Let’s start this week talking about a fun little micro trend that I’ve noticed popping up everywhere. I’m already seeing lots of what I’m calling “folksy prints” show up in the new fall lines. But you’ve probably noticed these simple, unpretentious, somewhat rustic style prints on garments for a while now. Maybe you even have a folksy print top, dress or skirt in your wardrobe. Today I’m sharing a couple of tops and dresses in folksy prints and a few style tips for wearing the ones you love.
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What do I mean by folksy prints? These vibrant and deeply pigmented prints somehow feel approachable, even friendly. They often feature whimsical subjects such as florals, animals, butterflies, or vegetation, such as mushrooms or trees. They remind you of folk art and maybe even fairy tales. Some are created with traditional methods like woodblock printing or vegetable stamping. Are you getting the picture? Let’s take a look at a few that I have in my wardrobe and how I’m styling them.
Folksy Print Tops with Jeans
One of the most instinctive ways to wear a folksy print top is with jeans. I’ve paired mine with ecru jeans from my closet, but I’ve linked you to similar ones that I love as well.
This Talbots ruffle button front top features the dense, pigmented folksy print in a charming azure blue on an ivory background. It is a fairly short top, so it can be worn tucked or untucked.
You’ll find folksy prints on all types of silhouettes, but I do see a lot of them featured along with ruffles and flounces and pintucks.
Style Tip: Keep your look timeless and sophisticated by letting the folksy print be the star of the show. Don’t wear other things that would compete with this busy patterned fabric. Instead, pair the folksy print with neutrals and classic pieces that provide a soft backdrop.
Many folksy prints are bold and the colors are vibrant. But that’s not always the case. This cropped length top from Evereve, worn with the same jeans, has a softer touch visually. Still the print is cheerful and pigmented. Both of these short sleeve tops are great transitional pieces because they layer under a denim or other jacket beautifully.
Folksy prints may not look current for years and years, but they’ll hold their value in your closet for at least several years. I don’t expect this trend to leave the station anytime too soon. By the way, the two tops above both run true to size; I’m wearing a medium in each.
Folksy Print Dresses from Printfresh
Now I have two dresses to share with you from a brand that has made folksy prints the heart of their business. Printfresh creates 100% cotton dresses in a wide variety of styles from adorable minis to chic maxis, and they all feature beautiful folksy prints. They pride ourselves on creating joyful, high-quality products that stand the test of time. Indeed, I’ve noticed that such unique prints really do hold their place in our closets longer than those that are more nondescript or understated.
I first encountered Printfresh through their iconic pajamas. (Definitely check them out!) But recently they reached out and offered to send me a couple of their beautiful dresses. I had no idea! They’ve created so many style options in different lengths and silhouettes. And because they come in sizes XS to 4X, there really is something for everyone.
The Abigail Dress in Eclectic Ikat is definitely one to wear into the fall. And in some climates you would undoubtedly be able to enjoy this cotton midi dress into the winter. It features a deeply pigmented hand-drawn print, buttoned bodice, and three-quarter length sleeves. Using their size guides, I ordered a large. But I think that’s because at one point the size guide asks how you like to wear your pajamas and I answered roomy. Thus it directed me to order a large. I should have known that was for pajamas, not dresses. So I would suggest you simply order your usual dress size. A medium would have given me a more fitted look at the waistline.
The Abigail Dress works beautifully with sandals now, but you could pair it with pumps or boots in the fall and winter.
The Gwen Dress in PF + Pencil & Paper Co. Red Paisley is definitely more of a spring and summer frock with its lighter weight cotton. But any many climates you can also wear it into the fall. It features a removable cotton slip underneath that feels easy breezy and is snapped into place at the shoulders. Such a nice detail!
Isn’t the vibrant red print on this dress just happy? I’d say that is an identifying feature of these folksy prints. They’re joyful, whimsical and fun to wear. I love the adjustable cinched waist, pockets, flutter sleeves and wooden bead toggles at the ends of the ties on this dress. I wore this one to church and lunch yesterday, and it was so comfortable and fun.
