People have a tendency to steer away from print because on first impressions it can be more than a little scary.
However, when print is done properly it creates an instant statement with very little effort.
A single printed item is enough to form the basis of your outfit and once you have chosen it, simply combine with neutral pieces that you already have in your wardrobe.
If you follow this easy rule of thumb, then your fear of print will soon be forgotten as you discover the delights of leopard, floral, Aztec, tartan, houndstooth, jacquard and scarf prints.
To begin your print journey, we have put together a quick summary of the main prints on offer this season and how to style them.
Leopard
It may remind you of Coronation’s Street Bet Lynch but rest assured that leopard print can actually look very chic. Instead of making like the Rovers Return landlady and pairing your leopard print with heavy make-up and chandelier earrings, opt for a demure and elegant look. Tailored black trousers paired with a white shirt and leopard print clutch bag is a very accessible but stylish way to wear this trend. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then animal print dresses and blouses are another way to nail the look. Just remember to keep the rest of your look fresh and above all, simple is key.
Aztec
Aztec print has been around for a couple of seasons now and the trend doesn’t look set to disappear anytime soon. Bodycon dresses, leggings and denim shirts have all been emblazoned with Aztec print so there are a few ways to wear this trend. This print works best when the rest of your look is pared back, so think minimal accessories and let the loud print do the talking. Leggings are a casual but stylish option when worn with ankle boots and a long-line white vest.
Floral
Floral print has been around for many a season and we are quite happy for it to stay that way. A floral print dress or playsuit is the perfect option for a night out and you can easily recycle it with black tights and a fitted jacket for the office. Again, floral is a strong look so think carefully before choosing your accessories and don’t go overboard, tempting though it might be.
Monochrome
The old black and white combination is a trusty one, always relied upon to look smart and stylish it’s definitely a timeless classic. A houndstooth patterned coat is a winter buy that will never go out of fashion while a monochrome pencil skirt will provide the centrepiece for many an outfit. If you’re a first time print shopper, then monochrome is a safe bet.
Tartan
This print has been revived this season, instead of schoolgirl shy it’s taken on a street-style edge. A tartan print mini is as sensible as it is stylish, you can wear it with chunky knits, smart shirts and slogan t-shirts. If you dare to mix it up a little, biker boots and a white tee will have you looking effortlessly cool. Rather than adding to the print, allow it to become the focus of your outfit.
Scarf, Jacquard and Baroque Prints
These are what you might describe the next level of print and may not fare well with those who haven’t succumbed to the print craze before now. Opulent and rich, the embroidered details and luxurious fabrics of these statement prints are stunning. Introduce this print slowly by opting for jacquard trousers or pencil skirt in a block colour ensuring the texture is the centre of attention. Once you are comfortable with the look you can move it up a gear and opt for an item where both colour and prints are mixed.
As mentioned above, the easiest way to get print right is to start with one item that you really like and wear it with different outfit combinations. It won’t be long before the compliments start flooding in and you’ll wonder how you avoided the print epidemic for so long…
