Alright ladies, I’m gonna start today’s post by busting one major fashion blogger myth: that blogger’s are fashion-fearless. The truth is we have styles and trends that make us uncomfortable, but in sharing our looks and outfits, we’re sharing our love of fashion, and sometimes it gives us a little courage to try new things. In today’s post, I’m talking about this dress which I got a couple years ago. I was instantly attracted to it, but when I tried it on I was totally stumped. The print was just so much and I had no idea what to do, how to wear it, and I just wanted to take it off…
…and I did. But I kept seeing this bold, if a little strange, print in my closet, and I loved it. I loved how interesting and different it was. For months I would try it on, style it, end up not liking it, and taking it off. But each time I knew I was getting closer to the right combination. Finally, I came up with this look and loved the result. Getting it right once gave me more confidence to try it again.
The moral of the story? You shouldn’t fear fashion and you definitely shouldn’t fear prints anymore because I’m sharing the four major lessons I learned styling this dress riiiiightttt now….
ONE. Incorporate some statement jewelry.
Finding jewelry to go with a statement print is so difficult, but that’s usually because we think something so bold needs something simple. And for some things it does (see below), but really delicate jewelry can actually compete for attention from the eye with a very active print. Instead, opt for a single-colored statement necklace or statement piece that will stop the eye from looking at the print and allow a visual resting place.
TWO. Keep the other colors simple and neutral.
You’re going bold with the print, so you’ll need something to ground it. Many prints like this have a neutral or soft color you can pull out (black, blush pink, brown, gray, etc.) and use that color only for your accessories. The goal here, again, is to ground the look, and a single natural color will do that.
THREE. Pull one of the main colors into your makeup look.
For this look, I picked a deep burgundy shade (which is super flattering on most people!) instead of a cool brown that I normally go for. If you have a blue print, try a little bit of blue liner on your lower lash line or cover your lid in a sheer blue sparkle. By pulling the color into your eyes in subtle, you make the entire look more intentional without making it overbearing.
FOUR. Don’t wear it if your nails clash.
This is a weird one. But I’ve found the more abstract or different the print I’m wearing, the more it irritates me when my nails clash. I think what it comes down to is that I already feel like the print is grabbing so much attention, I don’t want my nails to distract from it or make it feel like too much.
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