The retro prints casting shade on summer florals

FLORALS are practically synonymous with summer dressing.

- BY LARA OWEN

But like The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly once said, they aren't exactly ‘groundbreaking’.

If you're sick of plain white or ditsy florals and want something less predictable - gingham, polka dots and paisley are all big patterns to sport this summer.

Here British designers share their secrets on how you can revive retro prints and wear them well.

GINGHAM

"Gingham is such a timeless summer staple," says fashion designer and podcaster Amanda Wakeley, "but to keep it chic rather than childlike is pretty tough.

"Silhouettes need to be sleeker and stay away from a plethora of ruffles." She recommends a streamlined top, balanced with grownup accessories that elevate rather than embellish.

Softer fabrics can definitely help shift the tone when it comes to gingham, as Aspiga’s founder Lucy Macnamara notes: "The key to keeping it grownup is all in the silhouette and styling.