step

Other brands like Gucci remained committed to the denim on denim trend, which already reached the wardrobes of many influencers and will continue to do so in 2020. It’s no surprise that garments made with this fabric lend themselves perfectly to a practical and simple patchwork look.

A model walks the catwalk in the Thom Browne fashion show wearing a patchwork outfit with multiple fabrics© GettyImages

Multiple fabrics

The Thom Browne fashion show proved that wearing prints in different warm and cool color palettes is not enough; the interaction of several fabrics is vital to rounding out your looks this spring. The final touch on this great look? Shoe detailing that maintains the contrast of the rest of the outfit.

A model walks the catwalk at the Celine fashion show wearing an outfit combining a sweater, blouse, and denim skirt with the patchwork technique© GettyImages

Three patchwork pieces

If you’re into outfits comprising several prints or fabrics, Céline is here to show you another way to wear this trend. How to achieve fashion harmony? Choose two pieces with different prints, such as a blouse and a jacket and pair them with a low-key denim patchwork skirt.

Ready to spice up your looks with patchwork this season?