Photo: Showbit
Keeping up with the latest colour clashing styles sported on the likes of Instagram darlings such as Yoyo Cao and Margaret Zhang can be difficult. Especially when we’ve always been taught that wearing various bright colours and prints together is a fashion faux pas. But actually, when it’s done right, you can look uber chic.
We recommend trying unconventional colour combinations — pink and red, purple and yellow, orange and yellow, lavender and mint, to name a few — and incorporating neutral hues — taupes, greys and off-white shades — for best results. Also, play with texture, volume and dimension to up the ante.
Prefer bold prints and patterns? With a bit of careful styling, you too can rock everything from feminine florals to wild animal prints with flair.
If you’re still unsure about how to approach this S/S’19 trend, fret not — we’re here to help. Read on for our tips on how to nail the look without looking ‘gaudy’ or ‘tacky’.
1. Do it with accessories
Accessories are the best and easiest way to wear this trend. Whether it’s a statement bag, shoes, earrings, necklaces, scarves or patterned bandanas and even socks, these pieces will look unique with your everyday outfits and are a great way to adding colour or prints into your wardrobe.
When in doubt, opt for vibrant hues, and the brighter the better. Try an orange bag with a navy dress, or a red scarf with a forest green dress. A yellow pair of pants with purple heels work too.
2. Rely on the staples in your wardrobe
An outfit with too many busy prints can be quite a pain to look at. Avoid wearing eye-catching items items together and take notes from Violette by pairing your prints with well-loved basics from your existing wardrobe, like denim jeans or a black leather skirt. It’s a great way to approach the trend because these are clothes you’d normally wear, and the colour pairing isn’t too divergent.
3. Master your all-denim outfit
Denim on denim is making a comeback, and it’s also a great outfit to weave the colour clashing trend into. Wear a bright canary yellow sweater under your denim jacket and over your jeans for a pop of colour. Finish the look off with an equally colourful accessory like a red patent leather bag or a green canvas tote.
#Protip: Ensure your denims are of similar hue and treatment (acid wash, distressed, etc). Another approach to this denim on denim ensemble is to team it with contrasting coloured shoes and a bag. It’ll make your outfit look more cohesive and intentional.
ALSO READ: HW’S GUIDE TO COLOUR COORDINATING YOUR OUTFIT
4. When in doubt, go with pastels or earthy tones
Go from the office to an evening date at the bar with an outfit like Zendaya’s, where brown, earthy tones set a casual mood for your day. Using a plaid print is a bonus, as it gives the appearance of a more petite, streamlined figure. Another way is to wear a vibrant outfit and then tone it down with accessories in pastel hues. Better yet, choose pieces made of different materials such as satin and wool for an interesting contrast.
5. Let your prints do the talking
Instead of donning bright shades, wear colourful prints instead — they are an easy way in achieving the colour clashing style with finesse. The key here is to match pieces with varying shades of the same colour. For example, a muted pink floral print atop a cobalt background, accessorised with a hot pink bag.
Or do it like Dilraba, who paired her printed pink dress with similarly-patterned heels and a baby pink crossbody bag. Another method is to look for pieces with metallic prints — this will elevate your outfit to a whole new level of chic.
6. Sometimes smaller is better
Known as micro-prints, these prints are a great deal smaller than regular prints – which mean that they’re not too OTT and are perfect for both casual and office wear. Whether you’re rocking mini edgy skulls or dainty feminine florals like Ariana Grande, you’ll be turning heads without getting any strange looks.
7. Make use of your outerwear
If donning a dress or top with a striking print sounds too adventurous for you, or if you find yourself struggling to find appropriate colour matches from your wardrobe, why not let your outfit shine with a jacket or blazer instead?
A loose, oversized one with a unique brown checkered print like Beyonce’s guarantees a more laid-back spin on an otherwise formal and structured silhouette. Take a cue from tip one, and pair the look with a statement yellow bag and yellow heels.
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