Adding a bold pattern or print to your look is the easiest way to show that you’ve seriously thought about your outfit and emphasized your individual style. A pattern is any repeating image in the threads of a material, while a print is a pattern that is printed on a fabric rather than woven or embroidered onto it. These words are often used interchangeably to distinguish patterned clothing from any plain clothing. Some of the most popular patterns and prints include checks, stripes, polka dots, animal and floral prints, oriental prints, abstract geometric shapes, herringbone and houndstooth.
Our topic today is how to wear trendy prints correctly and how to combine prints with plain clothes or with each other.
HOW TO WEAR A PRINT
Learning how to use only one print in one look will give you a great foundation for mixing different prints into your outfits later on.
I suggest wearing printed pieces with something more neutral. The easiest way to incorporate a print into your current wardrobe is to find a piece of clothing that can be worn with layered looks, such as a printed shirt under a jacket or blazer. The jacket will cover most of the print, revealing just a hint of it. And if you take off the jacket, you can demonstrate the print in all its glory.
Trust yourself. Prints are an individual style: you do not have to adapt to the fashion trends of the season, just choose prints and patterns that you like. However, if you feel like updating your look, 2021 print combinations include watercolors, florals, leopard, giraffe and zebra prints. They look best on silk dresses, jumpsuits, blouses and capes.
TIPS FOR MIXING PRINTS AND PATTERNS
It’s a common misconception that you can’t mix patterns, yet some of the most stylish trends involve combinations with different types of prints. Mixing prints is a way to show confidence and add some mystery to your look. Here’s what I can advise.
To get started, choose clothes with basic, simple prints, such as a long-sleeved striped dress, a polka-dot dress, or a dress in small flowers. Then add a more prominent accent. For example, try a classic striped T-shirt with a more interesting geometric pattern on the top. The lines in both patterns will complement each other and the simple stripe will act as a neutral background.
If you want more bold decisions, use opposite prints in clothes. Combining bright patterns like leopard print and plaid might seem like a fashion faux pas, but picking two prints that don’t have similarities is a big power. Finish off the look with a neutral piece of clothing like a black blazer or denim jacket.
One of the easiest ways to mix patterns is to layer prints in different sizes. Combining a small scale print with a large scale pattern allows the smaller scale to work as a neutral background. So a tiny floral print skirt can be paired with a plaid blazer for a grunge look.
