How to style bold prints and patterns
Bold prints and patterns have the potential to make a statement and make you feel confident and ready to take on the day. But, if your wardrobe is a sea of monochrome, grey and neutral garments, then the thought of embracing bold print and patterns may feel a little daunting.
With summer just around the corner, there is no better time to refresh your style and give bold print clothing its chance to shine. Dare to be bold and embrace a wardrobe of splendid prints and patterns.
We’re here to help you out by sharing the top tips from our Reliked VIBs and style pros to show you that wearing zesty colours and bold prints is easy and fun. Read on for our round-up of some of the best bold print dresses, awesome animal prints and fantastic floral patterns that are so bright you’ve gotta wear shades! We’ll have you confident enough for a catwalk in no time!
New to bold prints? Start with accessories
Are you giving bold printed clothing a try for the first time? We get it; it’s a huge leap to go from your neutral capsule wardrobe to striking intensity! If a vivid geometric dress sounds a bit intimidating, then start small by choosing some statement bold accessories such as a hat, jewellery, or shades. Team them with your trusty jeans or a plain maxi skirt and let your colourful accessories do the talking. You’ll soon start to get the bug for something more daring.
Our top pre-loved buy: Funk up an outfit with this lime cow-print cowboy hat – the ideal accessory to gain you plenty of compliments at this year’s summer festivals. Once the compliments come rolling in, you’ll wonder why you stuck to such a muted palette before.
Choose a base colour
The secret to mixing prints successfully is to pick a base colour that ties together each garment. You can effortlessly mesh a bold floral print skirt with a striped top – providing they contain a common colour that matches. It’s a simple trick that works. Add a neutral item, such as a denim jacket or oversized tote bag, to ground the look and embrace your cool and clashing outfit.
Our top pre-loved buy: Choose gorgeous green as a base colour with this ditsy satin floral print midi-skirt from beauty and fashion blogger Mona Lisa.
Mix patterns of different sizes
One of the easiest ways to combine patterns is to choose garments with two different sized prints. This works brilliantly for a summer Boho vibe where a delicate floral print blouse will perfectly pair with a brightly patterned skirt. It’s a nifty approach that you’ll see in all the magazines over the next few months.
Our top pre-loved buy: Be pretty in pink this summer with this floral print ruffle blouse.
Unleash your inner animal
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a fashionista who doesn’t own at least one item of animal print clothing. We’d go so far as to say animal print designs enter the timeless sphere. From monochrome zebra prints to edgy faux snakeskin patterns, there are plenty of prints to help you rock summer 2022.
Keep your accessories to a minimum to allow your main outfit to shine, and team with retro shades and sandals to complete the summer look. Steal more animal print ideas from our favourite influencers including Flavia Stuttgen and former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh.
Our top pre-loved buy: Stand out from the crowd in this hot pink zebra print midi dress.
Styling geometric prints
Bold geometric patterns are big this summer. Think sharp shapes and awesome angles in a bright kaleidoscope of colours. Expect to see them everywhere and you’ll definitely want to be part of this trend. We’re seeing geometric designs in everything from what you’d wear to a bar with friends to wedding outfits galore.
Geometric prints are often easier to wear on top, rather than as a skirt or pair of trousers. Keep your bottom half neutral to really make the patterned top pop. If it’s too much for you in a print, choose a funky geometric statement necklace or earrings.
Your body shape also plays a part when choosing a geometric print. If you are tall, then a large shape pattern works well, while diagonal or vertical shapes will help to elongate a petite frame.
Our top pre-loved buy: We love this very patriotic red, white and blue geometric patterned tunic.
Floaty floral printed dresses
If you’ve been invited to a summer wedding, be the best-dressed guest in a flirty floral print maxi dress. Choose a dress with a light background and an all-over floral motif and style with nude sandals and a neutral clutch bag to balance the print – or why not add a simple floral headdress to release your inner flower power? If in doubt, a floaty floral printed dress will see you through any occasion.
Need more inspo? BGT judge, Amanda Holden, is a fan of floral print dresses – steal her feminine, flowery style at her Reliked store.
Our top pre-loved buy: Feel fabulous in this dreamy Katya Katya floral embellished tie front maxi dress.
Trust yourself – and just got for it
Not everyone is going to love the same prints as you. But that doesn’t mean you’ve committed a fashion faux pas. Bold prints are personal – so as long as you love your look, and it makes you feel fantastic – we say, ‘go for it’! The key to looking fabulous in bold prints is to believe you can wear them and act out your confidence with aplomb – it makes the style work.
You’re now ready to embrace bold prints and start the summer feeling sassy from head to toe by rocking some awesome patterns. Have fun!
Find your perfect prints at Reliked
Our round-up of bright, bold patterns has been inspired by some of the UK’s leading fashion influencers and celebrities – and every item we’ve featured is available here at Reliked.
Yep, you can browse the bold print clothing of the stars and purchase their pre-loved pieces – and look just as fabulous as they do this summer!