Do you long for the uniformity of 1980s-style black? Tough luck. It’s been a world dominated by print and pattern in recent seasons so you must be longing for a change. Well, this just in…. pre-summer 2017 isn’t going to give you any relief.

So why not go with the flow and tap into some slogans, some scenic views, some animal motifs and a whole garden of meadow flowers or exotic leaves and florals.

Animal antics

Valentino, Markus Lupfer, Gucci, Gucci, Adam Lippes, Marc Jacobs, Giamba Resort/pre-summer 2017

There’s a zoo-full of animal ideas this pre-season from slithery snakes to tigers, panthers, cartoonish cats, retro-style dogs, zebras and exotic birds with skin prints, animal heads or complete animals used as dramatic placements or repeat prints on… well, everything. Influencers and Valentino like Gucci have gone big on this trend so it’s a surfier hit.

Gardener’s world

Marc Jacobs,ALC, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli, Alberta Ferretti, Rochas, Au Jour Le Jour, Christopher Kane Resort/pre-summer 2017

Pre-Season is big on the natural world (as the animal prints show) but for both the fauna and the flora, natural isn’t necessarily what it’s all about. Yes there are photoreal options but there are also plenty of obviously faux, even cartoonish florals. These florals are used to dress up casual outerwear and sweats and to give an on-trend edge to tailoring (especially when used on tailored denim).

Make a statement

House of Holland, Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Just Cavalli, House of Holland, Just Cavalli, Just Cavalli, House of Holland, Resort/pre-summer 2017

If you’re a fan of the statement motif or slogan, then you must be over the moon this pre-season because plenty of labels have signed dup to the fan club too. Not that it means you have to look like you’re revisiting the early 70s. You can choose from naive or realistic scenic views, quirky slogans, statement placements, mini motifs (looking best when several are used together and the more kitsch the better).

Coach, Miu Miu, Fausto Pugilisi, Marc Jacobs, Just Cavalli, MSGM, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Resort/pre-summer 2017

It’s a great way to give an instant update to a classic knit, a simple tee, some investment eveningwear or your tired old parka (take a tip from Marc Jacobs and just plaster your parka with badges and motifs).

Red Valentino, Akris, M Missoni, Alberta Ferretti Resort/pre-summer 2017