Minimalist fashion fans, look away now, this trend it all about dopamine dressing, playful prints and bold colourways
As a fashion writer, I’ve learned to spot a trend from a mile away, and this summer there’s one print that’s been dominating my social media, high street window shopping sessions and online scrolls. There’s no denying that for SS25, it’s all about postcard prints.
What is the postcard print? Well, I’m glad you asked. This playful design is characterised vibrant boxes or stamp-shapes adorned with feel-good, summer emblems such as fruit, suns, shells, tiles, florals, palm trees, olives – it’s the fashion equivalent of a picky tea of all your warm-weather favourites, packaged in the style of a retro holiday scrapbook.
The combination of colour, cheerful prints and a healthy dose of nostalgia make this a real standout trend, and one that’s incredibly wearable. That said, it’s not a style movement for those who favour minimalism and neutrals, which is worth bearing in mind. However, who’s not to say they won’t be tempted by some of my top picks.
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I’ve picked out four of the best postcard printed pieces available now on the high street, from favourites like Joanie , Nobody’s Child and New Look. From dreamy dresses to cool and casual co-ords, here are four picks that prove postcard print is this summer’s hero trend.
Joanie Ithaca Postcard Print Boilersuit – £79
The postcard print was practically made for Joanie’s vintage-inspired designs, and their Ithaca boilersuit is an easy, one-and-done outfit that makes summer styling a breeze. Made from organic cotton with a soft stretch, it’s tailored for all day comfort without sacrificing style.
Coming in sizes 8-26, the one-piece boasts a classic collar and short sleeves with an all-over watercolour postcard print. But don’t be fooled into believing this is only good for warm weather dressing, because I’ve seen many fashion enthusiasts layer these boilersuits over a long sleeve t-shirt or rollneck for a spring or autumn vibe. You might struggle to style the sunshine-y print in the depths of winter, though.
The elasticated waist is a big bonus, making it a flattering fit for all body types, while the pockets make it as practical as it is pretty. Plus shoppers have been raving about it, with one commenting: “Love this jumpsuit, the watercolour print is beautiful, the material is quality and it fits like a dream.”
Another added: “Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! The print is beautiful the size I went up a size otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to get on and off as I’m big busted and a big girl. It look so gorgeous on and I can’t wait to wear it out.”
Nobody’s Child Starlight Midi Dress – £110
For something a little less kitsch, Nobody’s Child offers a more contemporary take on the trend with their bestselling design – the Starlight dress. Available in sizes 6-18, it wins wearers over with romantic puff sleeves, covered buttons and a waist panel that skims in all the right places. The low v-neck is super flattering, and it even has pockets, meaning it ticks all the boxes of a summer statement piece.
While Nobody’s Child’s website doesn’t have any reviews, we did find some at Simply Be and John Lewis, with one shopper commenting: “I’m absolutely obsessed with this dress. It fits perfectly – I usually wear a size 14, but the size 12 is spot on! The material is ridiculously soft and feels amazing against my skin. Plus, the gorgeous fruit stamp design is just the perfect touch. I’m so in love with this purchase! Five stars isn’t enough – I’d give it ten stars if I could.”
However, another added that the linen-heavy fabric, while ideal for the warm weather, is prone to creasing. They added: “The dress is so different, in a good way , and the quality is fantastic. My only concern, which is my fault as I didn’t read all of the description, is that there’s a high content of linen which obviously makes the material very creased. Because there’s so much dress, it’ll be quite a chore to iron, or I could pay to get it professionally ironed, which would make it the dress that keeps on taking! Apart from that, it is a lovely, unusual dress which I’d definitely recommend.”
New Look Cream Postcard Print Midi Dress – £34.99
As beautiful as the Nobody’s Child dress is, there’s no denying it carries a more premium price tag, as such, I’ve found a more affordable alternative in this New Look Cream Postcard Print Midi Dress for £34.99 . Featuring tie detail at the neckline and flowy sleeves, it’s decorated with a gorgeous postcard print.
Coming in sizes 6-20, it’s an easy piece to throw on and feel instantly pulled together. Its only review so far is five stars, with a happy customer praising its “flattering” fit, “good length”, and “lovely light material.”
ASOS DESIGN Postcard Print Shirt and Trouser Co-ord – £24 (top), £26 (trousers)
If dresses aren’t your style, a co-ord is a super cool way to wear the trend, and ASOS is delivering all the chilled-out, coastal-grandpa vibes with this two-piece set . It comes in four sizes ranging from XS to L and is made from a lightweight linen-look fabric.
The trousers offer a wide-leg silhouette and bloat-friendly drawstring waist, while the shirt’s revere collar makes for a relaxed but put-together look. It’s a really versatile two-piece that looks amazing worn together or split up. Perfect for packing light – or just looking like you did.