Prints rule the runway for spring/summer 2017

Back in September, ready-to-wear labels presented their spring/summer 2017 collections, giving fashion fans a full overview of the upcoming season's biggest trends. With inspirations ranging from retro, masculine and pop art to minimalist chic, each collection stood out with individual influences, styles and codes specific to brands. However, almost all of the SS17 collections featured the season's hottest trend: prints.

Whether artsy, wild, spring-like, streetwear, seventies, geometric or abstract, the spring/summer 2017 season has all sorts of prints and patterns in store. These are seen in mix & match outfits, head-to-toe looks and discreet touches, like Isabel Marant's XXL printed belts worn over pure white garments.

Retro vibes

Fashion goes retro this season. The 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are all on trend when it comes to shapes, cuts and materials, but the 1970s are definitely the decade of the moment for prints. Shown in head-to-toe looks for full-on 70s effect, these throwback prints often take the form of large flowers, with a multitude of big and brightly colored blooms splashed all over silhouettes. The looks are certainly bold and may be too much of a statement for some. In a similar spirit, revisited diamond and check prints are also on the agenda. These once again make brightly colored and busy patterns.

- Seen at Chloé, Dries Van Noten, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Christopher Kane, Michael Kors.

Geometric prints

Stripes -- last season's big runway hit -- are stepping back from the limelight for spring/summer 2017, but without disappearing completely. Whether pinstripes or wide bands, horizontal or vertical, stripes can be spotted on oversized shirts, dresses, overcoats, pants and even coats.

- Seen at Paule Ka, Lanvin, Junko Shimada, Nina Ricci, Sacai, Chanel with a reflective twist, Fendi, Mulberry.

In a nod to the 1960s or to Latin vibes, polka dots were spotted on SS17 runways, and in very classic shades (notably white dots on navy blue or black backgrounds, or vice versa). However, they aren't a major trend this season, remaining few and far between.

- Seen at Jacquemus, Anteprima, Dior.

Patchwork is also set for a comeback in spring/summer 2017. Although only seen on a handful of runways, it nonetheless didn't go unnoticed. Several trends were spotted, with a bohemian and romantic discreet form of patchworking and a very 1990s version with brightly colored patches.

- Seen at Giamba, Marc Jacobs.

Elie Saab, on the other hand, went big on stars, embroidered or printed all over sumptuous dresses for an out-of-this-world look.

Messages galore

Printed letters, numbers, logos, large motifs, quotes and slogans land as wearable messages this season. While Dolce & Gabbana is clearly a master of the genre, it isn't the only label playing the game. The current craze for streetwear is buoying the trend, with potential buyers passing all kinds of messages from designers to the public at large. It's a trend that's fun, practical and light-hearted, and very much in line with the spirit of the season.

- Seen at Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci.