Prints are synonymous with warm weather—blossoming wildflowers for a garden picnic, swirling paisley on a holiday, a melange of painterly shapes for life alfresco. No matter where you wear them, playful patterns feel quintessential this time of year. For this spring/summer’s latest designer offerings, we are getting a slew of elevated takes on tie-dye, prepped-up scarf prints, bold tropical florals, and handmade motifs. Artisanal touches like embroidery and beading reign supreme this season, which BAZAAR’s Digital Fashion and Features Director Kerry Pieri says speaks to the current craving for authenticity in fashion. “It’s always beautiful to feel like there’s a story behind what you invest in, and knowing that certain aspects were created by hand is even more special,” say Pieri.

Scroll to discover four of the season’s most prominent print trends, with additional insight from Pieri. Then, shop the edit from Neiman Marcus, each piece guaranteed to transform your spring and summer wardrobe.

Chalk it up to nostalgia, but designers have once again gone all in on tie-dye motifs this spring, showcasing dyed patterns on everything from day dresses and separates to sandals, totes, and hats. Though tie-dye might conjure up visions of rainbow hues, these takes are decidedly more sophisticated, with earthy tones and monochromatic palettes. “A one-color blend feels more elevated to me,” Pieri says of the tie-dye progression, calling out Gabriela Hearst’s muted brown tone tie-dye, which she thinks offers up “a more grown-up take on the trend.”

Silk scarves date back to Egyptian times—Queen Nefertiti famously wore one with a headdress—and modern style icons popularized them throughout the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s in various iterations. Think head and neck scarves, tunic tops, and maxi dresses, all with a glamorous feel. As the trend evolved, preppier motifs emerged in the ’80s and ’90s. Now, designers have fused the eras with a patchwork of scarf-inspired psychedelic patterns and heritage prints, for some of the season’s best ready-to-wear and accessories.

“Scarf prints by nature feel very classic, and maybe even a little preppy,” Pieri says. “I like to lean into that by pairing them with simple white and denim and minimal accessories like loafers and classic bags.”

“While florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, they are lovely,” Pieri says of the quintessential print. Perhaps it’s a response to 2020’s shut-in year, but designer collections—such as Tom Ford, Marni, and Saint Laurent—are transporting us to the tropics for spring via hibiscus and palm-leaf motifs. The palette? Saturated and bold.“Mix it up with more tropical leaf prints and blooms to really drive the change of seasons home. They make an impact,” Pieri says.

Another print trend to spark wanderlust? Pieces with global artisanal touches like intricate embroidery and Ikat patterns. “That handmade quality is what makes these items feel so fresh,” Pieri says. Whether you choose to don a flowing trouser, high-rise short, or multicolored dress on holiday or at home, these motifs are oozing with artistry—each piece is like a treasure you’d collect from around the globe.

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.