Jun 28, 20213 min read

Summer Style: Look for Less/D&G Patchwork Dupes

Boldness and Patterns aren't everyone's taste, but if you like a bit of pizzazz in your outfit, the patchwork trend for Summer if just for you. Now, patchwork can be tricky. It can come across as country farmhouse or give an overly peasant style vibe if that's not what you're going for. The choice in pattern and accessories will make all the difference in transforming the look into chic-ness.

Designer Daniel Silverstein does this well, by creating patchwork looks using recycled scraps of fabric, while Dolce & Gabbana has created their entire 2021 Spring/Summer collection around fancy patchwork patterns, elevated with shiny and satiny fabrics and hints of gold thread. If you follow fashion then you know the D&G brand has taken a hit in recent years due to reports of racism and awful behavior within the brand and company. So, for those who like the style, but not able, willing or consciously choosing not to support them by purchasing their products, duplicates and similar styles are our recourse.

Finding patchwork printed items was fairly hard for me to find for the past few months of this year, but I've noticed the trend really starting to take off. It's becoming more available from affordable brands like Zara and Shein. Of course, if you're a fan of Farm Rio, you know they also specialize in very vibrant and multi-patterned type items on a regular basis, not just trends. However, Farm Rio is more of a premium brand, between affordable and luxury. So, if more budget brands aren't your vibe, check out Farm Rio to partake in the trend at a higher price point.

Now, when looking for my D&G dupes, I didn't want to get anything that was too wild. I wanted something that could become a staple in my wardrobe far beyond the trend. Living in Miami gives me an added advantage of being able to get away with various prints, vibrant colors, and wild patterns because this is where folks come to wear wild and colorful things on vacation. In my case, I can wear it on a day-to-day basis without feeling like a sore thumb sticking out in a sea of neutrals. We wear whatever whenever, here. But still, I wanted versatile patchwork printed items that I could rock on weekends, for casual events or possibly translate for work. I DID purchase ONE item that falls more so into the "trend" category and don't expect that one to last in my wardrobe, but it was fairly affordable, so I won't miss it when it goes in the donation bin. For now, it's a fun fashion piece I can't wait to wear this season.

Let me know how you feel about any of the items featured, below, and if they've inspired you to try the trend.

D&G Patchwork Print Pants, $1,300 - $3,000

Patchwork Print Pants from Shein, $16

White ruffle crop top, $11

Yellow/white/beige color cross-body bag, $15

Black flat espadrilles, Ebay, NA - similar found here, $23.20

D&G Midi /Maxi Patchwork Print Skirts, $700 - $3,000

Patchwork Print Maxi Skirt from Dd's Discounts, $7.99 / not available online (similar found on Etsy, see below)

White cotton button down shirt; general item found anywhere

Orange flat espadrilles, Asos (SOLD OUT); similar found here , $23.20

Brown fringe bag, NA: similar found here , $24.99

D&G Patchwork Print Dresses, $1,200 - $5,000

Patchwork Print dress from Shein, $21

Shein Orange purse, $9

Red ruffle faux suede heels, NA; similar found here

Other Patchwork Print Dresses

Zara

Zara patchwork print wrap dress, $45.99 , Zara mini dress, sold mostly on Poshmark and Ebay for $86 - $124

*Just noticed the Zara mini dress and the Shein dress are very similar in fabric and design. Of course, the Shein version is a fraction of the Zara price. *