There seems to be something invariably more masculine about Fall prints than in the Springtime. This patchwork mash-up of traditional menswear motifs is the perfect example of that notion. Staying within a limited color palette and keeping your print elements small will allow for maximum harmony in this mixed print trend.
Joseph, Thakoon Addition, Etro all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
With each Fall season we inevitably see a resurgence of plaid parading down the catwalk, often within the clean and crisp domain of menswear. This season we are seeing a more feminine, perhaps even free spirited, approach to plaid. Plaids are being juxtaposed against whimsical paisleys, sweetly naive florals, and in the case of Stella Jean’s brilliant collection, ornately detailed folkloric illustrations of animals. Think about inserting a does of grunge into your next bohemain collection, by way of the simple punky plaid.
Red Valentino, Stella Jean, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
The bohemian look has been going strong for a several seasons now, and from what we are seeing on the runway this spring it won’t be fading away anytime soon. With influences from all over the globe and a penchant for mixing various dense and ornate motifs, the bohemian babe is no wall flower. For additional research on how to master the mixed boho trend, also see the new collections from print-mixing pros Duro Olowu and Anna Sui.
Etro, Preen Line, Just Cavalli all via Style.com
Background print © Aaryn West
Each week I’m growing a little bigger, and ever more thankful for the healthy collection of knit maxi dresses I’ve collected over the years. This ensemble is a little more special than previous weeks only because I’m sporting the desert photo top I designed last year for Hi! Expectation’s spring 2013 collection. The photographic landscape and lack of color make it the perfect top to throw over a brightly printed maxi dress. Mixing prints is where it’s at. And let’s be honest – it always feels good to be able to wear one of your own designs.
Come back next week for an update in our ongoing series: Patterns, Preggos & Painted Places.
