How To Wear Clashing Patterns And Prints

Calling all maximalists: now is your time to shine. Clashing, riotous prints are in, delivering a welcome dose of sartorial dopamine to our 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.

Perhaps the chicest way to wear print now is on a skirt, so waste no time adding Dries Van Noten’s summer-in-the-city sarong to your shopping basket. Decorated with a collage of fragmented marble motifs, inspired by Millefiori glass paperweights, it comes in an effortless wrap silhouette and looks beautiful with a block-color tank – but really comes alive when paired with Polo Ralph Lauren’s striped shirt. Accessorize with toe-cap heels to the office or dinner, adding extra polish via Dragon Diffusion’s woven leather tote and Lié Studio’s gold-plated ‘The Harper’ hoops.

Minimalists, there’s no need to despair, because it is possible to embrace this trend in a way that still feels true to your style. The trick is to break up statement prints with clean, pared-back separates or accessories. For example, Faithfull’s polka-dot ‘Valeria’ Capri pants and Saint Laurent’s paisley-print silk scarf look less busy worn together when styled with Flore Flore’s simple yet perfectly cut white tee and Jude’s wedges. However, if you live by a more-is-more philosophy, then take cues from writer Susie Bubble by adding a checked jacket and spotty shoes into the mix.