I think it was sitting at last September’s seminal Versace show, complete with supermodel reunion, that my reawakening for top-to-toe print happened. Ever since, my sartorial cravings have erred decidedly in the direction of all things loud and maximalist…

If experience has taught me anything, it’s that the key to nailing print-on-print ensembles is to show confidence in your combinations. Neither considered clashes nor matchy-matchy maximalism are for the faint of heart, however committing to the whole nine yards and plumping for one brand-per-look is much a safer bet for anyone with initial reservations.


Caroline wears coat and dress by Duro Olowu; shoes by aeydē.

Designer and curator, Duro Olowu, regularly plays on influences from his multi-cultural background (from Lagos to London to Harlem) – as well as the worlds of art and culture – and opts for a heady fusion of painterly prints and kaleidoscopic patterns to bring energy and movement to all his designs. A geometric-motif sleeveless coat takes its inspiration from Lee Miller’s appreciation of surrealist art, and contrasts to a tee with a boldly decorated maxi dress in a complementing palette.

Shop Duro Olowu

Caroline wears cropped blazer, printed shirt, printed skirt, and Medusa sandals by Versace.

No conversation about print would be complete without a nod to Versace’s go hard or go home aesthetic and attitude, and SS18’s golden curlicues and baroque references are no exception to the rule. For everyday wear, the go-all-out message is easily tempered by a peppering of classic accompaniments – for example, this coordinating silk shirt and midi skirt may call to mind hints of the Wild West revival that has been so ubiquitous this season, but the simple addition of a tailored blazer is enough to bring them back from the brink of cowboy couture. I got to indulge in my ‘Versace girl’ moment with this outfit, and I came away wholly transformed and satisfied.

Shop Versace



Of course, there is always room for pared-back, more ‘practically minded’ attire. When it comes to print however, I’m yet to be convinced that more is anything but, well, more!


Embrace the bold side of summer style! Shop top-to-toe prints here: