Do you have a closet full of beautiful prints and patterns, but don’t know how to wear them? Do you find yourself feeling hesitant to try all the amazing patterned pieces you see in stores? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Our article provides creative fashion tips to confidently rock any print and pattern, no matter your style. We’ll help you show off the fun, colorful side of your wardrobe boldly and bravely. Keep reading to learn how.
1. Making a Big Statement with Bold Prints and Patterns
Ready to take a big step in your fashion style? Nothing says bold more than mixing prints and patterns in your clothing. Whether you’re aiming for a daring look or subtle understatement, you can make a lasting impression with the following tips:
- Choose the Right Pieces – A super printed dress can be a bit overwhelming, so opt for a graphic blouse, a bold skirt or bottoms, and pair it with a simple top. A polka dotted belt, a tiger print scarf or a striped bag can all give your style that extra oomph.
- Mix and Match – Take prints out of their comfort zone, and mix different patterns, such as geometrical shapes, animal prints, stripes and more. Have a bold oufit or two you love to wear? Play with different textures, or pair it with neutral variations. This will let you have the last word in fashion.
- Add Colors – Match or contrast your patterns with vibrant colors. For instance, if you want to tone down a vivid print, pair it with neutrals and whites. Add a pop of color with a jacket, shoes or bright accessories – this will make your pattern-mixing clever and modern.
Your patterns and prints don’t have to fall in one category, and that’s the beauty of style – it’s yours to make and match. If wearing prints and patterns seems intimidating, start by mixing small items like scarves and bags, and gradually add printed skirts, pants and shirts to your look. Be sure to accessorize for a finished, statement-making look.
2. Understanding Color and Texture for a Put-Together Look
Choosing a color palette and texture based on your clothing pieces can help you look put together and complete the overall look.
Whether you’re shopping for specific items or just putting together a capsule wardrobe from pieces you already own, here are the basics of choosing the right hues and textures:
- Tip 1: Recognize the connectors. Certain textures and colors have little to do with current trends and more to do with giving cohesion to an outfit. Gray basics (like your t-shirt and cardigan) are like neutral connectors that marry different patterned, colored pieces.
- Tip 2: Create direction. Vary the colors’ intensity and placement for depth. Balance bright colors on the top and bottom of your outfit, and layer shades with similar depth for an outfit that transitions seamlessly through the day.
- Tip 3: Understand the basics. Lightweight fabric pieces like a cotton-poplin shirt or linen trousers can lighten a heavier look, while a textured jacket adds visual interest. Try adding small visual reminders with accessories, like a thin belt, to break up the look of the same texture.
To create a put-together look, think of your clothing pieces as a series of building blocks and look for ways to incorporate texture and color for a balanced, pulled-together style.
3. Coordinating Multiple Prints to Create a Unique Outfit
When it comes to crafting the perfect outfit, it’s all about the details. Coordinating multiple prints can be a great way to elevate a simple outfit—all you need is a bit of creativity to make a big fashion statement. Here are some tips for achieving a style-forward, put-together look.
- Choose Color Palettes with Intention: Start with the colors you want to use as the backdrop for the outfit. Look for prints in complementary colors that will work well together.
- Mix Scale: If you plan on wearing multiple prints, be sure to mix small and large patterns. Too many prints of the same size can be overwhelming and distracting.
- Vary Formal-Casual: Blend formal and casual prints in the same outfit. A classic gingham print worn with a cool animal print packs a powerful fashion punch.
- Include Solids: Solid colors provide an opportunity to reset the eye between prints. Include a statement piece like a pair of solid statement earrings for an extra bit of pizzazz.
Cotton and silk prints are usually the safest bet when you’re mixing multiple prints in an outfit. Natural materials tend to look more sophisticated and upscale than man-made materials. Focus on the color palette, the prints, and the proportions as you plan it out—and don’t be scared to step outside of your fashion comfort zone. With some imaginative styling, you can pull together an unforgettable look.
4. Accessorizing Appropriately to Enhance Your Style
Accessorizing doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be an enjoyable and creative way to express your style. With the right pieces, you can take your look to the next level and feel like a million bucks! Here are a few tips on how to accessorize in the most flattering way:
- Be Mindful of the Color: When choosing accessories, keep your color palette in mind. Choosing colors that are in the same color family or that make a stark contrast looks the most flattering.
- Think About Contrasts: When pairs accessories and clothing, it’s important to think about the contrast between the two items. Try to mix textures, fabrics and colors to achieve an interesting and unique look.
- Pay Attention to Proportions: You don’t want to go overboard with your accessories. Balance your look by using accessories of different sizes and shapes.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to craft a look that is stylish and all your own. No outfit is complete without accessories, so don’t let them go unnoticed! Whether you choose a chic hat, a dainty necklace or a sharp watch, it’s all about how you style it.
5. Embracing Different Prints and Patterns to Create a Standout Style
Prints and patterns have been a sartorial staple for many years, and for good reason. Not only do they add life and vibrancy to a look, they can also be used to create a standout style that is stylish and unique. To help create a chic yet elegant look that will leave you turning heads, here are five strategies to consider when embracing different prints and patterns.
- Seek Balance: When pairing prints and patterns, the goal for any look should always be balance. Too many conflicting patterns can be overwhelming and clash, so it’s important to have one dominant print/pattern and then scale down the others. Another idea is to focus on prints and patterns within the same colour palette, as this will also ensure balance in the look.
- Embrace Opposites: Once balance is achieved, it can also be fun to embrace contrasting prints or patterns to create a unique and eclectic style. Creating a pattern/print pairing that is both harmonious and quite unexpected can be a great way to create a standout ensemble.
- Accessorize: Accessories can make or break a look and prints and patterns are a great way to bring a special touch to any look. When accessorizing with prints and patterns, it’s important to keep the shape of the accessory in mind, such as the size and silhouette. This will ensure the accent piece doesn’t clash or take away from the overall look.
- Confidence: It takes a certain level of confidence to pull-off bold prints and patterns, but they can be highly rewarding when done right. Even if an ensemble isn’t perfect, when paired with the right level of confidence, it can still be done justice.
- Be Selective: Finally, it’s worth noting that it’s ok to be selective with printed and patterned pieces. Even if a certain trend or style seems appealing, it might not necessarily be the best choice for the event/occasion or to achieve the desired look. Select items with a sense of purpose and impression and this will ensure the best possible outcome.
Keeping the above strategies in mind when creating looks with different prints and patterns can help create a sartorial statement that’s both stylish and unique. With a combination of balance, clever contrasts and the right attitude, any look can be transformed into something remarkable.
Feeling more confident in prints and patterns is just a matter of understanding how to rock them with style and sophistication. Now you have the skills to conquer any look – from suiting up in classic stripes to making a fabulous statement in loud florals. Let your fashion choices reflect your own unique style, and watch the world start doing a double-take.
