“5 Ways to Style Your Favorite Denim Jacket”

Bold prints and patterns can be a statement-making addition to any wardrobe, but many people struggle with how to wear them without feeling overwhelmed or looking too “busy.” The key is finding a balance between statement pieces and complementary accessories, while maintaining a cohesive and intentional look. If you’re looking to experiment with bold prints and patterns, this guide will help you feel confident in your choices and show you how to incorporate these eye-catching designs into your everyday outfits.

1. Start with One Statement Piece

When it comes to bold prints and patterns, the safest approach is to let one piece stand out as the focal point of your outfit. This could be a dress, blouse, or even a pair of pants. By keeping the rest of the outfit simple, you allow the print to shine without overwhelming your look.

How to Style It:

• Bold Print Dress: If you’re wearing a dress with a large, colorful print (floral, animal print, or geometric), pair it with solid-colored shoes and accessories.
• Patterned Pants: Opt for a simple neutral top (such as a white tee or a black blouse) to let your bold-patterned pants take center stage.

Example: A floral maxi dress with a vibrant, oversized print looks stunning when paired with nude sandals and a minimal clutch bag. If you’re wearing a pair of animal print trousers, a white button-up shirt or simple black tee balances the boldness.

2. Balance Bold Prints with Neutrals

The easiest way to style bold prints is to pair them with neutral pieces that ground your outfit. Think black, white, beige, grey, or navy. These colors provide a calming backdrop that lets the print be the star of the show without clashing with other bold elements.

How to Style It:

• Printed Skirt + Neutral Top: Pair a brightly colored printed skirt (such as a floral or abstract pattern) with a simple neutral blouse or sweater.
• Striped Top + Solid Pants: A striped or polka-dotted top looks chic when paired with solid pants or skirts in complementary colors.

Example: A bold, patterned midi skirt (think large floral or geometric) looks chic when paired with a solid black t-shirt and nude heels. This keeps the focus on the skirt while still offering balance.

3. Mix Patterns, But Keep It Cohesive

Mixing patterns is one of the most exciting ways to wear bold prints, but it’s important to ensure that the overall look feels cohesive. The key is to pair prints with different scales or to mix prints that share one common color or theme. When done correctly, this technique can elevate your outfit and give it a modern, fashion-forward edge.

How to Style It:

• Mix Print Sizes: Pair a large, bold print with a smaller, subtler pattern. For example, combine a big floral print with a thin striped top.
• Color Coordination: Choose patterns that share similar hues or color tones. For instance, a plaid shirt with a polka-dot skirt in the same color palette will feel harmonious.

Example: If you want to mix patterns, try pairing a striped blazer with a floral blouse or polka-dot skirt. The key is to ensure that the patterns don’t compete with each other but instead complement one another.

4. Use Prints as Accents

Sometimes, you don’t need to go all-in with bold prints—adding small touches of patterns through accessories can have just as much impact. Bold prints in scarves, handbags, shoes, or jewelry can inject personality into a more neutral outfit without feeling overwhelming.

How to Style It:

• Patterned Accessories: Choose a printed scarf or a statement handbag that adds interest to your outfit without overshadowing the rest of your look.
• Printed Shoes: A pair of leopard print boots or snake print flats can be the perfect complement to a simple black dress or tailored pants.

Example: Wear a simple, monochromatic outfit (like a black dress) and elevate it with a bold-patterned handbag or shoes. A leopard print bag or a colorful, patterned scarf can add a touch of fun and flair without overpowering the outfit.

5. Go Monochromatic with Bold Prints

One way to ensure that bold prints look cohesive is by sticking to a single color or tone. A monochromatic outfit with different shades of the same color can allow the print to stand out while keeping the overall look harmonious. This style works particularly well with prints like florals, paisleys, and animal prints.

How to Style It:

• Monochromatic Patterned Outfit: Choose a bold print in a single color family. For example, a red floral dress with matching red accessories, or a blue striped jumpsuit with similar-toned shoes.

Example: A navy blue and white striped dress can be worn with a matching navy bag or shoes, ensuring that the print doesn’t overwhelm. Sticking to the same color family throughout your outfit creates a seamless, coordinated look.

6. Play with Texture Alongside Prints

When working with bold prints, combining different textures can add depth to your outfit. A printed dress or top looks stunning when paired with fabrics like leather, velvet, or denim. This combination adds visual interest and keeps the outfit from feeling too “flat” or repetitive.

How to Style It:

• Leather with Prints: A floral blouse looks chic when paired with leather pants or a leather jacket. The combination of textures creates a contrast that elevates the overall look.
• Denim + Prints: A denim jacket works beautifully over a printed dress or top, providing a structured element that balances out the flowiness of a bold print.

Example: A colorful floral dress can be paired with a distressed denim jacket and leather ankle boots. The combination of the soft, feminine print with the tougher textures of denim and leather adds an edge to the overall look.

7. Keep Accessories Minimal When Wearing Bold Prints

When wearing bold prints, it’s important to avoid overwhelming the outfit with too many accessories. Let the print take the spotlight and keep your jewelry and other accessories to a minimum.

How to Style It:

• Simplicity is Key: Stick to simple, classic accessories like stud earrings, a thin chain necklace, or a minimalist watch.
• Bold Print + One Statement Accessory: If you’re wearing a bold print, add one statement accessory (like oversized earrings or a chunky bracelet) rather than overloading with multiple bold pieces.

Example: If you’re wearing a bold animal print skirt, keep the rest of your look simple with a black top, nude heels, and minimal gold jewelry. This will allow the print to remain the focus of your look.

8. Break Up Prints with Solid Layers

To balance the boldness of a print, you can use solid layers like jackets, cardigans, or blazers to break up the outfit. These layers add structure and sophistication while ensuring that your bold prints don’t overwhelm your silhouette.

How to Style It:

• Layer with Solids: Pair a bold printed top with a solid-colored jacket or blazer to keep the look grounded.
• Add a Solid Scarf or Outerwear: If you’re wearing a printed dress, pair it with a simple solid cardigan or jacket for an elegant, polished finish.

Example: A colorful floral blouse can be paired with a tailored black blazer and slim trousers for a refined work look, or a solid-colored trench coat can be worn over a printed dress for a chic street style look.

Final Thoughts

Bold prints and patterns are the perfect way to infuse personality and creativity into your wardrobe. Whether you’re layering prints, pairing them with neutrals, or using accessories to add a pop of pattern, the key is to maintain balance and let the print shine without overwhelming your look.

By experimenting with different patterns, colors, and textures, you’ll discover how fun and versatile styling bold prints can be. The most important thing is to wear them with confidence—patterns are meant to be noticed, and with the right styling, you’ll look effortlessly chic and on-trend.

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