When the temperature rises, so too does our desire to give our look a little shake-up. There's just something about the slightly more lax three-month stretch that makes it feel like an appropriate time to, say, dye our hair a dusty shade of pink. Or give our wardrobes a summer spin — swapping the much-loved collection of black, white, and every other shade of neutral clothing in our closet for (you guessed it) prints. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. In fact, figuring out just how to wear patterned pieces in a way that suits your particular taste can be frustratingly difficult. But with the right styling moves and silhouettes at your disposal, there is a way.
To help you get the print thing down pat, we teamed up with Express and enlisted four R29 staffers of various frames (ICYMI, the brand just launched extended sizes) to each put their own unique spin on the season's most of-the-moment patterns. The result? A slew of creative, summer-ready outfits (12, if we're counting) that not only serve up a variety of vibes but also prove that playing with prints shouldn't throw you into a sartorial tailspin. Check them out, just below.
Typically considered to be the print for blending in, this season, camouflage is the ultimate way to stand out. Bomber jackets and cargo pants embrace the trend full-force — while a confident power pose doesn't hurt, either. If head-to-toe camo ain't your thing, find a solid earth tone like khaki or army green to add to the mix. Feeling extra? Bring in a pop of color. As Maria, a creative assistant at R29, proves, red really works.
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Forget the association with countryside picnics and preppy exes. Today, gingham, when paired with the right pieces, has a grown-up feel. R29 editorial designer Vero, in a style-forward (and sweat-proof) tube top, and associate casting
director Lilac, in a puff-shoulder blouse with a sweetheart neckline, make a case for keeping the trend to your top half — with bottoms that will complement, as opposed to clash. The final touch? Matchy-matchy mules, obviously.
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What's so great about stripes? They're that perfect mix of easy and chic — plus, they can be styled in a million and one ways. To make them feel fresh this time around, mash up two striped styles of differing widths and colors, like Anissa, our resident video producer, did here with her shoulder-baring shirtdress and billowy pajama pant combo. Bonus points for striped platforms or a cutesy beret, à la your favorite French girl.
