How to wear B&W graphic prints. Part 2

What to consider:

1. The right proportions: the taller you are, the bigger the pattern you can carry successfully. A medium sized pattern, for instance, is best for those who are not petite. 



B&W: Stripes and Dots by Caroline Grant.You can mix prints in B&W plus use blocks of colours too, even colour-blocked items, like the sandals, and avoid being all matchy-matchy (the key to keeping any outfit up-to-date even when it leans to a classic style). [Style: Ladylike with a Twist].

Hobbs Invitation Leanna Dress / Linea Shrugh / Banana Republic Beaded Handbag / Zara Ankle strap Sandals / Debenhams Black Graduated Spotted Scarf / Kate Spade New York Small Clip Earrings / Yayoi Kusama for Louis Vuitton Infinity Dot Bracelet / Tom Ford Lipstick in Flamingo / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Fever Pink.    
2. A pattern matching perfectly at the seams. And I mean perfectly and simmetrically. Mismatching stripes, checks, tartan, distract the eye and are just plain sloppy tailoring. Say a big NO to any item of clothing with a graphic pattern that does not match at the seams and keep your money. 



B&W: Abstract Dots by Caroline Grant. The massive amount of print we are being offered on SS2013 can get positively headache-y. Avoid it with black, simple elements and the occasional splash of colour. [Style: Modern Classic].

Hobbs Victoria Jacket / Hobbs Victoria Trousers / Mango Satin Panel Top / Zara Leather Shopper Handbag with Pocket / Zara Leather Sandals / Marks & Spencer Per Una Pebble Collar Necklace / Tom Ford Lipstick in Flamingo / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Indian Pink.

Colourblocking. The key to mixing patterns is keeping within the same colour palette. If you add colour-blocking to the sum, you get very slimming effects, like in the Karen Millen dress below. Abstract geometric patterns go well with red poppies and blocks of black.

B&W: Psychedelic by Caroline Grant.

Karen Millen Minimal Print Dress / Ted Baker Jjana Quilted Trench Coat / Hispanitas BV37695 Red Handbag / L.K. Bennett Dori Platform Suede Ankle Boots / Miu Miu Necklace / L.K. Designs Pyramid Black Ring / Dior Carré Runway Silk Scarf / Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick in Rouge Vernis / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Smoke Red.

MORE?

• How to wear graphic prints. Part 1.
• How to wear big checks.
• How to wear houndstooth.