With summer just around the corner (wait, what?) and spring in the air, it’s about that time to start thinking about how you’re going to update your warm weather wardrobe.

For me, summer wardrobes are the best kind of wardrobes. There isn’t much layering involved, especially with our Texas heat, so it’s all about a few simple pieces that are made to look effortless, casual, and stylish.

If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you probably know I’m an avid lover of solid dark colors. Meaning, I love black. But during the summer time, I tend to shy away from my beloved black clothing and go for something with a bit more color.

The way I like to incorporate more color into my wardrobe is by wearing bold prints. These prints usually include florals or stripes, but as of recently I’ve seen a trend that will surely be making its way into my closet – tropical prints.

Ah, how fitting for summer. Just the thought of a tropical print makes me feel like I want to be soaking up the sun at the beach (pina colada in hand, of course). Although I’m not at the beach, however, I will be sure to accompany my beach daydreaming with wearing this bold new trend.

Now, I understand if the thought of wearing tropical prints somewhere other than the beach might scare you. Honestly, it scared me at first too, until I saw these prints in action during the 2013 Spring Fashion Week. Designers such as Stella McCartney and Altuzarra gave the fashion world a taste of the island life by dressing their models in bold, tropical prints from head to toe in the most elegant of ways.

This trend contemporizes traditional tropical prints, and references African, Hopi, and Ukranian prints. Key pieces for women include tunics, maxi skirts, and patterned pants.

A great thing about this trend is that it also appeals to men’s fashion. I’ve seen an abundance of stylish boys rocking a tropical printed shirt, which is both fashion forward and on point with both the transition of seasons and trends. If you aren’t the bold shirt kind of guy, try a pair or tropical printed shorts, which are also in for the upcoming season.  

For all you people out there that tend to shy away from bold colors like me, don’t be afraid to take a chance with some bold tropical prints this summer. Whether you’re going to be at the beach or laying out at Barton Springs, these prints will make you stand out from the crowd. And like I always say, that’s the best part of fashion.