Prints and patterns can add life and personality to your wardrobe. Whether it’s a floral dress, a striped shirt, or animal prints, these designs help you stand out and express your style. However, many people find it tricky to style prints in a way that looks put-together and not overwhelming. The key is knowing how to mix prints, match colors, and balance patterns with other elements of your outfit. This guide will help you understand how to style prints like a professional and create fashionable outfits with ease.
Understand the Basics of Prints and Patterns
Before diving into styling tips, it’s important to understand the different types of prints and patterns available. Knowing their characteristics will help you make better choices when mixing and matching them in your outfits.
Different Types of Prints
- Floral Prints: These are one of the most common types of prints. Floral prints can be bold and bright or soft and subtle, depending on the flowers’ size and colors.
- Stripes: Stripes come in various widths and directions. Vertical stripes can create a slimming effect, while horizontal stripes add width to your look.
- Animal Prints: Patterns like leopard spots or zebra stripes bring a touch of wildness to your style. They are bold and best worn with simple clothing to avoid clashing.
- Plaid or Checkered Prints: These prints are classic and work well in both casual and more formal outfits. The key is choosing the right size of checks to avoid overwhelming your look.
Scale and Proportion
When mixing prints, it’s important to think about scale. Large prints can dominate your outfit, while smaller prints tend to have a subtler effect. If you combine a big print with a smaller one, the look will feel balanced and stylish. For example, pairing a large floral top with small polka dot pants works well because the prints are different in size.
Color Theory
When styling prints, the color is also crucial. Prints that share similar color tones will often look more harmonious. For example, a red and white striped shirt looks great with a solid red skirt. On the other hand, contrasting colors, such as black and yellow, can make the prints pop but should be balanced with neutral tones to avoid looking too busy.
How to Mix and Match Prints
Mixing prints can feel challenging, but with a few simple guidelines, you can make it look easy and stylish.
Pair Large and Small Prints
The first rule of mixing prints is balancing their size. For instance, if you’re wearing a large floral print blouse, pair it with smaller patterns like tiny polka dots or thin stripes. This allows the prints to complement each other without one overpowering the other.
Play with Color Contrast
Don’t be afraid to mix prints with contrasting colors. For example, a blue and white striped shirt can look great with a floral skirt that has both red and blue hues. If you’re new to mixing prints, start with prints that share at least one color in common. This creates a sense of unity in the outfit.
Use Accessories to Complement Prints
Accessories are a great way to add prints without going overboard. For example, a striped dress can be paired with a printed scarf or bag. When you add accessories, try to keep them in the same color family as your prints to keep the look balanced.
Avoid Overloading on Patterns
While mixing prints is fun, it’s important to not go overboard. If you already have a bold patterned top, consider keeping the rest of your outfit simple. Solid-color pants or shoes will give the prints room to shine without making you look too busy.
Styling Prints for Different Occasions
The beauty of prints is that they can be worn for many different occasions, whether it’s casual, professional, or special events. Here’s how to style prints for each.
- Casual Everyday Look
For an everyday outfit, you can wear prints that feel laid-back and comfortable. A floral blouse paired with jeans or a striped T-shirt with shorts creates a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Don’t forget to add some casual shoes like sneakers or flats to complete the look. - Office-Appropriate Prints
When wearing prints to work, aim for more subtle patterns. A pinstripe blazer or a floral pencil skirt can look professional while adding some interest to your outfit. Pair these with neutral tones, like a black blouse or beige shoes, to keep things polished. Avoid loud, clashing prints for a professional setting. - Evening and Special Events
When dressing up for an evening event or party, you can experiment with bolder prints. A floral wrap dress or animal print heels can create a striking look. Just make sure the prints aren’t overwhelming—if you wear a bold print dress, keep your accessories simple, like a solid clutch or neutral-colored shoes. - Seasonal Styling
Prints can also reflect the season. Light, floral prints are perfect for spring and summer, while plaid or checkered prints work well for cooler months like autumn and winter. For colder weather, you can layer a printed sweater or scarf over solid-colored clothing to add warmth and texture to your look.
Tips for Balancing Prints with Accessories and Layer
Accessories and layers can be the finishing touch to your outfit, but when you wear prints, it’s important to choose them wisely.
- Accessories as a Complementary Element
Instead of competing with your prints, accessories should complement them. A printed shirt or dress can look great with a solid-color bag or shoes. For example, if you’re wearing a floral dress, opt for neutral accessories like brown shoes or a black handbag. - Layering with Prints
When layering, keep it simple. A printed jacket or cardigan can be worn over a solid top. Alternatively, wear a printed scarf over a plain dress. The goal is to keep the layers from clashing with the main pattern. - Creating a Focal Point
When wearing prints, one area of your outfit should be the focal point. If you’re wearing a floral top, let it stand out and keep the rest of your outfit minimal. Accessories should support the print, not compete with it. This keeps your look chic and cohesive.
Avoid Common Mistakes When Styling Prints
While prints can enhance your style, there are some common mistakes to avoid.
Overdoing the Patterns
Too many prints in one outfit can make it look cluttered. Stick to a few key prints and balance them with solid colors. If you wear a bold printed blouse, keep your pants or accessories simple.
Ignoring Body Shape and Proportions
Not all prints are flattering for every body type. For example, horizontal stripes can make some people look wider, while vertical stripes can create a slimming effect. Choose prints that complement your body shape and make you feel comfortable.
Mismatching Colors and Prints
It’s easy to mix up colors when styling prints. The key is to make sure that the prints’ colors work well together. If you’re unsure, choose prints that share similar tones, like a blue and white striped top with a floral skirt that includes shades of blue.
Conclusion
Styling prints and patterns like a pro doesn’t require complicated rules or an eye for fashion. With a little understanding of the basics—such as mixing large and small prints, considering color contrast, and balancing prints with accessories—you can easily create stylish and harmonious outfits. Whether you’re dressing for work, a special event, or a casual day out, prints add fun and personality to your look. Keep these tips in mind, experiment with different combinations, and soon you’ll be confidently wearing prints in any situation.
