How to wear patterns like a pro

With a few styling tips, you can master the art of wearing prints like a pro.

Prints offer a bold way to make an ordinary outfit stand out. From monochromes and geometrics to florals and animal print, they can be used to flatter, accentuate or minimise different body shapes. And there are a number of ways to make the most of these striking patterns.

BASE COLOURS
Unless you’re wearing print on print or a single printed item like a dress or jumpsuit, it’s always a good idea to choose a plain coloured item to go with your printed piece. While black and white prints go with any colour, others may need a little matching.

GEOMETRICS
Although geometric prints are bolder than most, they can give you an air of sophistication. They come in different shapes, but the most common are triangles, houndstooth and quadrilaterals (squares). If you fancy a clash of prints, wear houndstooth items together or triangles and quadrilaterals – and you can also try mixed geometric prints together, so long as the colours are complementary or similar.

BODY SHAPE: These flatter any body shape; how well they sit on the body depends on the garment’s structure. Fuller-figured women should avoid larger prints and bright colours that could make their shape appear wider and, instead, opt for smaller prints in more muted colours.

Related article: 3 Ways to get that boho style

BLACK & WHITE
Anyone can rock a black and white printed outfit featuring polka dots, or horizontal or vertical stripes. These prints look especially good with plain black base items or denim – think a black-and-white houndstooth jacket over denim or black flares. Then, add a pop of colour with an accessory for a striking and complementary contrast.