mastering styling patterns and colour

Have you longed to learn how to style eye-catching prints and colour but hesitated to take the plunge?

You’re not alone!

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently incorporate prints and colour into your wardrobe, flattering your unique body type and shape.

Beyond Bold: Embracing Colour & Prints

Before we dive in, let’s banish the myth that colour and prints must be loud and overwhelming.

Subtle patterns and pops of colour are equally stunning.

Delicate florals, pastel hues, or a statement scarf can add personality to your look.

Style prints & colour for your Body Type & shape!

Now, let’s explore how to style prints and colour to accentuate your specific body type and shape.

Petite with a Larger Bust

• Focus on placement: opt for smaller prints or prints with vertical elements to elongate your frame.
• Printed blazers: Layer them over solid tank topss or camisoles for a polished look.

Shorter and curvier

• Play with blank space: Fabrics with a lot of white/blank space and those with small design features will not overwhelm your frame.
• Placement matters: Avoid horizontal stripes across your belly area. Try a diagonal print or prints with vertical elements particularly on side seams.
• Belts: Define your waist and create a visually pleasing silhouette.

Long thin torso

• Start simple: Pair a colourful top with dark bottoms. A large print will add volume to your frame.
• Accessorise for variety: Use colourful scarves, belts, and jewellery to add pops of colour to add volume.

Short Legs

• Colourful prints: Pair a colourful top with dark bottoms.

Broad Shoulders and Narrow Hips (Triangle)

• Focus on the bottom half: Draw attention to your narrower hips with bold colours and prints on the bottom. Think colour-blocked skirts, and patterned pants.
• Vertical stripes are your friend: Vertical stripes on tops can elongate your torso and visually balance your proportions.

Statuesque

• Black and white prints: Create a  sophisticated style, with a touch of glamour. This works for geometric patterns, florals, or bold stripes.
• Monochrome magic: Create a lengthening effect with a head-to-toe look in one colour. Play with different shades of the same colour for added depth.
• Go vertical: Vertical stripes are your best friend! They elongate your silhouette and create a slimming effect.
• Proportionate prints: Choose prints with a scale that complements your frame. Avoid overwhelming yourself with prints that are too small or too large. Try ombre fabrics with colour degradation from light to dark or vice versa to emphasis your shoulders.
• Bold prints in moderation: Large, bold prints can be overwhelming, so choose them strategically. Try a patterned scarf or a printed jacket with a solid-coloured top.

Inverted triangle (Pear Shape)

• Embrace vertical patterns and stripes: They elongate your form and create a slimming effect. Draw the eye downwards and create a more balanced silhouette.
• Empire waistlines: Dresses or tops with a pattern that creates an empire waistline that sits below the bust, can create a flattering silhouette. Combine with a vertical pattern.
• Pattern across the shoulders: Balances the torso when bottoms are colour blocked.

Oval Shape (Apple)

• Wrap dresses: Single patterns on a cinched waist style dress will draw the eye up.
• Embrace the print! Do not shy away from larger prints but choose ones with a looser drape.
• Empire waist dresses: These draw attention to the slimmest part of your torso and flow over your curves.
• Balance is key: Pair a statement printed top with solid-coloured bottoms for a cohesive look.

Hourglass Figure

• Highlight your waist: Choose fitted tops with vertical stripes or colour blocking that defines your waistline.
• Play with proportions: Balance broad shoulders with a statement necklace or a printed scarf. For narrow hips, opt for A-line skirts with a small print or dresses with fuller skirts and a large print to create a more balanced look.
• Go bold with colour: Do not shy away from bold colours or colour blocking. Colour blocking uses contrasting colours in specific sections of your outfit, to further define the waist.
• Colourful tops are your friend: Do not avoid colour up top! Solid or patterned tops add a pop of colour.

Confidently style prints & colour

• Trust your eye: If you love a print or colour, try it on! Do not let size dictate what you wear.
• Balance is key: Pair a bolder print with a more relaxed silhouette or vice versa.
• Focus on fit: Well-fitted clothes flatter any figure, regardless of size. Tailored garments in subtley patterned fabrics will create a more polished look.
• Do not be afraid to experiment Fashion rules are meant to be broken sometimes!

want to learn more?

Styling a white shirt!

Fashion ‘rules’ stifling your style?

Embrace your unique style!

We all deserve to feel unstoppable in our clothes.

Let Bottlegreen and Yellow Personal Stylist help you create a wardrobe that reflects your amazing personality! Contact us today!