Wednesday, March 27

Get Printed!



     All over pattern is everything right now, but these mismatched, geometric, and animal prints aren't your typical pretty Spring florals.  Probably one of the biggest fashion risks and the hardest to pull off, mixing prints is without a doubt a fashion dare.You may be thinking that you couldn’t pull this look off if you tried, but I'm here to tell you that you're wrong.  Some of my best looks of all time have started out as fashion risks.  With a few helpful pointers from me you will be on your way to properly mixin’ & matchin’!  By following these tips you'll learn how to mix prints for a look that's classic and not in your face.  So start double dipping and wear your favorite prints from top to bottom.
     It takes some getting used to, and more than a trend, it is a skill to be able to put together an outfit mixing prints correctly.  Beginners should experiment with this trend by combining two subtle types of print, like tiny polka dots with plaid.  Whether matching or clashing prints, make sure to wear all the same fabric- for example your ensemble should be all silk or all cotton.  This leaves a lot less room for error than when you're mixing patterns and textures.
     Unsure of how to embrace such a fashion-forward look for the warmer months?  I've got an easy-to-follow primer of match-ups that make sense together, involving prints that you probably already own. 

1. Pick your prints.  From bursts of florals to kaleidoscopic patterns, there's no shortage of selection in the vast array of digital prints this Spring.  Paisley, animal and floral, polka dots, stripes and checks; it's go big or go home. With this trend there are no boundaries or rules. Just pick your favorite prints and start mixing.  
     Consider stripes, polka dots, plaid and tribal prints to be neutrals. Experiment with different prints that you already have in your closet. If head-to-toe prints are intimidating, opt for a printed top and printed heels, paired with a solid pant to balance them out. Accessories can also come into play in the mixing process. Feeling brave? It’s OK to break the rules and confidently walk out in clashing prints. You only live once.

Give these pairings a try:

a. Animal on animal- the secret to making two types of animal prints look modern together is to wear one in a realistic print and the other in a more artful, graphic print.

b. Leopard and florals- this is probably the most common example of clashing prints.

c. Floral on stripes- dainty florals and soft stripes fill the same fashion space- comfy, cozy, and ladylike yet laid-back- which explains why they go so well together.  Look for a floral print that's a little more colorful and stripes in a neutral tone for maximum co-habitability.
 
2. Pair complimentary colors.  If you've never print paired before try mixing pretty pastels and neutrals.  The secret is to stick to one color palette and choose simple metallic accessories.  You can mix and match different prints and patterns as much or as little as you like — depending on your comfort level, of course.

3. Pay attention to scale.   Being mindful of the scale of your contrasting prints is of equal importance to teaming complimentary hues.  Larger, bold prints should be partnered with equally sizable prints. While smaller, more subtle patterns should be paired with ones that are comparable in size.  Note: big, bold patterns flatter the statuesque, while petite or curvy women should stick with smaller, darker motifs.  Keep everything else simple and clean.  A solid-colored blazer and shoes will finish the look.

Mixing prints seems so over-the-top that it just works. After all, fashion is all about risk-taking and pushing the envelope.  It's one of the scariest trends to attempt, but once you get a handle on print mixing, it can change your life.  When you start creating combos that you've never tried before, your potential wardrobe combinations and permutations increase exponentially, you can get dressed faster, and you'll impress your fashion friends with seemingly effortless ease. So be a daredevil this Spring and take on the print mixing challenge.

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