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 dressر.س8,630.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmediumlarge - out of stock
KHAITEBlake zebra-print calf hair and leather shoulder bag
NOUR HAMMOURDoran paneled textured-leather jacketر.س6,290.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmallmediumlargex 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 blazerر.س5,920.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - low stock810 - low stock12 - low stock1416 - out of stock18
MATTEAUStriped organic cotton-poplin shirt
SOPHIE BUHAIPetite Wave silver cuff
KHAITEDemi satin midi skirtر.س6,390.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock24 - low stock6 - low stock8 - low stock10
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 jacketر.س2,805.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size30 - out of stock323436384042 - low stock44 - out of stock
MCQUEENFloral-print crepe midi dress
DOLCE&GABBANAFloral-print silk-twill wide-leg pantsر.س8,900.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - low stock4244 - out of stock46 - out of stock
AEYDESofie leather ankle bootsر.س2,340.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock3637 - low stock38 - out of stock3940 - low stock4142 - low stock
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 sweaterر.س1,705.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - low stockx smallsmallmediumlargex largexx large - out of stock
SAVETTESlim Symmetry leather tote
EMILIA WICKSTEADLorelei floral-print faille midi skirt
TOM FORDCroc-effect leather slingback pumpsر.س6,005.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - low stock36.5 - out of stock37 - low stock37.5 - low stock3838.5 - low stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock4040.541 - low stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
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