Women's Dresses Based on Prints and Patterns

Mar 15, 2025

By Vibe Fabriclore

Women's Dresses Based on Prints and Patterns

If you think plain dresses are the only way to look stylish, think again. Printed dresses have been popular for years and they are still a great choice. From floral designs that are perfect for spring outings to polka dots that give a fun retro vibe, printed dresses can add charm to your look.

Stripes can make you look taller, while animal prints can add a bold touch. There is a pattern for every style, body shape and event. If your wardrobe feels boring, adding some colorful prints can make a big difference.

Let’s take a closer look at some trendy printed dresses and how you can wear them with style.

Origin and History of Printed Dresses

Printed dresses have been around for a long time. Floral prints started in China and Japan, where people painted flowers on silk. Later, these pretty designs became popular in Europe. Polka dots appeared in the 19th century and became known for their fun and playful style. Stripes were once used in uniforms but soon became a trendy choice for everyday outfits.

Animal prints, inspired by wild animals like leopards and tigers, are loved for their bold look. Plaid patterns began in Scotland and have stayed popular for years. While prints have changed over time, they continue to be a big part of fashion today.

Types of Dresses Based on Prints and Patterns

Printed dresses are a fun way to add style to your outfits. They make you look more colorful and exciting. Here are some common types of printed dresses and how you can wear them.

1. Floral Dress

Floral dresses have pretty flower designs that look fresh and lovely. They are perfect for sunny days, brunches or vacations. Light fabrics like cotton and chiffon are great for floral dresses because they feel soft and comfortable. Wear a floral dress with sandals for a simple look or add heels and earrings for a dressier style.

2. Polka Dot Dress

Polka dot dresses are cute and playful. They have small or big dots that create a fun look. Black and white polka dots look classy, while colorful dots feel more cheerful. These dresses are great for casual hangouts, dates or even the office if paired with a blazer. Flats, sneakers or heels all go well with polka-dot dresses.

3. Striped Dress

Striped dresses are simple yet stylish. Vertical stripes can make you look taller, while horizontal stripes can add shape to your look. Thin stripes give a soft look, while bold stripes make a strong statement. Striped dresses are great for both casual and smart outings. Pair them with sneakers for a relaxed feel or boots for a trendy touch.

4. Abstract Print Dress

Abstract print dresses have bold shapes and bright colors. These designs are unique and eye-catching. They are perfect for events where you want to stand out. Since abstract prints are loud, simple shoes and plain accessories work best with them.

5. Animal Print Dress

Animal print dresses are bold and stylish. Leopard, zebra and snake prints are popular choices. These dresses are perfect for parties or evening events. To balance the look, wear them with plain shoes and simple jewelry.

6. Plaid or Tartan Dress

Plaid dresses have check patterns that look classic and cozy. They are popular in colder seasons and are great for casual outings or coffee dates. Wear plaid dresses with boots and a warm jacket for a smart winter look.

How to Choose the Right Print

Pick your print based on the occasion and your body shape. Floral and polka-dot dresses are great for casual outings. Stripes can create a balanced look, while abstract and animal prints are best for bold styles. Plaid dresses are perfect for colder days and relaxed events.

With so many choices, printed dresses are a simple way to bring variety and charm to your wardrobe. Whether you like soft flowers or bold patterns, there’s a perfect printed dress for every style.

