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Printed Dress: How to Accessorize It?

Written by: Violette Besson

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Published on

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Time to read 6 min

If there is one essential piece in the women's wardrobe, it is the printed dress!Day dress or evening dress, for an important meal, a night out with friends, or a formal evening, the printed dress adapts to all events for a total feminine look. New trendy prints of the season or a makeover of the long floral, animal, jungle, or tropical print dress from summer? Worn alone as a true masterpiece or accessorized to break its style? The printed dress reinvents itself once again for our greatest pleasure. Focus on the fashion trend of the printed dress, between elegance and insolence… 

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Printed dress: the must-have fashion trend

For several seasons now, the printed dress has established itself as an absolute must-have! How would Yves Saint Laurent say, patterns come and go, the printed dress remains (oops, didn’t he say that?!). In short, the women's printed dress is now a staple in our wardrobes. 

This season again, the printed dress reveals creativity with new cuts, new materials, and new possibilities to accessorize according to your personality, body shape, and especially, your desires!

Rock or romantic, the printed dress pairs well with patterns that have already proven themselves. The animal print persists and remains a safe bet across seasons. Moreover, floral print continues its rise with winter cuts and materials, while remaining sensual.

Trendy patterns and our tips for accessorizing the printed dress

Woman wearing a floral print dress.

The floral print dress

To complete a look with a floral print dress, a pattern that is already quite busy, it is necessary to opt for simple, fine, and natural lines. Choose discreet jewelry, nude sandals, or espadrilles for a summery look. For a bohemian style, a straw bag and a wide-brimmed hat will work wonders. In the evening, go for metallic heels and a minimalist clutch!

The polka dot dress

To accessorize a polka dot dress, add a thin belt to structure the silhouette. Ballerinas, heels, or sandals complete this timeless style. A scarf tied in the hair or retro glasses will highlight the vintage spirit of the outfit!

Tropical print dress

Accessorizing a tropical print dress enhances its vibrant energy with well-chosen details:

  • Shoes: Strappy leather sandals or espadrilles for a relaxed look.
  • Jewelry: Wooden or shell earrings to accentuate the exoticism.
  • Bag: A basket or a woven clutch to complete the summery spirit.
  • Evening: Add gold accessories and understated heels to make the outfit more glamorous.
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The striped print

Accessorizing a striped dress is a balancing act. Break up the sharp lines with rounded accessories: buckle belt, hoops, chunky bead necklace... Favor monochrome tones to contrast without overwhelming. A chic clutch with a navy blue dress and white sneakers will give a casual vibe, while understated heels and minimalist jewelry will make it suitable for a formal event. 

The cherry print

To accessorize a cherry printed dress, focus on retro and summery details:

  • Shoes: Red or white sandals for a fresh look.
  • Bag: A wicker bag or a red clutch to reinforce the theme.
  • Jacket: A denim jacket for a casual style.
  • Accessories: Cat-eye glasses and gold jewelry in a chic pin-up spirit.

The checkered dress

The check print lends itself to various styles thanks to well-chosen accessories:

  • Shoes: Heels for a classic look or ankle boots for an urban style.
  • Jacket: A solid blazer to temper the checks.
  • Bag: A leather messenger bag or a clutch with a pink dress.
  • Jewelry: Minimalist, to balance the geometry of the print.

Choosing a printed dress: tips for combining fashion trends 

You know it, you feel it, you are sure: you are going to fall for the printed dress. And you are absolutely right! But to jump headfirst into the season's trend, why limit yourself to just one must-have? 

Why not a long tartan printed shirt dress? Or combine the leopard print dress and layering, by layering it with other trendy pieces (like faux fur or a cape)? 

For more discretion without falling into boredom, you might be tempted by a dress with a small and modest print (like the houndstooth that is making a strong comeback, croc, or python). Combined with details that break the codes like fringes, sequins, leather inserts, etc., your little printed dress should make a nice effect!

In terms of cuts and materials, we recommend choosing printed dresses made of fluid and silky materials to break the straight lines of the tartan print or avoid the tapestry look of the scarf pattern. But if you're sensitive to the cold, the printed sweater dress also exists.

You see: there are really no shortage of ideas!

Woman choosing a printed dress.

Accessorizing a printed dress

What about an ethnic printed dress paired with a black leather perfecto and red python print boots? Perfect for the chic grunge trend! Or continue the season with your floral printed long dress from summer, covered with a loose chunky knit sweater to protect you from the first chills of autumn? Romantic chic bohemian trend.


How to accessorize a printed dress? The topic is vast. Is the pattern of your printed dress very large, like a scarf print or a big leopard print? If you wear your printed dress alone, for an evening for example, then avoid adding extravagant jewelry or large belts (unless that's exactly the effect you're going for).

It's true: a printed dress is a masterpiece, a centerpiece of your wardrobe. Once worn, nothing else should be seen! In the case of oversized prints, accessories should enhance it.

However, discreet jewelry elegantly highlights the key piece. Whether to enhance a floral pattern or contrast an animal print or tartan, how about opting for a delicate floral necklace?   

Outdoors, it's different. The very present pattern will be tempered with a faux fur coat, a denim jacket, or a trench coat (or several, if you adopt layering), sunglasses, and a scarf. In this case, you can afford rock shoes (sparkly, platform, etc.), a remarkable bag, printed or not, and even an oversized hat.


On the other hand, if your printed dress features mini patterns, like houndstooth, mini leopard, or even crocodile or python, then have fun with fashion accessories! Break the codes, mix materials and colors. Even prints! Nothing stops you from choosing a different pattern for your shoes and a third for the bag. In short, have fun with fashion!

Printed dress: are you convinced?

You got it: this season is the chance to adopt the printed dress. Floral, animal - leopard, crocodile, python -, checkered or houndstooth, the print is reinvented for even more fashion fantasy. An essential trend, the printed dress highlights all body types and can be accessorized infinitely with all the must-haves of the moment.

Did you like this article? Then join the VIP community of Petits Imprimés without further delay and receive a gift upon your registration (isn't life beautiful?). And you, which printed dress are you going to fall for?

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A question on your mind? We have the answer!

Which accessories to favor for a floral printed dress?

Opt for discreet jewelry, nude sandals or espadrilles for a summer look. For an evening outfit, prefer metallic heels and a minimalist clutch. Add a straw hat for a bohemian style.

Can I mix several patterns in an outfit?

Yes! Pair a dress with mini patterns (houndstooth, crocodile) with accessories in different prints like a zebra bag or polka dot shoes. The trick is to maintain a color harmony for a bold yet balanced look.

Which coats to choose with a printed dress in winter?

To temper the patterns, wear a solid coat like a trench or a faux fur jacket. A denim jacket or layering of sweaters is perfect for a casual style. Complete with ankle boots or sneakers for a modern look.

Profile picture of Violette Besson: aspiring web editor.

Violette Besson

Web editor since 2023, Violette deciphers the latest fashion trends and delivers fresh and current ideas for a bold style. 


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