I think most of the time designers feel that these prints “distract” or “compliment” our shape, but really – they just make women look gigantic and possibly shabby unnecessarily.
Just because those prints are available doesn’t mean you have to wear them. Here are a few tips on avoiding these dreaded looks:
1. Keep The Colors Neutral and Clean If you avoid bright colors against black and stick with the neutrals it will give you an overall classier look.
The black paired with bright colors is just too much. You notice the print and not the woman. If you stick with a softer color, but still have a cool print, you're set!
2. Don’t Go Overboard If there is a print, the style of garment must be simple – don’t go flashy print and fancy design (ruffles, beading, asymmetrical). Any print must be accompanied by a simple design. Less is definitely more in this scenario!
3. Pick A Size of Print That Matches Your Body Don’t go too small or too big. Too small of a print won’t get noticed from far away and it may actually give you that Laura Ashley vibe unintentionally, and going to big with the print with make you look foolish and out of the loop.
The brown fabric in this image is neutral and the right size - not too big, not too small.
4. Look For Contemporary Prints At the moment, stripes, dots, floral and animal prints are big, but that doesn’t mean you can wear every style.
-Don’t go too narrow on the stripe, don’t go too small on the floral.
-Keep the dots smaller, don’t go crazy or it will look clown-like.
-If it’s a bird or horse print you can’t really go wrong, but again, keep the other rules in mind – neutral/soft colors work best with the proper size pattern (I’d say the images should be anywhere from 1”- 2” wide depending on how many are on the garment).
-Avoid colorful animal prints when wearing cougar/leopard patterns - keep it grey/black if possible.
From this image you can see how keeping the print all in one color tone and smaller is classier than bright, large blotches, right?
5. Don’t Be Intimidated By Prints or Stripes Horizontal stripes can look great if you have the right fit! By avoiding horizontal stripes you really are hindering your style quotient – they are so hot right now!
All you need to do is add a belt that cinches the waist and a long necklace that hangs mid bust point and you’re set. Those 2 things will really elongate you. For good measure, throw your hair up in a stylish bun and watch the compliments roll in!
Look at this picture - the vertical stripes (which people always say make you look slimmer - lie) are so tiny they are hard to look at. If you buy a blouse with this print you will most likely blind everyone you meet!
6. Play It Safe Just wear prints on your accessories! If you’re afraid you’ll make a mistake (or if contemporary prints aren't available in your area), a great way to start incorporating prints is to only use them in accent pieces – scarves, a purse, shoes, etc. That way they won’t be too overwhelming. Keep the rest of your clothes one tone and add a fab scarf around your neck – people will love it - Trust me!
Remember all these tips when shopping - It will help you avoid some style mistakes and hopefully add some classy into your wardrobe!
xoxo
Stefanie
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