How to liven up a neutral wardrobe without looking like Anna Dello Russo: part two. Carefully chosen pattern and print is like a double espresso to an exhausted wardrobe. Or so I thought this morning when I donned a leopard print dress. Then I opened up a copy of Stylist magazine and saw the Versace/H&M collaboration. Don't ask me to tarnish the blog with a picture, we'll have no Russian-prostitute-goes-Euro-trash garb on this site. And I'm referring to the Versace collection, not my animal print frock - thank you very much.
So, if I had the money of an oligarch, this beautiful Modern Love dress would be hanging in the closet of my superyacht. Right now, I'd wear it layered over a plain long sleeved t-shirt (it's important to get the plain: pattern ratio just right) - the grassy-green colour in the digital print would make a lovely highlight. And Mary Portas' Armery would work too.
Though having given the 'hosiery for arms' a whirl, have to say I found it a bit tight around the pit area. But then, I am funny about clingy armholes - and apparently, La Portas is developing her size range. Anyhow, patterned or printed fabrics also act as camouflage, a clever way to confuse the eye - just think of those First World War dazzle ships.
Do you have any tips for wearing print?
Read more about Modern Love here.
My best tip about wearing print is to never choose a print that is larger than the palm of your hand.
ReplyDeleteIf the scale is too big it will swamp you.
Works for me!
I look for smaller, more consistent prints as well. Am positively SWOONING over the dress in that top pic.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit scared of pattern in general and print is beyond me except for a bit of animal print in accessories. I do have stripes and one polka dot blouse, but that's about it. Occasionally I see a print that I love the look of, but I never get as far as trying anything on ...
ReplyDeleteI love the color combo in the dress. But the style/cut isn't something I would favor. I've seen lots of prints and I think it's just seeing one that makes you smile. Then you can wear it.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Modern Love, but I am modern loving that print. I generally go for smaller prints as I'm a smaller person, but that one is so, so lovely.
ReplyDeleteHi there-I love print, mainly florals, big or small and dressed with leather. The armery looks intriguing too but I wouldn't want it too tight under the arms either.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be unable to put together an outfit which doesn't include several different striped components and possibly a floral.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any rules and happily wear it, I don't consider avoiding print a rule for our age group as a rule. As for the Armoury, having them in sizes is a great idea, after all, menopausal weight gain doesn't just go to the tummy and although they are a fantastic invention, I shouldn't think they good if they are very tight x
ReplyDeleteThe dress is beautiful without a doubt. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteI think you just have to try things on and see how it looks. You might love a print even though it's against the "rules." I would never have thought that I'd like this print on me but I did http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2010/05/what-wendy-wore-encounters-with-bad-samaritans/
ReplyDeleteHahaha your descrpition on Versace for H&M was too funny! Regardless, I think I would nab the studded leather biker if I could be bothered to deal with the scrum, which I can't. I am really confused by this hoisery for arms thing though - how are you meant to wear this?
ReplyDeletebah- blogger didn't let me finish - re: arms thingy - it looks very ballet dancer at barre and all and I like the laciness but won't the bit that not covering your armpit be visible under a loose dress when you raise your arms?
ReplyDeleteVeshoevius - You're supposed to wear it under sleeveless/short sleeved items and yes you do get a flash of armpit. I think it's a nice idea if you want to wear an old favourite dress and keep arms covered - but sleeves are better.
ReplyDelete