#FashionTips: How to dress in prints and patterns like a pro

When it comes to dressing in prints and patterns, most ladies shy away from the trend because they find print and patterns complex to match up, and too bold.

However, when you properly dress in prints and patterns, it doesn’t have to look extra or give a busy vibe.

Prints and patterns can actually elevate your wardrobe from basic to chic.

Here are a few tips to help you dress in prints and patterns like a pro:

Work with colours not prints

When matching and mixing prints, most people think it is about matching the prints alone when actually it is all about working with the same colour scheme. When you mix prints that have different colour schemes; that is where the problem begins.

For instance, black and white polka dots go best with black and white strips, this way the prints are different but the colour scheme is maintained.

Always remember to work with a uniform colour scheme, so that you look like you know what you are doing.

Have a solid base colour

This can either be a blazer, a kimono, a skirt or a trouser in a solid colour. Having one item in your outfit that is bold and solid acts as the base for your whole outfit. It gives a visual illusion that you are mixing a lot of prints when actually one item in your whole outfit might be the only print.

Ensure that the solid base you decide to work with has an amazing design to it that can complement your entire outfit.

Remember that the base colour you go for should at least match the prints you are working with.

Mix up different scales and patterns

Working with prints is like playing with building blocks. Having prints of different scales helps in adding your outfit structure.  Structure is the key to knowing your prints, like when matching polka dots and strips, their scales are different but they can work together.

Whether you decide to pair up floral, hounds mouth, strips or graphics in an outfit it is all up to you so long as you remember the golden rule of working with a single colour scheme.

Remember, it is the outcome that counts, not what you match up.

Match same prints in different colours

This is also another trick to looking chic when working with prints, always match the same kind of prints in different colours.

For instance, if you decide to put on a black and white striped pant and pair it with a striped yellow and white blouse.

They might be different colours but their scales and structure is the same and the result will be amazing. This tip is mainly useful when working with prints like strips and polka dots because they already have distinct patterns to work with.

Accessorize your outfits

When working with prints and patterns, accessories are very important in completing the final look. The kind of accessories you decide to put on can either elevate your look or lower it.

The key to accessorizing is by adding an accessory to the place where prints and patterns are least saturated.

If the skirt is the print, then having a bold necklace or bangle would do, depending with what you are going for. However, if the blouse is the print, doing a bold necklace would be too much.

When working with a print blouse, do an accessory like a belt or dangling earrings.

Tip: When starting your prints and patterns journey, avoid vertically striped shirts because they will make you look plump and shorter. However, horizontally striped shirts are the best, they are bolder and more sleek.