How-to: Bold Patterns

Hello everyone!! It's that time of the year....everyone's back-to-school shopping whether you are going back to school or not! The latest trends are being set and being the fashionable you, you have to go get those exact trends. Heed my warning....just because a celebrity can pull it off, doesn't mean that you can too. Crazy I know, but totally true. The biggest trend that is in place right now that can become bad very easily-BOLD PRINTS! Luckily for you guys, you have me to help guide you on the right path in what and how to wear the infamous bold print-be it tops, pants, shoes, and/or accessories.

Here's the low down....

-When it comes to wearing bold print TOPS:

• DO NOT wear two bold prints on top of each other! You can wear a plain color+white print with a bold top, but never pair two overly bold tops together!
• DO NOT buy the matching pants for the top. Jumpsuits are not in season (whether it is a jump suit or not). Wearing all of one print is not flattering on the majority of people. Pick one or the other....
• DO pick out a bold print top that can be worn in all seasons. The easiest way to do that-pick out a bold printed button up shirt. It can be long- or short-sleeved, both are easily layered with plain cardigans.
• DO pick out a print that you can change the look of by switching out accessories or layering pieces. Bold prints are very attractive, but you don't want to give the illusion that you wear the same shirt every week because its the only printed item you have. For instance, but a floral shirt with several colors that you also have in pants or cardigans....chances are you will be asked each time if the shirt is brand new due to how many styles it can take on with what your wardrobe has to offer.

-When it comes to bold print PANTS:

• DO NOT wear a bold print shirt with a bold print pant! Like I stated earlier in the tops section, we are not wearing jumpsuits. Pick out a pant print like polka dots or floral that are one color with white/cream as the pattern. You will have an easier time matching tops with that print than you will a pant that is blue, green, purple, and yellow striped, per se.
• DO NOT buy the printed pant because they are trendy...not all prints will flatter your body! Find one or two prints that flatter you and buy a couple of them in different styles from different stores. Excuses consisting of "it will look better when I have the right shirt on with it and my spanx underneath" are not acceptable. If it doesn't look good on, it's ok! That print is not your right print, so move on to the next piece! Not having printed pants won't kill your trendy wardrobe.
• DO pick out a simple print. For example, the pant that is in the photo "on the wings of a bird" is an ideal pair of printed pants. Another ideal pair is a light gray pant with a cream/white lacey floral look. These types of prints are versatile in look...you can dress them up or down and look stylish either way.
• DO buy the skinny leg or as close to straight leg printed pant that you can find. Boot cut and flared jeans are not meant for prints (excluding dress pants that might possibly have a print on them). The skinnier leg consisting of a bold print tone down the business of the outfit....for instance you can wear a normal length shirt or a bulky shirt/cardigan with a skinny leg and not look frumpy. Wear a bulky shirt/cardigan with a flare cut and you will look frumpy.

-When it comes to SHOES and ACCESSORIES:

• DO have fun!!!!! Just don't get too crazy.
• Shoes: go for a regular stripe, polka dot, or floral pattern. Make sure you have at least 3 outfits you can wear with them before you purchase them.
• Accessories: As long as it doesn't cover your entire front, then go for it! It still has to be flattering though...and just like the shoes, make sure you have at least 3 outfits that you can wear it with.

I hope that this helps guide you in the right direction when it comes to buying your school or "school" clothes this fall! Have fun with prints, but keep these guidelines in mind. You will look fabulous!!

Your Fashionista,

Justina