Fabrics and Materials for Printed Dresses:

Fabric Type	Best For	Recommended Prints
Cotton	Breathable, casual, everyday wear	Floral, casual prints
Chiffon & Georgette	Flowy, lightweight dresses	Abstract, floral patterns
Silk & Satin	Elegant, luxurious outfits	Animal prints, abstract designs
Linen	Comfortable, casual and summer wear	Plaid, tartan prints
Rayon & Polyester	Affordable, vibrant looks	Bold, vibrant prints

Styling Tips for Different Occasions:

Occasion	Recommended Prints	Styling Tips
Casual Outings	Floral, Polka Dots	Pair with flats or sneakers; add a denim jacket for a trendy touch.
Office Wear	Stripes, Plaid	Add a blazer and closed-toe shoes; keep accessories simple.
Evening Parties	Animal Print, Abstract	Pair with heels, statement earrings and a black clutch.
Beach Vacations	Floral, Abstract	Opt for light fabrics like chiffon or cotton; add sandals, a straw hat and sunglasses.
Festive or Family Gatherings	Plaid, Floral	Choose rich colors; pair them with delicate jewelry, block heels and a small handbag.
Winter Looks	Plaid, Dark Florals	Layer with a cozy cardigan, boots and a scarf for warmth and style.

Types of Dresses Suitable for Different Body Types:

Body Type	Recommended Dress Styles	Suggested Prints	Styling Tips
Hourglass	Wrap dresses, fitted designs	Floral prints, diagonal or V-shaped stripes	Choose dresses with belts or cinched waists to highlight your curves.
Pear-Shaped	A-line dresses	Floral, polka dots (focused on the upper half)	Opt for bright patterns or bold designs near the neckline to balance your shape.
Apple-Shaped	Flowy dresses, empire waist designs	Abstract prints, vertical stripes	Avoid clingy fabrics; choose relaxed fits that offer a slimming effect.
Rectangle	Wrap dresses, ruffled designs	Animal prints, plaid	Select styles that add volume and create curves.
Petite	Shorter hemlines, fitted dresses	Tiny florals, thin stripes	Avoid oversized prints; vertical patterns can help you appear taller.
Tall	Maxi dresses, belted styles	Bold florals, abstract patterns, wide stripes	Large prints and vibrant designs complement taller frames well.

Trending Printed Dresses for the Season:

Trending Print	Description	Styling Tips
Bold Florals	Large flowers in bright colors like red, pink and yellow	Pair with simple shoes and jewelry for a fresh, stylish look.
Vintage Polka Dots	Classic black and white dots, especially larger designs	Wear with flats or heels for a cute and classy vibe.
Vertical Stripes	Bright-colored vertical stripes that elongate the frame	Style with sneakers for casual outings or heels for a smarter look.
Animal Prints with a Twist	Leopard and zebra prints combined with bold colors like neon or metallic	Keep accessories minimal to let the dress stand out.
Abstract Prints	Creative designs with colorful shapes for a bold look	Pair with plain shoes and simple jewelry for balance.
Rich Plaid Patterns	Dark shades like burgundy, green and navy for cooler months	Style with boots, jackets and scarves for a warm yet trendy outfit.

Standard Size Chart for Women's Dresses:

Size	Bust (inches)	Waist (inches)	Hips (inches)
XS	32 - 33	24 - 25	34 - 35
S	34 - 35	26 - 27	36 - 37
M	36 - 37	28 - 29	38 - 39
L	38 - 40	30 - 32	40 - 42
XL	41 - 43	33 - 35	43 - 45
XXL	44 - 46	36 - 38	46 - 48
3XL	47 - 49	39 - 41	49 - 51

How to Choose the Right Size

Measure Yourself: Use a measuring tape to check your bust, waist and hips.
Know the Fabric: Cotton fabric and linen fabric have less stretch, so you may need a size that fits perfectly. Fabrics like polyester or spandex are stretchier and may give you more room.
Think About the Fit: For fitted dresses, pick a size that matches your exact measurements. For flowy dresses, you can go slightly larger for a relaxed feel.

Conclusion

Printed dresses are a simple way to add color and style to your clothes. There are many patterns to choose from, like pretty florals, fun polka dots and bold animal prints. By picking a print that suits your body shape and matching it with the right fabric and accessories, you can look good and feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to try new prints and colors to find what suits you best. Whether you're going out with friends, to a party or to a special event, a printed dress can help you look stylish and confident.