The boho revival is alive and well for spring/summer 2026, and alongside tasseled trims and bandana-inspired dress silhouettes, paisley print is the latest Western-leaning style to step back into the sartorial spotlight. With a long and storied history, the swirling motif—known as “boteh” in Persian and said to symbolise life and eternity—was later named after the Scottish town of Paisley, which began mass-producing versions in the 19th century after British colonists returned home with richly patterned Persian textiles.
The 2026 take on the trend is a more elevated interpretation of paisley, as seen in Etro’s SS26 collection. Since its founding in 1968, the Italian fashion house has cemented the print as one of its signature design hallmarks. Its latest offering is a true maximalist’s delight, with oversized motifs full of personality, grounded in earthy tones like brown and green, and punctuated with pops of pink and blue.
While we're not suggesting you shelve your polka dots entirely, paisley brings a fresh burst of color and playfulness to any outfit—perfect for this time of year. From sheer balloon-sleeve blouses to beachwear of all kinds, including flowing kaftans and fitted swimsuits, the pattern feels especially at home in summer.
Whether you opt for a flowing maxi dress or a more casual mini or mid-length style, the relaxed feel works well for chill weekends and summer trips. The key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Stick to accessories and footwear in neutral tones or coordinating colors featured in the print, so they don’t compete with the pattern. Throw on a denim jacket, and you’re good to go. Below, find our favorite paisley print summer dresses available to shop now:
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
