Print dresses are a key element of luxury fashion, offering a unique way to express individuality while staying on-trend. Whether you're packing for a tropical getaway, attending an upscale dinner, or simply looking to elevate your everyday style, a luxury statement print dress can be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. At DLCT Contemporary, our prints are not only bold and eye-catching but carry deep narratives woven into the fabric. Let’s explore the types of print dresses, fabric types, and how to style luxury print dresses for 10 different occasions, ensuring you look effortlessly chic every time.

 

Types of Print Dresses and What to Look For

1. The Print Size/Scale:

Print dresses come in a variety of sizes. You have:

• Micro-prints: Small, intricate designs, which are perfect for petite frames or for more understated elegance.
• Medium-sized prints: Ideal for a balance between subtlety and boldness, medium-sized prints work well in everyday wear.
• Large-scale prints: Bold, attention-grabbing patterns that demand the spotlight. These are perfect for occasions where you want to make a dramatic statement.

2. Silhouettes:

Understanding the different categories of print dresses can help you choose the perfect piece for any occasion. Here’s a quick overview:

• Maxi dresses: These floor-length gowns are perfect for a dramatic entrance, especially at evening events or beach weddings. Luxury printed dresses such as our SISI Gown are timeless breathtaking additions to any closet that take the stress out of putting together a look.
• Midi dresses: The versatile length allows for daytime elegance, suitable for brunches, meetings, or casual gatherings.
• Wrap dresses: Known for their flattering shape, wrap dresses can easily transition from the office to a dinner date.
• Bodycon dresses: Designed to hug the body, these dresses are ideal for cocktail parties or nights out, giving a more sultry, form-fitting appeal. Fitted dresses in bold prints like DLCT’s Ohemaa maxi, give a balanced, timeless shape while showcasing stunning designs.
• A-line dresses: These are universally flattering and ideal for almost any body type. 

 

Fabric Types: Elevating Your Luxury Print Dresses

When styling a print dress, the fabric is just as important as the design. Each fabric type offers different qualities in terms of comfort, drape, and how the print appears. Let’s dive into the most popular fabric types, including the increasingly popular mesh, and learn how to style luxury print fabrics for maximum impact.

1. Silk: The Epitome of Elegance

Silk is the ultimate fabric for luxury. Its lightweight, flowing nature allows for beautiful drapes and flattering movement. Silk print dresses are perfect for formal events like weddings or upscale dinners, where sophistication is key. Style a bold silk print with minimalist accessories and let the fabric's natural sheen elevate your look. For a sleek evening dinner look, pair your silk dress with delicate gold jewelry and strappy heels.

 

2. Cotton: Everyday Luxe

Cotton is the go-to fabric for relaxed yet stylish pieces. Its breathability makes it the ideal choice for day-to-day wear, especially in warmer climates or resort settings. Cotton print dresses work wonderfully for brunch, casual lunches, or even sightseeing on holiday. Style them with flat sandals, a sunhat, and oversized sunglasses for a chic, effortless look. For day-to-night versatility, swap flats for wedges and add a statement bag.

 

3. Satin: Glossy and Glamorous

Satin, with its smooth, lustrous finish, makes a bold statement at formal events. Satin print dresses elevate your look with their glossy texture that enhances colors and patterns. Ideal for evening events and cocktail parties, satin print dresses can be styled with bold earrings and a clutch bag for a polished, glamorous appearance. Consider a printed satin bodycon dress for nights out, pairing it with heels and a sleek hairstyle.

 

4. Mesh: Lightweight, Breathable, and Modern

In recent years, mesh fabric has evolved from being a niche material to a sought-after luxury fabric in high fashion. Mesh is often underestimated, but its versatility is now being embraced by designers and style icons alike. Initially popular in sportswear, mesh has made its way into high-end fashion collections due to its lightweight, airy feel and sheer effect that adds dimension to bold prints.

How to style mesh print dresses: Mesh is perfect for day-to-night versatility. A luxury mesh print maxi is ideal for a beachside lunch, offering both comfort and style. Simply pair it with sandals and a straw tote. For a more formal evening setting, layer a mesh dress over a slip and accessorize with a metallic belt and structured heels. 

