As the sun begins to shine, my style senses start to tingle with the need to try out different spring summer fashion trends, and the swirl print, otherwise known as the ripple or wave effect, is one I've been loving. This psychedelic '70s dream is everything a bold, maximalist dresser like myself could need. With small indie brands like Jaded London and high street retailers jumping on this trend, the need to get a little funky is becoming ever so apparent.
Summer 2021 saw the initial return of this trend, with brands elevating and switching from the classic marble print to this bold design. And a year later, the swirls continue to reign supreme. So whether it's vibrant mini dresses or casual lounge sets that are anything but casual, the opportunity to add more colour to your wardrobe is presented through this trend.
But if that didn't convince you, I've come with all the tea on how to style them and you might just leave this story with a full shopping cart. Sorry in advance!
1. Trouser and crop top co-ord
On those days when the idea of wearing jeans sounds and feels like a nightmare, loungewear is the only option. But if the sweats you've owned since the first lockdown and looking less and less appealing, there's a way to elevate your usual casual wear. With this trend, you're provided with a level of comfort and style your favourite nice top and jeans can't match. Not even close!
So switch your basics for some psychedelic swirls and take wear your comfies from the living room to brunch, the movies and a truly stylish errand run. Move over Kimmy K; there's a new fashionista in town.
Labelrail x Francesca Perks Top with button front in marble knit co-ord
2. Mini dress
Get dressy with it! This spring/summer, I'm pulling out all the stops and so should you. Let's throw those archaic fashion rules out the window this season and bring in some colour and some fun prints. The days of only neutral tones and black shirt dresses are behind us. Styled with colourful accessories, let the swirl effect trend do all the talking this Summer.
Never Fully Dressed, £89 Sleeveless Reeva Vienna Midi Dress - Curve
3. Midi dress
I love when two trends come together, and there's nothing I love more than the mesh trend doubled up with swirls. This season, show off that gorgeous figure by wearing a tight bodycon piece that accentuates your curves and has a playful design. Whether you opt for a skin-tight dress, bodysuit or skirt, the opportunity to experiment is vast, especially with brands like Urban Outfitters, ASOS and House of Sunny delivering all the heat.
4. Flares and a tied shirt
You know that phrase, 'business in the front and party in the back'? Well, this is kind of how I feel about wearing printed trousers and skirts. Solid colours up top and party on the bottoms. There's something about a great pair of printed trousers that just make me weak at the knees. I don't know if it's because it allows for so many outfits options, but this combo is truly a firm favourite. It channels holiday chic but also feels like a great festival outfit. Coachella anyone?
ASOS DESIGN, £28.62 Curve Swirl Print Drape Wrap Skirt in Brown Multi at Nordstrom,
5. Midi skirt co-ord
If there's one thing I love it's a co-ord, and brands like ASOS have nailed this trend. Styled simply with a pair of sandals or trainers, and with the option of wearing the pieces separately or together, the opportunities are endless.
Ultimately, this trend is about having fun and experimenting with colour, and the ways to do that are endless. So bring on the sunshine, because I will certainly be bringing the colour.
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ASOS COLLUSION PLUS Swirl jacquard fitted maxi skirt co-ord in pink and orange
Never Fully Dressed, £29 Swirl Freya Trouser - Curve
ASOS Design ASOS DESIGN flare jean in pastel swirl print co-ord - MULTI
Asos Curve ASOS DESIGN Curve co-ord long sleeve top with asymmetric cut out shoulder in swirl print
Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell is the Contributing Curve Editor of Cosmopolitan UK. The former curve model and digital content creator has worked in the fashion industry, specialising in plus-size fashion content, for six years. Known for her excellent eye for style, captivating imagery and witty sense of humour to match, Lauren Nicole continues to inspire women to live boldly through their clothes.
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