Again I ordered a large in this dress. It feels great and looks nice I think. But I’ve got the waistline cinched a lot. I probably could have worn a medium.
Have you noticed folksy prints rising in popularity? Check out these by clicking through the links in the captions. And I’ve also filled a shopping widget below with some of my favorites from Printfresh. (I included some blouses and PJs, too!)
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Blessed for My Day
Relationships can tricky. Can I get an amen? Of course there are two parties in every relationship, but those friendships and family relations are also shaded by the other people who speak into your lives and mingle into the mix. Communication isn’t always as direct as you’d like for it to be because someone may also be whispering into the other person’s ear. So really every two-person relationship includes more than just those two individuals. Know what I mean?
That’s why it’s crucial to include one more individual in every relationship you’re in. When we invite God into our relationships He helps us to navigate them with grace and wisdom. Even if the other person doesn’t recognize God, we can lean into Him for direction and discernment. If you’re struggling in a relationship today, you know the importance of good, clear, honest communication. But don’t forget to talk with God about the situation, too. And then…listen to what He has to say.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. ~ Romans 12:18
I’ve noticed this trend, but it’s a pass for me. Visually it’s too busy for my aesthetic. Really well spoken BFMD. The older I get, the more I realize I need the Lord in my relationships, especially with those in my life who do not know Him.
I’ve always loved folksy prints, from the flour sack dresses my mother made me in childhood, till now and I’m glad to see the beautiful items in your post being so wearable today! There’s nothing more feminine than a lovely print. Thanks for all you do, Kay. Appreciate you!!
I like all of these outfits!
When I hear folksy prints, I think of paisley print and little house on the prairie styles. I like paisley prints because reminds me of the 60’s and into the 70’s in my teens and early 20’s. Will pass on these prints for the most part. Hope we don’t see a lot of it. Doesn’t seem like classic style to me.
I have a few blouses and a dress with the “folksy” print. I really like them but definitely not looking to add more as I agree with the other reader who said they’re not really a “classic” It’s taken me 5 years to build my new wardrobe for these retirement years and I’m all about keeping it (mostly) classic. I do like my few “boho” print blouses and skirts though. They have a place in my wardrobe for sure. I like a little variety along with some trending pieces.
The dresses and blouses look great on you. I just can’t get into the Mary Janes though at all. I’ll stick to my ballet flats, loafers and mules (when I’m not wearing sneakers, espadrilles, clogs or boots, etc.)
Whoa. Thanks, Kay, for keeping us up on what’s going on out there BUT Hope this trend doesn’t take hold.
I too prefer a more classic or sporty style. To me, the uber feminine puffy esthetic looks modern on very thin, young models, but it can be aging on the rest of us. You can carry it off, Kay, but it’s a pass for me.
Yea, No…not my look, not classic, I would feel frumpy. It is lovely how you have styled them, and are photographed, but put me in a public activity and I would not feel very on trend. Truly appreciate your effort and always look forward to what you present. Then it is up to us to pick and choose.
I bought a boho top with a floral small print for this summer. I also bought a burgundy boho long sleeve top for fall. The print is subtle. I’m not adding more. I’m careful with prints. Good blessed for my day.
Hey Kay. I love prints, so this is a trend I am happy to see! Paisley has always been a favorite of mine, and I definitely like the prints tops/dresses you styled today! I am also happy to see Mary Janes back in style. Thanks for all you do showing us so many style options!
Always good to know what’s out there – I do like the blue Talbot’s blouse and the Evereve top but a print dress is probably not something I would consider for myself, although they are very pretty – I would rather have a dress in a solid color as that would be more useful to me.
Kay – thank you for the dresses! Have you also noticed a lot of fall folly prints with midi handkerchief hems too? Are these coming back or should we just rehem them straight? Thanks
I love the prints! I love the color. Yes, I have noticed the fact prints are trending. Thank you for introducing me to Printfresh. These are delightful dresses and I am exploring their website for more items.
I love the prints! I love the colors! I have noticed prints on clothing is trending. The tops and dresses are right up my alley since I enjoy bright colors. Thank you for introducing me to PrintFresh. Their dresses are lovely and I am exploring the website for more products.