STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Cut And Print

A graphic T-shirt and blue jeans, a patterned blouse and black pants—it can all seem a little repetitive after a while. You bought all of these basic bottoms because it was the easiest option and a safe bet, but you want your wardrobe to be more dynamic than that. Then one day you spot a Fashionista wearing those seemingly outrageous, patterned pants. You realize she has it all together with her self-assured stride and clever styling. Struck with inspiration, you immediately buy a pair for yourself, but you don’t know how to wear them. You put those intimidating pants on a pedestal, now it is your job to take them down and put them on yourself. With a few basics and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, you will be that girl.

Meet this Fashionista, your new inspiration. She will be your tour guide on the transition to patterned pants. There are a variety of printed pants that express a wide range of personal styles. Pairs for the bold, the minimalist and the colorful are available from retailers of every price range. This Fashionista featured graphic, diamond print pants, which she surrounded with a perfect backdrop of black. These remind me of the beautiful printed pants that starred in the Anna Sui spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection. The best part about these pants is that they are a lightweight fabric, perfect for the current season. When hunting for printed pants we often come across the wrong cut that gives us MC Hammer flashbacks. Make sure they are tailored correctly to your legs to avoid the unfortunate fabric slouch.

You probably already own a basic, black, loose-fitting T-shirt, so here is the perfect occasion to graduate it out of your lounge clothes drawer and onto a hanger. Try incorporating a classic black leather jacket in a modern cut for added texture and edge. Throw on a black cross-body bag and leather booties to tie the look together. Now is not the time to shy away from taking style risks. Liven up the dull and never be afraid to look your best. Fashion is a term open to interpretation, so scream it!

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Buy the basics first! You can never go wrong with a basic T-shirt and leather jacket. Then you can incorporate cool prints throughout your wardrobe for a pop of personality.”

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