How To Mix Prints And Patterns
Step out of your comfort zone and play with print this season – it’s a sure-fire way to prove your sartorial prowess, says COLLEEN ROSS
Calling all maximalists: now is your time to shine. Clashing, riotous prints are in, delivering much-needed sartorial dopamine to our winter wardrobes. Although there are no rules when it comes to which prints you can wear together (flowers and stripes? Sure. Polka dots and animal print? Absolutely), there are a few things to consider. Remember, you want your combinations to look intentional, not like you got dressed in the dark. Think of it as organized chaos, if you will. First things first: the size of each print should be noticeably different, especially if you’re sticking to one color palette. Second, if your clothes all come in contrasting motifs, unify them with a solid accessory. And third, stick to more streamlined silhouettes so that the overall look doesn’t overwhelm your frame.
Minimalists, there’s no need to despair, because it is possible to embrace the trend in a way that still feels true to your style. Just look to model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for inspiration, who effortlessly paired the delicate florals of Khaite’s ‘Gloria’ dress with a zebra-print bag at the brand’s show in New York, proving that a hint of pattern here and there can be just as impactful as wearing prints from top to toe.
KHAITEGloria floral-print silk-chiffon dress€1,990.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
KHAITEBlake zebra-print calf hair and leather shoulder bag
NOUR HAMMOURDoran paneled textured-leather jacket€1,420.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - low stockmediumlargex large - out of stock
KHAITEDanielle Stretch high-waist straight-leg jeans
However, if you do want to go all in, why not elevate your office uniform? Simply choose more traditional patterns, such as checks and pinstripes, which show you mean business. Replicate The Attico co-founder Gilda Ambrosio’s impeccable fashion-week look with Matteau’s striped organic-cotton poplin shirt and Max Mara’s houndstooth blazer, paired with either a contrasting checked skirt or Khaite’s butter-yellow satin midi.
MAX MARADouble-breasted houndstooth wool and cotton-blend blazer€588.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock16 - out of stock18
MATTEAUStriped organic cotton-poplin shirt€273.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size1 - out of stock2 - out of stock3 - out of stock4 - low stock5
SOPHIE BUHAIPetite Wave silver cuff
KHAITEDemi satin midi skirt€1,480.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock2 - out of stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock810 - out of stock
Statement floral prints are set to be huge for spring, so consider this the perfect opportunity to get ahead. Decorated with painterly wildflowers, McQueen’s tea dress looks beautiful worn alone but really comes alive when paired with Dolce&Gabbana’s rose-print pants. Pair them with heels for dinner, or dress them down for daytime with Toteme’s oversized waxed jacket from our NET SUSTAIN edit and Aeyde’s ‘Sofie’ ankle boots.
TOTEMEOversized corduroy-trimmed waxed organic cotton jacket
DOLCE&GABBANAFloral-print silk-twill wide-leg pants€1,225.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock38 - out of stock4042 - out of stock44 - out of stock46 - out of stock
AEYDESofie leather ankle boots€495.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - low stock37 - out of stock38 - out of stock39 - out of stock40 - out of stock41 - low stock42 - out of stock
DRIES VAN NOTENDraped striped devoré-satin camisole
If the thought of mixing multiple colors on top of multiple prints puts you in a spin, then stick to one or two tonal shades instead. Suddenly, even your most out-there print pairings will make sense. Knitted from a burgundy wool and cashmere-blend, La Ligne’s ‘Marin’ sweater is patterned with red stripes that match the base color of Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Lorelei’ pencil skirt, all the while clashing with the scattered blue blooms. Wear them together with slingbacks and a clutch for lunch dates and networking events.
LA LIGNEMarin striped wool and cashmere-blend sweater€188.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - low stockx smallsmallmedium - out of stocklargex large - out of stockxx large - out of stock
SAVETTESlim Symmetry leather tote
EMILIA WICKSTEADLorelei floral-print faille midi skirt
TOM FORDCroc-effect leather slingback pumps€552.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3636.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock3838.539 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
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