Some outfits from the fashion catwalk are real works of art. You look at them astonishingly and realize that despite the different textures and patterns the result is surprising and harmonious. Then, you grab the inspiration and try to copy it by mixing some prints. You look yourself in the mirror, so happy and confident to have found a new look, but the reflected image does not convince you. Actually, those patterns seem to give you a few more years. And you could be mistaken for a hanger full of things, thrown in there and meaningless.
What’s the difference between the look we made and the one we saw on the catwalk that has inspired us?
Everything and nothing, it is just like that. We, over 40 and over 50, have solid roots inherited from our mother and grandmother who forbade us to wear more than one print at a time. Prejudices that we continue to wear unconsciously, but that we have to shake off. To resume a positive attitude and gain more confidence when we get out of the usual path and comfort zone. It is not a question of age. Prints and patterns, if well mixed and matched, are for everyone.
Rather, it’s a matter of elegance and personality that can emerge from the clothes we wear. A real challenge for those who love the mix and match style, that of knowing how to masterfully mix the prints without shattering the elegance that distinguishes us, responding to a desire for freshness that wants to anticipate spring.
How to mix prints and patterns, the golden rules to style like a pro
Can a zebra get along with a leopard? Or some flowers lying on a lawn of circles and triangles? Yes, absolutely! If they have something in common, like the colour. The easiest rule about pairing prints deals with the choice of pieces in the same colour palette or family, or in the same predominant colour. Like, for example, putting together black and white stripes with zebra prints, coloured flowers with the checks and hearts in the same shades, or prints that share the same shades or saturation of a hue.
There is more. Maybe our mother and grandmother will disagree, but we can also combine
similar geometric prints but with different scales and that share the same colours.
And also different geometric patterns but in the same colours, or identical ones and in different colours. In general, for those who are approaching this topic for the first time, the advice is to play with combinations of fantasies of medium or small size, leaving the bold ones to the experts. If you have fallen in love with an item of clothing with a large or loud print, then complete the outfit with something more neutral, smaller in size and in the same colours to let just one print dominate.
It should also be noted that for some time there has been a tendency to classify some patterns as neutrals – stripes, geometries and polka dots – provided that they are in two or three basic colours chosen among white, black, beige and blue. Their features let them be mixed easily with the floral prints, with which they share at least one colour. This mix brings some joy and freshness to elegant and classic looks.
On the net, I have seen many beautiful and bold combinations, really amazing to see on models walking the catwalk. You know, however, that I prefer to seek something balanced and lasting in time, rather than pursue passions dictated by the last gasp of the heart. For this reason, I am sharing these style hacks with you that can be of some help, any time you want to change a bit your personal style.
Other great tips deal with complements and accessories.
Remember to add to your outfit items in classic neutral colours if the whole result is already coloured, otherwise, light it with pieces in a bright colour if white, black, grey or beige predominate. The result will be surprising and special, without forgetting class and elegance.
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