STYLE

By GRAZIA

30 July 2025

Preoccupation with Patterns: Summer 2025’s Revival of Maximalism

Maximalism makes a bold return in the trend cycle, reviving the 2000s' pattern craze. Abstract or figurative, these shapes are sharp and sartorial.

pattern trend summer — Pictured (L-R): Just Cavalli Spring/Summer 2007, Versace Fall 2001 RTW, Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2010; Photo Credit: Getty Images

Move over, capsule wardrobe! Statement pieces are having their moment, so it’s time to reintroduce squiggles, scribbles, and saturated prints to your everyday rotation.

No longer are the girls aiming to be mysterious and nonchalant, but rather outspoken, outstanding, and outside the box. In recent years, fashion saw a surge of minimalism, and somewhat justifiably. As influencers and style gurus urged consumers to primarily own essentials (plain white tees, one to two washes of denim, a pair of slacks, etc.), the Internet seemed to turn its back on overconsumption, realising the value of wearing what’s already in your closet.

Though for some, existing closet staples were anything but basics; instead, many of us owned pieces that weren’t deemed “everyday wear,” compelling us to actually consume more to align with new narratives. But, as predicted, the trend cycle moved on (bye-bye, basics!), and luckily, the Internet is back on the side of boldness and utter authenticity (so we hope you hung onto your chevron).

Posing in Polka

Perhaps as a soft relaunch of the 2000s’ pattern craze, pop stars and Pinterest girls alike have reestablished the bygone polka dot print, which was quickly clung to by the masses. A dependable design that elevates monochrome neutrals has taken Summer 2025 by storm, and rightfully so: it’s refined, understated, and not too flashy, but still adds dimension to an otherwise simple look.

Olivia Rodrigo spotted in NYC on June 7, 2025; Photo Credit: Getty Images

Transcend the Trend

And while polka dots still hold sway—and likely will through the fall—a more eccentric take on the dominant paradigm is what makes for a true standout (why be trend-conscious when you can be trend-transcendant?). The spotted miniskirt was your Y2K warm-up, but are you ready for abstract geometrics by the likes of Emilio Pucci and Missoni?

The early 2000s are marked by blinding neons and chaotic graphics—perhaps residual effects of the nostalgic disco era from the 1970s, where strobe lights were bright but bell-bottom jumpsuits shone even brighter. But as those days came and went, high fashion moved on to align with newer, contemporary styles. Reinventing ’80s studio glamour were pioneering designers like Emilio Pucci, whose haute heritage brought maximalist mosaics to the runway.

Despite a brief hiatus, the pattern preoccupation is back, with seasoned trendsetter Hailey Bieber cementing its position in the fashion landscape. The beauty mogul gave her take on the colour of the summer, trading butter yellow for banana, posing in a graphic Pucci set: a cropped button-up, fitted pants, and a coordinating ‘kini. Balancing retro and relevance, Bieber completed her look with a pair of micro-chic frames and a lemon drop martini in hand—the ultimate cool-girl uniform.

Maximalism with Missoni

Also shaping tasteful maximalism during the new millennium was Missoni, whose playful, technicolour designs were forward-thinking and emblematic of an advanced, abundant fashion future. Cutting-edge technology meant freedom to experiment with new methods and styles, and simultaneously allowed for a new form of social commentary. Collections from this era are relics of the past. But on the cusp of the digital era, what did we predict was in store?

Giving her nod of approval to the current pattern revival is Nicky Hilton-Rothschild, who took to Instagram in late June wearing a Missoni frock and an equally expressive straw hat — proving prints and patterns aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

Ready-to-Wear Relics

The resurfaced trend isn’t limited to abstract detailing; figurative, realistic linework is just as prominent, defining this summer’s styles. Sabrina Carpenter recently posted on Instagram in a coastal co-ord by Versace, starkly resembling a look from the house’s Fall 2001 RTW collection.

Be it Pucci or patchwork, the fashion world doesn’t lie: standing out is in, and blending in is out! Prints that revolutionised the fashion industry in the 2000s are being recycled and reimagined today with contemporary flair—and we’re here to help you get on board.