In luxury statement print dresses, mesh can create a layering effect that adds depth and movement to bold prints. It's perfect for luxury resort wear or evening looks, where comfort is essential but style cannot be compromised.

Why Mesh Works in Luxury Fashion:

• Comfort: Mesh is naturally breathable, making it ideal for warm-weather events or long days where comfort is key.
• Visual intrigue: When layered over a bold print, mesh adds a subtle hint of texture, allowing the print to peek through in a visually captivating way.
• Versatility: Whether for daytime looks or night-time glam, mesh dresses easily transition across various occasions without feeling too casual or too formal.

Types of mesh fabrics:

• Nylon mesh: Known for durability and structure, ideal for fitted silhouettes.
• Polyester mesh: Lightweight and airy, perfect for flowing, draped designs.
• Stretch mesh: Offers flexibility, providing both comfort and form-fitting elegance.

Styling Luxury Print Dresses for Every Occasion

Now that you know the types of dresses and fabrics to look for, let's discuss how to style luxury print dresses for 10 different occasions. Whether you're headed to a beachside lunch or a black-tie event, we’ve got you covered:

1. Luxury resort wear for beachside events

This is our domain. We offer a range of statement print dresses perfect for resort wear at DLCT. A cotton or mesh print maxi dress is the perfect choice for a relaxed, beachy vibe. Our mesh dresses can be styled with espadrille sandals or statement leather sandals, statement sunglasses and a wide-brim hat for day time to embrace the breezy resort aesthetic. Pair with a fun oversized tote or woven bag to tie the look together. Check out our OHEMAA maxi or even our BOTA Top for easy styling.

2. Casual Brunch

A midi cotton print dress pairs effortlessly with loafers or flat sandals. Add a lightweight jacket and a crossbody bag for a comfortable yet stylish look.

3. Dinner Date

Opt for a satin bodycon print dress for a sleek and sexy silhouette. Accessorize with strappy heels, statement earrings, and a clutch to complete your evening look.

4. Day-to-Night Versatility

For a busy day followed by an evening engagement, a wrap dress in cotton or mesh is your best bet. Pair with flats and a large tote during the day, and switch to wedges and a small evening bag at night.

5. Formal Evening Event

For black-tie affairs, a silk print maxi dress styled with understated jewelry and a bold lip color exudes luxury and sophistication. Alternatively, a long-line asymmetric maxi gown such as our SISI gown makes a bold statement at formal events. Finish the look with elegant heels and a structured clutch.

6. Resort Wear

On holiday, a bold cotton print dress is both functional and fashionable. Pair with oversized sunglasses, a sunhat, and woven accessories for the perfect resort ensemble. 

7. Birthday Dinner

A mesh print dress with a bold pattern is the ultimate choice for a birthday celebration. Play around with sheerness by pairing with skin colored undergarments such as skims bodysuits or spanx shapewear. Style with stiletto heels and dainty jewelry for an effortlessly glamorous look.

8. Art Gallery Event

For a creative event, opt for a printed fitted dress like this. Style it with bold statement accessories like a chunky necklace or oversized earrings, embracing your inner fashion connoisseur.

9. Poolside Party

A mesh print dress can transition from day to night easily at a poolside party. Pair with flat sandals and a light cover-up for the day, then swap for heeled sandals and layered jewelry as the sun sets.

10. Evening Cocktail Party

A silk or satin print dress in a bodycon silhouette will turn heads at an evening cocktail event. Add a sleek bun and metallic accessories for a polished finish.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to style luxury statement print dresses for every occasion, we can wrap up this post. Luxury statement print dresses are a wardrobe essential for those who appreciate bold, artistic expressions. The right fabric, silhouette, and styling can elevate your look for any occasion. At DLCT Contemporary, we understand the power of prints, and we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality fabrics that not only look stunning but also feel amazing to wear. Whether you're planning for a vacation, attending a special event, or just want to add a bit of art to your everyday style, our collections have something for every moment. 

 

Warm regards,

DLCT.