Successfully wearing prints

A bold print can take your outfit to the next level. But a bold print can also make your outfit look like a confused mess! Picking patterns and prints is a skill, but worry no more! Men’s blazer retailer QUIZ is here with this handy guide to show you all the best ways to wear prints. 

The path to success 

There’re three things to watch out for when adding prints to your ensemble: colors, sizes, and level. You want everything to compliment, and you don’t want to go overboard. 

If you’re a newcomer to the world of prints, try matching them with solid colors to start with. 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 a color scheme is always a good tactic. A floral print that has elements of pink in the pattern is enhanced by a solid colored jacket that is the same color of print. If you want to go for two printed garments, keep your fabrics in the same color family or pick two stylish prints that share a single color. This ensures that your outfit doesn’t clash and is a safe way of mixing and matching prints. 

Wearing two different prints together can be a challenge, but it is totally achievable. 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 can wear two garments with the same print too. One good way to do this is to invert the colors 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 with in 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 jewelry in the mix too — if you’re wearing a geometric printed top, opt for jewelry of the same pattern.

Heading for a fashion disaster 

Mixing and matching patterns tends to be mainly down to confidence. There are a few things to keep in mind though.

Try and keep your outfit to one color scheme, rather than using loads of colors. Stick to one color 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 hard to wear together. For this reason, pair animal print with solid colored pieces — try out some leopard print or snake-print cami dresses with a black t-shirt beneath and black heeled ankle boots — the top and boots will bring out the print, whereas animal print shoes would have been too much.

x Aly