Do bold prints overwhelm you? Fear not, here are super-simple tricks to rock those prints effortlessly like your fav B-town celebs.
We know how much you love the look of bold prints – those striking stripes, lovely florals, vivid animal spots, and voguish geometrical patterns – but when it comes to actually wearing them, that feels a bit like walking into a room full of aunties’ stares, right? You worry, “Will I look chic…or chaotic?” Relax fellow fashion lovers, the experience of wearing statement patterns doesn't have to be intimidating. Afterall, styling is all about making smart choices and striking a balance. You might be a novice in bold prints or simply looking for novel ideas to wear them. Nonetheless, with the following four super-easy ways listed to rock those bold patterns like a pro – you'll relieve yourself of all the angst and just get going with these prints which are perfectly suited for our vibrant Indian culture.
Honestly, stripes are the OG pattern, anytime. They feel fresh yet elegantly timeless. The key to nail this pattern is to consider their sizes and placements.
It's best to start with classic Breton stripes (navy and white). A simple tee or a knit top with Breton stripes is foolproof. Wear it with your favourite pair of jeans, or solid-coloured palazzos, or even a plain cotton shirt. This attire screams “French-girl-meets-desi-cool.
Want to amp up the striped look to a bolder scale? Try vertical stripes or wider stripes on a kurta or a dress. Vertical lines are super flattering. Alternatively, you can go for stripes only on certain parts of your outfit, say the sleeves or the border of an anarkali. Interesting, classy and comfortable on an equal scale.
(@viralbhayani/Instagram
Bebo, our very favourite Kareena Kapoor Khan, has often been spotted wearing striped T-shirts, and even trousers and jackets. In this video, she's seen sporting a breezy, oversized vertical-striped T-shirt on top of a pair of loose fitting off-white trousers. Just the perfect attire for Mumbai's humid weather.
Don't restrict the beauty of floral prints to garden parties – these prints are now blooming everywhere. Be it weddings, dinner parties or a homely get-together, floral patterns are everywhere now. To avoid looking like a sofa cover, it's important to consider the size and scale of the prints, and what you pair them with.
If you are trying florals for the first time and prefer subtlety, start with small floral prints and sprigged calicos. A winsome floral-print blouse tucked into a flowy skirt or a pair of solid culottes will give you that effortless chic look.
Big, pronounced, and dramatic floral patterns are indeed stunning, but it sure does need anchoring. Pair a bold floral-printed saree (like chiffon or georgette) or an anarkali with a solid coloured, deep-toned blouse or dupatta. For the blouse and dupatta, choose colours like emerald green, navy, or black – simple, not gaudy. Let the florals do the talking.
(@priyankarkapadia/Instagram
In this look by Magda Butrym, Janhvi Kapoor nails the red and pink-hued rose print on a white, calf-length midi dress. The dramatic florets on the form-fitting dress accentuates her curves to perfection, making her look absolutely stunning.
Squares, chevrons, triangles, lines – geometric patterns add a modern and sharp twist to the attire. The key is to not let the prints overwhelm your silhouette.
Geometric patterns look the best on structured pieces like a well-fitted shirt, a sharp A-line dress, or even a pair of tailored pants. The straight lines of the geometric patterns perfectly complement the clean lines on the garment. Wear a geometric-patterned well-fitted shirt tucked into a pencil skirt or tailored trousers to add a sense of class and sophistication to your ensemble.
Want to mix and match different geometric patterns? Well, that might be a bit advanced but here's an easy way to do it. Start simple by pairing a geometric-patterned top with a different, but subtle geometric design on a scarf or bag. For instance, you can go for smaller dots with larger triangles. Make sure to keep the colours within the same family to harmonize the look, otherwise it might not sit well.
(@malaikaaroraofficial/Instagram
In a spectacular photoshoot in 2023, Malaika Arora Khan donned Naeem Khan’s striking, crimson short dress featuring multi-coloured geometric patterns. The “Chaaiya Chaaiya” dancer, who's known for her passion for fitness and sense of fashion, amped up her style quotient in this bold and dramatic red mini geometric pattern dress. She looks absolutely stunning to say the least.
What comes to mind when we talk about animal prints? Zebra, leopard, cheetah, snake, cow, crocodile and even Dalmatian! These prints are inherently bold. So, the trick is to treat them as neutrals, and not some crazy, overpowering prints. The fun part is animal prints can be paired with everything.
Okay, maybe you don't want to wear something with animal prints, but you can surely accessorize. Think a snakeskin clutch, a zebra printed scarf, a leopard print belt or cheetah print flats – they instantly add a dash of energy to your look without going full jungle. Pair them with the simplest pair of jeans you own, and a comfortable tee, or even a little black dress. See the magic unfold.
Ready for the ultimate game-changer? Choose one animal print garment – it can be a classic leopard print midi skirt, a zebra printed pair of trousers, or even a sleek snakeskin print top. Let the prints do the talking. Keep everything else as simple and solid as possible – think denim, or white, camel, beige shades.
(@kyliejennercloset/Instagram
A few days back, after attending Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding, Kylie Jenner was spotted with her kids wearing a loud cheetah-print travel loungewear in the airport. Animal prints are making a daring return to the runways and fashion enthusiasts’ wardrobes this year, and who better to sport the look than the fashion Diva Kylie herself? The dress looked extremely comfortable yet stylish. The cropped top and the curve-hugging low rise pants feature the same cheetah print.
So, there you have it – some super helpful tips on how to rock prints. Remember, wearing bold prints isn't about going by a strict rulebook; it's about having fun, experimenting with different looks, and choosing the one that fits you well. Now, drop the pattern jitters. Rock those florals, geometrics, stripes and animal spots. Happy styling!
