Print Power: How to Use Prints to Flatter Your Shape and Add More Fun to Your Wardrobe.
Prints are not just a pretty pattern - they are a powerful style tool that can elevate your wardrobe, reflect your personality, and flatter your unique shape.
Knowing how to use prints strategically is a stylish advantage that ensures you are seen, remembered and respected - without sacrificing fun or femininity.
1. Prints with Purpose: What Do You Want to Highlight?
Prints naturally draw the eye. That’s why they’re perfect for emphasizing your favorite features.
Want to highlight your upper body? Choose bold, bright prints in tops, blouses or blazers.
Want to balance wider hips or thighs? Go for printed tops and solid bottoms.
Want to celebrate curves? Use prints with movement, like swirls or diagonals, to follow your body’s natural lines. Polka-dots or florals are also great for curvy figures.
Style Tip: If you are bigger on top and want to soften the upper half, choose prints with a darker background and medium-sized motifs. Dense prints are also great to make parts of your body appear smaller. If you are bottom-heavy (A-body type for example), a printed blouse with shoulder details or bigger sleeves can balance proportions.
2. Scale Matters: Match the Print Size to Your Body Frame
Print scale is most of the overlooked details when choosing patterns.
Petite or smaller frames: Go for smaller tighter prints so you are not “swallowed” by the print.
Taller or fuller figures: Medium to large prints look more harmonious and intentional.
3. Print Placement: Use it to Sculpt Your Shape.
Some prints create optical illusions that can work in your favor:
Vertical Stripes can elongate and slim.
Diagonal lines create movement and flow.
Center-placed prints or darker side panels create the illusion of a more narrow waist.
Style Tip: Look for dresses or blouses where the print fades into a darker color at the waist or hip area - instant slimming magic.
4. Personality Meets Professionalism: Let Your Prints Speak
Prints can express your style personality without saying a word.
Floral prints can feel feminine and approachable.
Geometric patterns convey structure and confidence.
Animal prints are bold, edgy, and sophisticated when done in rich, neutral tones.
Don’t be afraid to mix business with style. A leopard print blouse under a blazer says you mean business - but you’re not boring.
5. You Have to Start Somewhere
You can have so much fun incorporating prints into your wardrobe! If you are new to them and are hesitant to play around, no worries! Start with something small, like a scarf or even a shoe and work your way up. If a printed top feels too much for you right now, add a third layer like a blazer, jean jacket, leather jacket or cardigan. That way your print will not be as present and makes it easier for you to adjust to it.
