There are countless ways to wear bright patterns in Summer. The most popular combination pairs a patterned top with matching bottoms. Or pattern mix the top and bottom if that’s your thing. Here are four simple ways to wear bright Summer patterns.

1. Patterned Dress

Wearing a dress in a bright pattern is for Team Dress. Choose a pattern and silhouette that you like, and you’re almost done. Finish off the look with shoes and bag that pick up a colour in the pattern of the dress, and they don’t need to match. Here the mismatched red sandals and blue bag work well. Or go the neutral route with shoes and bag.

Patterned Dress

2. Patterned Jacket

Bright patterns needn’t be bright all over. Choosing a bright pattern on a black background like the jacket here creates a less bold appearance. The column of black and black shoes further mellow the bright red poppies. These very fluid and more architectural items are another way to go. A black shell top or tank is paired with a pair of lantern pants. A roomy and bright trapeze jacket is popped over the top. Black flats finish off the look, although I can see red and silver work well too. A black, red, chartreuse, white or silver bag would be a fab match.

Patterned Jacket

3. Patterned Skirt

This is an example of an ombré pattern in very bold colours. The design of the pattern is subtle yet the colours are of extremely bright sunset. The patterned A-line skirt is paired with a tucked yellow tee that picks up the yellow in the skirt. The effect creates a high contrast. If the tee were more like the red and pink in the pattern of the skirt, the effect would create a low contrast. Neutral tan sandals elongate the leg line because they are low contrast against the model’s skin. Coloured sandals that match the outfit would work well too. Or in my case, I’d have chosen white shoes and bag.

Patterned Skirt

4. Patterned Suit

This is an extra bold look because there are two large-scale bright patterned pieces in the outfit. A tailored suit with a lower rise is combined with neutral accents. Remember that a suit is very wearable in Summer in an air-conditioned setting. The crisp white layering tee effectively tones down the bright pattern. No need to showcase the midriff. Of course, you can choose a less bold bright pattern AND leave off the jacket so that you’re wearing fewer bright patterned items with a neutral top. I’d have preferred to see white shoes instead of black, and a bag to match. Or a bag in one of the colours of the pattern. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Patterned Suit