It is the unofficial start to summer and graphic prints are everywhere. They are visually exciting if you are tired of the olive drab military inspired clothing from last summer and fall. This season’s colors and prints are an expression of a culture who is sick of the doom and glooom of a bad economy and symbolic of a need for optimism and excitement. Graphics aren’t limited to T-shirts and tattoos. Textile renderings are popping up all over the place, from swimsuits to maxi-dresses. I am quickly reminded of the Twiggy era and into the late sixties and early seventies.

There really are no tricks to wearing graphics. They used to say to keep them small if you are petite and save the large graphics for the taller person. I say it completely depends on the design. Whether you go for color blocking, print mixing or graphics, this is the season to have fun with your wardrobe and break away from past seasons of monochromatics and neutrals. If you are uncertain, start with a scarf or with swimwear. Graphics abound in cover-ups and they come in all price ranges so experimenting doesn’t have to break the bank.

And for the more adventurous: