I'm Starting To See A Pattern...

Even if you spend the rest of the year dressed in head to toe black now is the time to give in to summers wild array of prints and patterns. These aren't boring basic florals or even the Pucci-wannabe mod redux we've been seeing a lot of lately they're abstract, bold, eye-catching designs that are easy and fun to wear. Now these Celia Birtwell meets Jackson Pollock prints were all over the spring/summer runways so you can expect to see them everywhere this summer.


Masterful Missoni prints through the seasons


Prints can be tricky and I admit to being one of the most floral-phobic individuals on earth but these new school abstract florals and colorful graphic inspired prints are very user friendly. As with everything else there are tricks to wearing them.

Rules:

- Keep It Simple: I know I say that for just about every trend but they're words to live by. Too much of any good thing can take a look from trendy to tragic in an instant. Unless you're going for a mix & match look its usually best to keep it to one patterned piece per outfit. If you're doing a patterned blouse pair it with pants or a skirt in a solid color.


- Mix Master: If your feeling brave and wish to mix prints and patterns for an eclectic look remember to seek out coordinating colors. Look at the 3rd outfit in the Missoni pictures, there are two very different prints within the outfit but the colors all blend together to create a uniform look. Also keep in mind the types of patterns your mixing. Its usually best to mix opposing patterns like a floral with stripes. Too much of the same and you risk clashing.

- Look Within: When coordinating your accessories with your prints chose colors that are either within the print itself or go with everything neutrals. Granted one never wants to get too "matchy" but the easiest way to coordinate is to find colors that already a part of the print. If you're more into an eclectic look you can also mix in colors that are harmonious aka opposite each other on your good old art class color wheel. An all blue patterned shirt will look great with a pair of orange flats, trust me on this.

- Try Something New: Part of the reason prints can be so intimidating is due to the fact that there are so many bad prints out there. We've all seen the eerily reminiscent of wallpaper florals or the done to death bandana paisley patterns and frankly were too stylish for that. The best prints around right now are abstract and just a little bit retro. Look for bold patterns with an artistic quality.

- Never Mind The Bullocks: I have heard far too many people say "I can't wear prints, they'll make me look bigger" and I'm really tired of this kind of thinking. I'm not overly concerned with what makes anything look bigger or smaller instead I'd rather focus on what keeps things in proportion. If you feel your losing your shape in a giant flowing printed blouse throw on a solid belt. It balances things out and will show off curves instead of drowning them in too much material. And if you do feel self conscious wear prints on parts of your body you wish to show off. Prints draw the eyes in so use them to display your best features. Most of all don't ever say you can't wear something because of blah blah insert percieved notion here, judge each piece of clothing individually. Cut and fit are the most important things when it comes to looking good so focus on that first and foremost.


Printed Tunics: All from Anthropologie
Shoes: Bottega Veneta chain link sandals, Bottega Veneta Heeled Sandals, Fendi heels & K Jacques St. Tropez gladiator sandals available at Net-A-Porter
Bracelets: Scott Stephen, Giles & Brother, Scoop & Ben Amun

Now I've gone ahead and created four outfits each featuring prints in the form of a colorful tunic tops from Anthropologie, a store that never met a print it didn't like. I love tunics for summer because they're light , simple and go with just about anything. Throw on sneakers and you're good for a picnic, heels and you're good for an evening out. These combinations can be worn with jeans or shorts or whatever tickles your fancy. These serve simply to illustrate how versatile prints can be. Any of the accessories can be mixed and matched with the tops themselves and combined in an array of ways. Add on a great bag and a few dangling chains and your pretty much set.