6 Trending Prints Fashion People Are Backing for Autumn

Summer print trends are always pretty distinguishable—think daisies, bright tie-dye, rainbow stripes—but autumn print trends? They're a little less predictable. Each cold-weather season sparks different print trends than the last, and autumn 2021 is no exception.

Sure, you can always expect some form of checks to make an appearance, and with the simple update of a colour palette, florals are considered a motif you can wear year-round. But as for any other print trends? Until we see the creations designers have in store for us on the runway and which ones fashion people end up gravitating towards, your guess is as good as ours. 

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Thankfully, we've done our research and can confirm that six overarching print trends are going to take off this autumn. It turns out checks feature heavily by way of tartan, which hasn't been seen on this scale for a few seasons, while florals seem to have been inspired by your nan's old curtains—in the chicest way possible. As for the other four? Well, there's the animal motif that continues to dominate our wardrobes and a few other surprises thrown in for good fashion measure.

With influencers already wearing autumn print trends before anyone else, scroll on to see them for yourself. Then, shop our edit of the best pieces for each motif.

1. SCARF

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: For those who want to embrace bold, clashing prints but find it difficult styling them themselves, enter scarf print. With loud hues and a potent pattern blend, this premium-looking print will elevate your autumn wardrobe. Wear it in dress form with white boots like Monikh did, or style silky trousers with a cashmere sweater. 

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2. LEOPARD

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: Leopard print will always be on the style agenda, but this autumn, it's set to be bigger than ever before. New-in sections are already being flooded with the prin,t and with its largely neutral colourway, it always makes for a wise investment—one you'll wear season after season, year after year. 

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3. CHINTZY FLORALS

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(Image credit: @sara_waiste)

Style Notes: We all know that florals summer are intrinsically linked, with bright colours reigning supreme. But come autumn, you never quite know how they'll be rendered. For autumn 2021, antique-style, chintzy florals are the bloom of note. Less cottagecore, more lady of the manor, think motifs reminiscent of fine embroidery and the Laura Ashley archives. 

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4. TARTAN CHECK

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: What makes the tartan check trend so fun, and so apt for autumn 2021, is its bright weaves. While other seasons have revolved around muted grey Prince of Wales checks, this season is all about making a statement—and what could be more striking than a pair of zesty tartan trews or a traditional postbox-red tartan coat. 

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5. PAISLEY

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: The last year has seen the return of several '70s fashion staples—the vest, flares, squared-off acetate sunglasses—and autumn's print agenda is following suit. Somewhat similar to scarf prints, paisley motifs are generally smaller, more repetitive and widely feature the trademark teardrop. Wear it all over for maximum retro impact, or tuck a blouse into this year's trending wide-leg denim for a modern take. 

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6. POLKA DOT

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: After a few years of sitting on the sidelines, polka dots are set to become the print trend of autumn 2021. Sitting alongside the traditional monochromatic colorways are pieces with pops of colour, which present a new way to wear the classic print. 

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Next Up, Autumn 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.