How To Embrace Print When You Keep Things Plain And Simple

by Marie Kelly
21st Apr 2017

As we roll into May and on through summer, you’ll see a kaleidoscope of colour and print, in the stores, on the streets and in the pages of IMAGE Magazine. For those of you who fear you’ll feel and look like a pariah, don’t worry. There are plenty of subtle and stylish ways for women who prefer to keep their outfits plain to wear print without compromising their own personal style. Here are a few ideas.

Gingham can’so easily look like a picnic tablecloth, but in a fine check, and in monochrome, it looks subtle and serves almost as a neutral against which you can anchor other neutrals and?pops of colour. The chiffon fabric of this River Island blouse also dilutes any unwanted associations with childhood cheesecloth dresses. It helps to make gingham look grown-up and sexy.

Black gingham chiffon top, €45 at River Island

A simple side stripe, on a top or a pair of trousers, is one of the most fashion-forward motifs right now. Perfect for women who like to nod to the season without shouting out loud that summer has arrived.

Sports-inspired silk top, €175 at Sandro

Mint Velvet is a great label for subtle print detailing. It?favours the kind of painterly prints that are easy to wear and don’t intrude aesthetically on the rest of a look. This pretty cocoon dress is a great layering piece, whatever the time of year.

Print cocoon dress, €139 at Mint Velvet

Texture is another way of introducing the appearance of pattern to an outfit without actually sporting a print. The lace overlay below creates the impression of a floral design?but is far more subtle than botanical prints or floral motifs.