Have you considered that prints can make or break your look?
A floral blouse can brighten up plain office wear, but a patterned trouser and
shirt combo could clash. So, how do you decide which prints you should be
wearing and which you should stay clear of?
Top tips
A few of the main tips are to complement colours, sizes and
not go too over the top.
Just starting out with prints in your wardrobe? You might
want to ease them into your outfits by pairing them with solids. For something
cool and stylish, match a pair of polka dot palazzo trousers with a plain white
crew neck and barely-there sandals to channel summer vibes. Or, tuck a pastel
ruffle shirt into a horizontal-striped A-line skirt for an on-trend look that’s
suitable for work or play.
Similarly, you can tone down a loud pattern by
layering a monotone blazer or fitted jacket over the top. To add an edge of
style and print to your wardrobe, consider patterned accessories such as bags,
bandanas, and belts.
Bring pieces together that share similar colour schemes too.
A floral print that has elements of pink in the pattern is enhanced by a solid
coloured jacket that is the same colour of print. If you want to go for two
printed garments, keep your fabrics in the same colour family or pick two
stylish prints that share a single colour. This ensures that your outfit
doesn’t clash and is a safe way of mixing and matching prints.
Don’t be afraid to bring two different prints together. Try
breaking mixed prints up with a neutral garment — channel boho vibes with a
paisley co-ord jacket and skirt and separate the patterns with a neutral cami
top. Or separate polka dot pumps and a patterned jacket with plain trousers.
Similarly, you can also split up clashing prints with a chunky belt and
cross-body bag.
Go fully co-ordinated with two garments that share the same
pattern. One good way to do this is to invert the colours if you’re using two
of the same pattern. For example, if a white cami with navy checks would pair
well with a navy cami with white checks. You can also wear the same pattern
together with in a larger or smaller scale. Try pairing a high-waisted pair of
slacks with a strappy top that’s a smaller version of the pattern. Consider
your jewellery in the mix too — if you’re wearing a geometric printed top, opt
for jewellery of the same pattern.
Things to avoid
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to
prints.
Stick to one colour scheme. Use this throughout the full
outfit — this helps your garments complement each other and prevents an outfit
that looks like it’s been thrown together!
Animal print can be quite loud and may not match together in
the way that other patterns would. For this reason, pair animal print with
solid coloured pieces — try a leopard print cami dress with black t-shirt
beneath and black heeled ankle boots — the top and boots will bring out the
spots, whereas leopard print shoes would have been too much.
And that’s the top tips! The main thing to remember is to
wear what you feel confident in, change the fashion rules if you want to!
This article was created by going out dresses retailer, QUIZ.
