An outfit can be brought to life, or ruined, by prints. A patterned shirt can wake up otherwise dull office wear, but a clashing printed top and trousers combo can spell disaster. So, how can you be sure to wear patterns in a flattering way? With this article, QUIZ, fashion retailers of beautiful party dresses, spill the secrets on how to make prints work for you.
Wearing prints like a pro
There are three main areas to consider when adding prints and patterns to your outfit: colours, sizes, and amount.
If you're testing the waters of prints, try introducing them to your wardrobe gently by matching them with solid coloured items. 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.
Picking clothes that share similar colour choices is a smart move 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.
It is possible to pull off wearing two different prints in one outfit, you just need to be wise about it. 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.
Depending on the print, you could also match together two items with 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 within 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.
Problem prints
Mixing and matching patterns is absolutely fine, but it's all down to how confident it makes you feel. There are a few things to keep in mind though.
Clashing colours and prints can leave an outfit looking jumbled, so try to pick one colour vibe. Stick to one colour scheme and use it throughout the full outfit — this helps your garments complement each other and prevents an outfit that looks like it’s been thrown together!
Animal prints are particularly bold, so be careful not to overuse them. Often, animal prints don't match well with other animal prints. 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.
Now you know everything you need to take your outfit game up a level with bold prints and patterns! The main thing to remember is to wear what you feel confident in, change the fashion rules if you want to!
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This post is in collaboration with Quiz.
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