Look Modern in Spring’s Butterfly Fashion Trend

Where have all the butterflies gone? With climate change, you may not see as many in your backyard as you used to, but luckily, you can enjoy them via fashion this spring.

Butterfly prints, clothing, and accessories have made a fluttering comeback into style. They’re a playful and colorful way to add some whimsy to your wardrobe. Here’s how to wear the pretty butterfly fashion trend to look modern.

1. Create a Neutral Backdrop

Since butterfly prints are bold and eye-catching, it’s best to keep the rest of your outfit plain. Pair a colorful butterfly print top with neutral pants or a skirt for a stylish look. Or, wear a busy butterfly print scarf with a simple white t-shirt.

This charming butterfly cardigan is a great example. I like to wear it with dark wash denim or white jeans. They serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing the vibrant butterfly print to take center stage. Think of this beautiful cardigan as a painting hanging on a neutral-colored gallery wall! It pops. Keep your jewelry simple; just a pair of earrings is all you need!

Now, this isn’t to say you can’t pick up on color from the butterfly print (like yellow or purple) and wear that as pants or a skirt, but honestly, it’s a more dated look.

Note: Butterflies symbolize hope and transformation, so it’s no wonder we’re seeing lots of pretty butterfly fashions now that it’s spring. My charming cardigan is from Talbots, which is giving 30% of the net proceeds of this top to the Dress for Success Charity until the end of this month. If you’d like to look and feel good while helping a woman in need, take a look.

2. Choose Elegant Silhouettes

When you have a busy, cute-looking print like butterflies, you always worry that you might look too junior and embarrass yourself. One way to get around this is to wear simple and streamlined butterfly clothing. I suggest you choose an elegant, minimalist cut instead of a very layered, flouncy, and busy one.

For example, my cardigan and this dress have clean, classic lines.  The garment’s shape complements the butterfly print, resulting in a classier, more mature look.

3. Zoom in on the Print

Another way to look more sophisticated and modern over 40, wearing a butterfly print, is to choose clothing that focuses on a detail in the print rather than the whole butterfly. For example, with this stunning orange top, the print is a close-up of a butterfly wing, although you may not notice that immediately.

This enlarged print makes the top look more artsy and modern.  The same goes for the green maxi dress I showed you above this one. The zoomed-in print is bold, dramatic, and ultra-chic.

4. Wear Butterfly Jewelry

You don’t have to wear butterfly clothing to get in on this trend. A piece of feminine butterfly jewelry is a great way to look more stylish without going the bright, colorful route. This gold pair is lovely and just the right size!

5.  Get Creative – Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix and match butterfly prints with patterns like stripes, polka dots, or florals if you have a more creative style. Just ensure that the colors and patterns complement each other. If you’re unsure how to combine patterns, buying something like this sporty tee is a simple way to achieve the look. Notice how the colors coordinate, rather than compete, and how well this cheery top looks against an all-white background.

6. Accessorize with Butterflies

If you’re not ready to commit to a complete butterfly outfit, add some butterfly-inspired accessories, like this summery butterfly handbag with the butterfly motif. I like this bag because of the rattan texture and earthy colors, which feel like a natural match for anything butterfly.

7. Butterfly Footwear Works Too

Butterfly sandals can also be a playful way to accessorize an outfit. (Note: If you want to wear sandals, don’t carry the bag or the top. Too many butterflies are junior-looking.

8. Have Fun!

Besides that, have fun with it: The butterfly trend is about embracing your playful side. Don’t take it too seriously, and have fun experimenting with different looks and styles. If you have bought anything, butterfly, let me know! I’d love it if you could post the photo in my private Facebook group for inspiration. Sign up here.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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