How to wear B&W graphic prints. Part 1

A question of preference

You probably already know if you are a woman who goes for graphic or geometric prints or if you prefer flower patterns. I know I am mostly a graphics woman, although I indulge in small amounts of flowers sometimes.
Graphic patterns (stripes, chevron, tartan, dogtooth/houndstooth, geometric, polka dot, psychedelic patterns...) are a great way to complement a wardrobe full of solids and, if the tailoring is good, make for sharp, edgy garments and accessories.

Black &White: Deep Winters by Caroline Grant.The dress is contrasted with the blue jacket and accessories for great contrast. I love B&W with blocks of happy, contrasting colours. Red lipstick reigns, of course. [Style: Modern Classic].

Hobbs Invitation Adria Dress / Bardot Sleek Dinner Jacket / Kate Spade New York Post Street Madison Handbag / Zara Ankle Strap Sandals / Kate Spade New York Small Clip Earrings / Kate Spade New York Big Time Statement Necklace / Paul Smith Falling Iris Scarf / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Rouge Vernis / Estée Lauder Nail Lacquer in Pure Red.

Who looks good in B&W graphic patterns?

1. Plain black and/or white are only suitable for Winters and Deep Autumns. Consider if off-white plus shades of grey are not perhaps a better option for you (softer and less overwhelming). 
2. You are wearing the print and not the other way round (and the print is slyly laughing  behind its sleeve, so to speak). In general, graphic patterns offering strong contrasts are not good for any of the soft palettes or for the Summer palette (except the Cool palette, in their best colours), because their delicate colouring is best enhanced through colour flow. Contrasting prints are, in a sense, very loud, and can be overwhelming for a lot of people. Remember we are always looking for your best options, not the so-so ones.
3. Patterns highlight areas so, for instance, choosing a dogtooth pair of pants or a skirt if you are a Body type A may not be the best idea you could have. If cut is flattering, the size of the pattern is OK on you, and you really want the garment (three ifs), trying it on and double-check.

Black & Off-White: Deep Autumns by Caroline Grant.  There are five important colours here (black, off-white, red, green, and blue), which flow from one item to the other without falling into hyper-coordination. For instance, the B&W polka dot starts with the trench coat, and continues playing in the heel of the shoes, the border of the scarf, and the handbag. The blue is in the gloves and the hat, etc. [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Soaked in Luxury Barzini Trench Coat / M Missoni Cotton-blend Jacquard Dress / Marni Perforated Leather Handbag / Chie Mihara Iona Shoes / Herself Ginger Pink Scarf / Leather Gloves Online 4 Button Length Gloves / Kate Spade New York Statement Earrings / Coralie Tricolor Hat (vintage) at 1stdibs.com / NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave / NARS Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

MORE?

• How to wear big checks.
• How to wear houndstooth.
• How to wear graphic prints. Part 2.