From The Straits Times    |

Photos: Showbit

Mixing prints without looking like a hot mess can be a bit tricky – these fashionable streetstyle stars show how to do it the right way. For more inspiration, check out these fun printed pieces that are perfect for the office.

 

Be eclectic

Viscose-blend top, $29.95, H&M, MSGM cotton-blend skirt, $530, Farfetch. Falke polyamide-blend tights, US$28 (S$37), Net-a-porter.

When compared to donning more muted, neutral pieces, wearing prints will undoubtedly make you stand out – even more so when you’re mixing different prints together. Hence, embrace the chance to be slightly weird and go out of your comfort zone. Dare to combine everything together in one outfit, such as stripes, herringbone patterns, leopard print and even fishnet stockings.

 

Pick a predominant colour

Velvet polyester blazer, $375, Mytheresa. Polyester-blend jacket, $136, Topshop. Polyamide-blend dress, $74.95, H&M

One way to make a multi-print look appear more cohesive is to have a single colour family tie the whole outfit together. For example, the different pieces in the look above complement each other nicely as most of the items are just in variations of pink and purple.

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Think of the shape

Etro satin blazer, $1,805, Mytheresa.com.  A.W.A.K.E. polyester skirt, $1,322, Farfetch. Mansur Gavriel cotton and leather pumps, US$472 (S$619), Net-a-porter.

Another trick to look put-together when combining prints is to think in terms of geometric shapes. For example, stripes will tend to go well with stripes. In the look above, the jacket and skirt look great together as they both have circular patterns, just in different sizes.

 

Pair with basics

Pologeorgis goat fur coat, US$1,625 (S$2,123), Modaoperandi. Polyester-blend coat, $109, H&M, Leather loafers, $99.90, Zara

To avoid going overboard with the print mixing, it’s easier to start out with just two different prints in a look, such as leopard and plaid in the case above. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and neutral with basics, like a plain white tee and a black skirt.

 

Play with contrast

Miu Miu cotton-blend jacket, US$1,530 (S$2,005), Net-a-porter. Viscose-blend shirt, $59.90, Zara, Polyester skirt, $74.95, H&M

For an unexpected look that will turn heads, pair items that would usually not go together. The more sports-inspired jacket here is worn with a classic striped shirt, and finished off with a silver metallic skirt and eye-catching, bold red patent boots.

 

Mind your proportions

The Elder Statesman cashmere-blend jacket, $1,984, Farfetch. Sonia Rykiel viscose pants, US$694 (S$910), Net-a-porte., Pu crossbody bag, $55.90, Mango

When your outfit is already loud with the clashing prints and cheery colours, it’s a good idea to take note of the proportions of the pieces. A cropped top matched with high-waist pants is a silhouette that is sophisticated, and always works.

 

Go all out

Yohji Yamamoto Vintage silk suit, $1,986, Farfetch, Stine Goya silk shirt, US$967 (S$1,267), Net-a-porter, Fabric clutch, $59.90, Topshop

Fashion is meant to be fun, so also be confident enough to throw all rules out the window if that’s what you want. A printed suit paired with a printed shirt with tons of standout accessories? We say yes.

 

This article was first published on Female.

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