The amount of print shown on the fall runways this year was almost intimidating. There were polka dots at Marc Jacobs (which I love), Paisley at Anna Sui, and geometric patterns at Prada and Marni to name only a few. This fall trend is seemingly limitless… have a preference on print? Most likely you’ll find it from any number of designers this season.
It was not only the patterns that were bold and numerous, but also the way in which designers mixed and matched the prints—dots with strips, geometric with floral, tribal with paisley.
This seemingly unexpected way of mixing prints really allows for true creativity when getting dressed…. and it is lots of fun. Here are a few ways to copy the mixed-up looks from some of my favorite designers.
Notorious for her prints Diane von Furstenberg gave the mixed-matched look a sophisticated and upscale feel. To be successful at this look try a diamond print skirt with a polka dot blouse staying within a similar color palette… or mix any geometric shapes you like (squares, triangles, circles).
Graphic prints were also very big on the runway this season, but I think the designers at Libertine did it best with its play on the same print in multiple colors and on different pieces. For a very literal choice pick up L.K. Bennett’s Navy Silk Print Dress, but don’t be afraid to pair it with a different (albeit similar enough) coat in plaid—the bolder the color contrast the better.
So, since the movie The September Issue and his line of T-Shirt dresses and such for the Gap I have been enamored with Thakoon’s designs. This year he ventured into some fascinating print combinations. One of my favorites combinations is the mixing of ethnic prints—an eastern print pant and a Native American/Latin-esque striped top (it reminds me of a Mexican Serape). This trend can be a lot of fun with all of the different cultural options from around the world. I chose a worldly print dress from Anthropologie and an Impala print Marc by Marc Jacobs Scarf.
Of course the whole point of this creative trend is to do what you like. So feel free to mix and match as you please. Don’t forget to add a printed accessory like the scarf I chose or a printed purse. Feel like all these prints are a bit overwhelming? Choose a solid piece to break-up the look.
By Kristianne Young
Runway Photos: Style.com
