Bold prints are the fall wardrobe's secret weapon. They add excitement, personality, and that wow factor that instantly upgrades an outfit. But, let’s be real: styling bold prints can sometimes feel a little daunting. No one wants to cross that fine line between making a statement and feeling like their outfit is wearing them. Fall, however, is the perfect time to embrace bold patterns—the cooler weather is ideal for layering and adding texture, which can help you incorporate prints without overwhelming your look.
If you’re ready to elevate your wardrobe this season, I’m here to help you create stylish, bold looks that turn heads and make you feel confident.
In this post, I’ll cover practical tips for how to style bold prints for fall with confidence and flair. So, get ready to spice up your seasonal wardrobe with a touch of creativity and fearless fashion choices!
EMBRACE BALANCE WITH YOUR PRINTS
When you’re styling bold prints, balance is your best friend. Sure, we love a pop of pattern, but there’s a fine line between standout and overwhelming. The key? Pair your bold print with a neutral or solid colour to let it shine. Think of it like decorating a room: the print is your statement piece, and the rest of your outfit should complement it without clashing.
Start with a neutral base like black, cream, or earthy tones—fall’s perfect companions! For example, a bold floral blouse looks stunning when tucked into a sleek black skirt or paired with a straight-leg pair of jeans. You could even throw on a chunky knit cardigan for that extra layer of fall cosiness. Don’t be afraid to mix textures, too. A soft wool scarf over a patterned blouse creates a gorgeous, layered look without adding too much busyness.
*PRO TIP*
When choosing your print, consider the scale. Larger prints make more of an impact, while smaller patterns are subtler. Pair a large, bold print with something smaller for a balanced, stylish vibe. And remember, layering is your best friend when it comes to fall fashion. Try a printed blouse under a structured jacket or coat—this helps break up the pattern and keeps your look sharp and sophisticated.
STICK TO A SIMPLE COLOUR PALETTE
One of the easiest ways to nail bold prints is by keeping your colour palette simple and streamlined. If your print already brings the drama, there’s no need to introduce a rainbow of colours into the mix. Sticking to two or three complementary shades allows the pattern to stand out without creating a chaotic visual effect.
A smart way to approach this is by pulling colours directly from your print. For instance, if you’re rocking a bold plaid in navy and mustard, use those shades as the foundation for your outfit. Pair your plaid skirt with a solid mustard sweater and navy ankle boots for a cohesive yet impactful look. This method works wonders to keep everything polished and put together.
If you’re feeling extra bold, go monochromatic! Choose a printed piece in your chosen colour family and style it with similar shades. A floral print dress with various tones of burgundy, for example, can be paired with a matching cardigan and boots for a sophisticated, monochromatic outfit. Adding metallic accents, such as a simple necklace or bracelet, can bring just the right amount of sparkle without clashing with your prints.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX PATTERNS
Mixing prints is where the magic happens. Yes, it sounds daring, but when done right, mixed prints can elevate your fall wardrobe to next-level chic. The trick? Start small and keep a few guidelines in mind.
The easiest way to dip your toes into the mixed-print trend is by sticking to the same colour family. If you have a large floral print top in soft blush tones, try pairing it with a more subdued striped skirt in complementary hues. The key is to let one print be the dominant feature while the other takes a supporting role. Think of it as a leading lady and her co-star—they’re both amazing, but one should steal the show.
Another tip: vary the scale of your prints. If you’re wearing a blouse with a bold, large floral design, pair it with a smaller, more subtle pattern—like pinstripes or polka dots. This creates visual interest without overwhelming your look. For example, try a wide-striped sweater with a small floral scarf or printed bag. It’s all about mixing patterns in a way that feels intentional and balanced.
Feeling adventurous? Go for a bold animal print paired with something equally daring, like plaid. The trick is to keep the rest of your outfit neutral and streamlined, allowing your prints to take centre stage without competing for attention.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SILHOUETTE
One of the most underrated aspects of styling bold prints is choosing the right silhouette. A bold pattern on a well-fitted garment will always look more polished and flattering than the same print on something shapeless. It’s all about structure.
Classic shapes like A-line skirts, tailored blazers, and wrap dresses provide the perfect canvas for bold patterns. The structure of these garments ensures that your prints don’t overwhelm your body shape but rather complement it. For instance, a printed wrap dress not only showcases the pattern but also cinches at the waist to create a flattering hourglass figure.
When it comes to oversized prints, simplicity in the cut is key. An oversized floral or abstract print works best on a fitted dress or a sleek pair of trousers. On the flip side, if you’re wearing a looser, more relaxed silhouette—like a flowy blouse—opt for smaller, more delicate patterns to avoid drowning in fabric. Balancing the volume of your clothes with the size of your prints ensures a harmonious, chic look every time.
ACCESSORISE THOUGHTFULLY
Accessories are where you can really make your bold prints pop without going overboard. The key is to choose accessories that enhance your outfit rather than distract from it. Think of them as the cherry on top of your fashion sundae.
Start by pulling colours from your print to use in your accessories. A bold floral blouse with hints of mustard yellow? Pair it with a mustard crossbody bag or a pair of ankle boots in the same shade. This creates cohesion and pulls your whole look together. When accessorising with bold prints, less is often more. Opt for simple, understated pieces—delicate gold jewellery, a structured handbag, or a neutral-coloured belt all work beautifully to complement your outfit without stealing the spotlight.
Scarves, hats, and bags are your best friends when it comes to fall fashion, especially in cooler weather. A solid-coloured wool scarf paired with a printed dress can balance the look, adding that cosy, fall-ready vibe without creating visual clutter. And when in doubt, stick to sleek and subtle. If your print is loud, your accessories don’t have to be. A simple, minimalist approach keeps your bold prints front and center where they belong.
At the end of the day, the best way to style bold prints is with confidence. Fashion should be fun, expressive, and a reflection of who you are. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold patterns, whether it’s a floral dress, plaid blazer, or even mixing the two. The right balance of prints, colours, and accessories can transform your fall wardrobe into something truly exciting and unique.
So, take that risk, play with patterns, and own your look. After all, the only thing that can really overwhelm an outfit is the fear of trying something new. Wear your prints with pride, and let your confidence shine through! And if you need a little extra guidance, I’m here to help you nail your outfits this fall and feel fabulous every step of the way!
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