FASHION The fashion obsession for prints continues in SS2013. Presently 2 of my favourites are baroques and brocades, these prints encapsulate a modern approach, bringing all 3 elements of print, pattern and texture together and making it work. Designers all over have been inspired by these great prints that not only exude luxury but also mark you fashion savvy. Something to keep in mind when combining prints, patterns and textures is colours, two different prints and patterns or a print and texture are apt to look better if they are in shades of the same colour. Another consideration is scaling and balancing; combine small prints with large prints when putting an outfit together, big stripes work pretty well with smaller stripes within the same colour scheme, prints or patterns and plaids also work very well with polka dots. This might sound like hard work but this is where the fun begins. Small women can get drowned in big prints, so its highly recommended to stay away from large prints, stick to small or medium prints that are bound to do you justice. Large women on the other hand can however bring in large prints in tops and pairing them with a solid bottom. Certain prints can also be worn as great bottoms (skirts or pants) but if you are not slim from the waistline down, don’t even go there.
To take you a step closer to the season it is essential that I mention the major print trends that are bound to make you look fashion savvy rather than a fashion disaster, keep these few points in mind next time you hit the stores.
stylised floral prints –
These prints are major, unlike the single floral pattern that we are very much used to, these set of floral prints littered all over a solid coloured background, mostly in dresses, shirt dresses or slouchy tops.
check and floral mix – This mix is one of my favourite, it combines the traditional check pattern with bold floral print, this is just a typical example of a fashion rule that was meant to be broken.
optical geometric
- This print plays with colours and shapes, the geometric shapes of this print peak from the smallest pixel to larger prints, an absolute way to draw the eye in. One rule to keep simple when spotting this trend is to keep the accessories minimal.
world traveller – The world traveller print trend is one that was introduced this season to update the already traditional prints that existed. This print has been inspired by the influential fashion destinations of the world from oriental origins to hand-painted florals, vivid colours, Indian jewelled prints, magpie mixes, stylish tie-eye, folk inspired and pictorial prints. The bottom line is to hang onto anything that screams prints, just as long as it isn’t screaming “last season”. Try to stay away from the memorable prints from seasons past and instead try to be more original with the statements you are making. How to do this if you don’t have a fortune to spend on the new catwalk looks? March your booty down to your local charity shop or vintage store. These places are overflowing with prints that have been long forgotten and are just begging for a wake up call.
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