
Spring and summer are the seasons where fashion truly comes alive. The sun is out, the temperatures rise, and the world around us blooms with color. Bold prints are the perfect way to embrace this vibrant energy, but it can be tricky to know how to wear them without feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s florals, stripes, animal prints, or geometric patterns, incorporating bold prints into your wardrobe can elevate your style and make you feel more confident than ever. Here’s how to rock patterns like a pro!
The easiest way to begin experimenting with bold prints is by incorporating one printed item into your outfit. Whether it’s a printed top, skirt, or pants, make that piece the focal point of your outfit. This allows the print to shine without overwhelming your look.
- How to Do It: Choose one statement piece, such as a floral dress or a pair of striped pants, and pair it with neutral or solid-colored items. For example, if you wear a bold patterned top, balance it with simple black or white trousers.
- Why It Works: Focusing on one printed piece ensures your outfit doesn’t become too chaotic and maintains balance. The printed item becomes the star of the show while the rest of the outfit remains understated.
If you’re feeling bold and want to mix prints, it’s all about balance and harmony. Mixing prints can look chic when done right, but there are a few key guidelines to follow. Stick to patterns that complement each other in color, size, or style.
- How to Do It: Pair different prints that share a similar color palette. For example, a floral top and a striped skirt in similar colors can look fabulous together. You can also experiment by mixing large-scale patterns with smaller ones, such as pairing a big floral print with small polka dots.
- Why It Works: The key to mixing prints is to create cohesion between them. Using the same color palette or balancing the scale of the prints ensures that the outfit looks intentional rather than disjointed.
Matching sets are the ultimate solution for anyone who wants to wear bold prints without worrying about clashing patterns. A coordinated top and bottom in the same print create a seamless, stylish look that requires minimal effort.
- How to Do It: Choose a printed co-ord set, like a matching blouse and shorts, or a floral blazer and skirt. Keep accessories minimal with neutral-colored shoes and bags to let the print take center stage.
- Why It Works: A matching set takes the guesswork out of styling bold prints. The print is unified, so you don’t need to worry about clashing. Plus, it’s a chic, effortless look that works for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
If you’re not ready to commit to wearing bold prints head-to-toe, start by incorporating printed accessories into your outfits. Accessories are a great way to add a pop of personality without overwhelming your look.
- How to Do It: Pair a solid-colored outfit with bold printed accessories such as scarves, handbags, hats, or shoes. For example, you could wear a black dress with a colorful floral scarf or add a geometric print clutch to a simple ensemble.
- Why It Works: Accessories are a subtle yet impactful way to introduce prints into your wardrobe. They allow you to test the waters with bold patterns while keeping the overall look balanced.
If you want to wear bold prints to the office but are concerned about staying professional, opt for prints that have a more classic or subtle feel. Classic patterns like stripes, houndstooth, or polka dots are sophisticated yet stylish choices for work.
- How to Do It: Pair a striped blouse with a blazer and tailored pants for a polished office look. Alternatively, wear a geometric print skirt with a simple button-up shirt for a professional yet fun outfit.
- Why It Works: Classic patterns are timeless and versatile, making them perfect for work. They add personality to your professional wardrobe without being too loud or distracting.
Floral prints are a staple for spring and summer, and they come in an endless variety of styles. Whether you prefer delicate florals or bold, tropical blooms, floral prints can suit any style and can be dressed up or down.
- How to Do It: Pair a floral dress with white sneakers for a casual daytime look, or wear a floral blouse with denim jeans for a more polished outfit. For a chic evening look, go for a dark floral print dress with heels.
- Why It Works: Floral prints are synonymous with the warmer months and exude femininity and fun. They’re versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions, making them an essential pattern in your spring/summer wardrobe.
Animal prints, such as leopard, snake, and zebra, are timeless and can easily be dressed up or down. While these prints can be bold, they often act as neutral tones in your wardrobe, making them incredibly versatile.
- How to Do It: Pair a leopard print blouse with black jeans for an edgy, casual look, or wear a snake-print skirt with a simple white blouse for a chic, put-together vibe. For a daring look, try wearing a full animal print ensemble with matching accessories.
- Why It Works: Animal prints add a touch of wild sophistication to your outfit. They’re bold but can still work as neutrals when paired with solid-colored pieces, giving you flexibility in styling.
Geometric and abstract prints are a modern take on bold patterns. These prints often feature sharp lines, bold shapes, and vibrant colors, making them perfect for those who want to stand out in a crowd.
- How to Do It: A geometric print jumpsuit or dress is a great option for a statement look. You can also wear an abstract print blouse with tailored pants or a geometric patterned skirt with a solid-colored top.
- Why It Works: Geometric prints are fresh and eye-catching. They add structure to your outfit and make a statement without being too overpowering. When styled with minimal accessories, they can look modern and chic.
When wearing bold prints, it’s important to maintain balance in your outfit. If you’re wearing a loud pattern, try to keep the rest of your look simple so the print doesn’t become overwhelming.
- How to Do It: If you’re wearing a bold, floral dress, pair it with neutral accessories and shoes. Or if you’re rocking a striped top, balance it with solid-colored pants or skirts. Avoid excessive jewelry or other bold prints in the same look.
- Why It Works: Simplicity is key to not overpowering the bold print. By balancing your printed piece with minimalist accessories or neutral clothing, you create an outfit that feels intentional and stylish.
Lastly, the best way to rock bold prints is with confidence. Prints, especially bold ones, are meant to stand out, so wearing them confidently is key to pulling off the look. Own your style, embrace the fun, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
- How to Do It: When you wear a bold print, wear it with pride! Stand tall, smile, and own your look. Confidence elevates any outfit and makes bold prints look even better.
- Why It Works: Confidence is the secret ingredient to rocking any style, especially bold prints. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows, and that’s the true key to mastering bold patterns.
Bold prints are a fantastic way to spice up your wardrobe this spring and summer. Whether you’re new to prints or a seasoned pro, the key to rocking them is balance, confidence, and a little creativity. From florals and animal prints to geometric patterns and abstract designs, there’s a bold print for everyone. So, embrace the colors, shapes, and patterns that speak to you and have fun with your spring and summer style!
Which bold print are you most excited to wear this season? Let me know how you plan to incorporate patterns into your wardrobe!