Prints - The fine line between fabulous and disastrous!

From runways across the fashion capitals of the world to high streets across the globe, prints are definitely the flavour of the season. Balenciaga, DKNY, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Versace all included prints in their Spring/Summer ’10 collections and they were as varied as the designers themselves. Geometric, graphic, abstract, floral, and every other kind of print one can possibly think of have been spotted this season on runways and subsequently on high streets. Prints allow you to experiment, are fun, versatile and can camouflage, accentuate and draw attention, all at the same time. Their versatility is what makes them hard to pulloff

because if they are not worn the right way, prints look loud and garish. The trick therefore, is to wear prints to your advantage in a manner that accentuates your assets and plays down your flaws. So how does one wear prints without looking completely horrendous?

Begin with accessories

For those of you who are novices with print, accessories are a great place to start and can add excitement to any outfit in solid colours. Think patterned or printed bags, shoes, scarves, belts etc, and feel free to be as bold and brash as you like! One statement accessory does the job, however if you are feeling bold indulge yourself with two in similar prints and colours. But never (I cannot stress on this enough) wear more than two patterned pieces and always pair them with an outfit in solid colours.

Balance it out

You can go as bold and creative with you prints as you like, but always remember to keep a balance. If you are wearing a busy printed top, pair it with solid coloured bottom preferably in a colour that is present on the print and vice-versa. If you are top heavy, pair a solid coloured top with a printed bottom. On the other hand, if you carry your weight on your hips, pair a printed top with a solid bottom. Try this with Indian salwar suits and churidars as well and you will be surprised by the results. This trick will not only draw attention to the most flattering parts of your body it will also balance out your figure.

While wearing prints, it is essential to keep the accessories subtle, particularly while wearing printed dresses. Let the print be the focal point of your outfit, adding loud and busy accessories will take away from the print and the overall outfit will end up looking confused. Accessorise if you must with chunky bangles and bracelets or even interesting rings. This will complete your outfit, at the same time it won’t draw attention away from the prints.

Scale to size

It is essential to wear prints that are proportionate to your body structure and size to keep it from looking like a total disaster. Tall and relatively broad body structures can carry off bigger and bolder prints while petite structures are accentuated with smaller more subtle prints. Also match the type of print to your body shape, if you are on the straighter side, geometric prints and patterns like stripes, checks and abstract elements will be flattering. If you are on the curvy side choose prints that are less rigid and more flowing such as florals. One rule of thumb for all to remember while choosing a print or pattern is that each individual element on the print meaning each square or flower should not exceed the span of your palm.

Make sure it fits well

Nothing can be more unflattering than an ill-fitted garment; ill-fitted printed clothes are even worse. With prints especially, make sure that you stick to garments with clean lines and cuts otherwise you will risk looking sloppy. If you must wear a flowing printed dress or top, clinch it in at the waist (the thinnest part of all bodies) with a subtle belt to add shape and character.

Prints look fabulous and add spice to everyday wardrobes; they can just as easily end up looking drab or gaudy and be a complete disaster. The trick is to pick printed pieces based on the shape and structure of your body and your day-to-day lifestyle. Most importantly, practice makes perfect, so experiment and try different combinations and eventually you will turn into a pro with prints!