Choosing the right prints and patterns can feel a little overwhelming, right?
You walk into a store, see a sea of florals, stripes, and polka dots, and wonder which ones will actually look good on you.
In a recent video, style coach Sarah Ryan breaks down everything you need to know about mastering prints so you can feel confident and fabulous in whatever pattern you choose.
The video has all the tips to help you pick prints that suit your style and personality perfectly.
Summary of the video:
Sarah emphasizes the importance of choosing prints that truly make you feel excited. She advises against settling for patterns that feel “just okay.”
Instead, aim for ones that “set your soul on fire,” as these will not only make you feel confident but also reflect your personality. This instinctual attraction often doesn’t need an explanation—it’s simply a gut feeling.
She also shares that, through her experience with color and contrast analysis, she’s learned to recognize prints that will look good as clothing. She encourages viewers to develop this skill with time and practice.
A key point is to choose prints that align with your personal color palette. Sarah explains that when the colors in a print match your palette, it’s easier to create a cohesive, flattering look.
She suggests color analysis as a valuable tool for anyone who feels overwhelmed by choices in stores. Knowing your palette allows you to eliminate options that don’t suit you, making shopping less overwhelming.
She offers online color analysis for clients, noting that identifying your best colors helps narrow down patterns that will enhance rather than overpower your look.
According to Sarah, contrast levels in prints are crucial to consider. High-contrast patterns, like a black-and-white print, are best suited to individuals with features that can “tolerate” or balance strong contrast. If high-contrast prints overwhelm you, it’s better to opt for lower-contrast options.
She provides an example with two scarves: one in a high-contrast black and white and another with softer shades of blue and white. People with softer or low-contrast features would look more balanced in a lower-contrast print.
Print size, she explains, is all about proportion. Taller individuals can wear larger prints, while petite individuals should stick with smaller patterns to avoid looking overwhelmed.
Sarah also debunks the old rule about horizontal versus vertical stripes. Instead, she suggests focusing on proportion and balance, as narrower pinstripes have less impact than wider, high-contrast stripes, making them more versatile.
Personal style plays a role here too. Those with bold or dramatic personalities may choose larger prints for a statement look, while others may prefer smaller or subtler prints.
Sarah notes that the placement of prints on the body affects how well they work for you. Prints worn close to the face, like on tops or scarves, should align closely with your color palette and contrast levels. This is because prints near the face are the most noticeable and impact the overall harmony of your look.
Prints on skirts or pants are less critical since they’re further from the face and don’t impact facial features as directly. However, she stresses that size and contrast of the print are still important, regardless of placement, to maintain overall balance and avoid visual distractions.
*Summary created by AI and edited by author
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