STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Animal Prints + Chic Patterns = Trend Alert

Fashion is a complicated science. What keeps a look balanced? What proportions are flattering? What is the key to creating and maintaining your own personal style, while keeping in touch with the current trends? Well, we can all learn a thing or two from Pablo Picasso when he said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” We have always been taught to never mix and match, however, I must confess that I cannot resist this daring trend of understated animal prints paired with chic patterns. Don’t you agree that we should have a little fun with our style?

This Fashionista nailed the trend: she wasn’t afraid to hold back, but also avoided looking too chaotic. It’s important to mix prints wisely, or else you risk looking like you just came back from playing dress up with the five-year-old from down the street. She threw on her destroyed denim and topped it off with a versatile striped shirt, that drapes just right and playfully buttons-up in the back. To add texture, this Fashionista added a touch of sass by sporting her calf hair, leopard printed purse. She slipped into her brown leather booties, which tied in with the neutral color scheme of her bag. In addition, she threw her hair into an effortless bun, and layered up on the rings to add depth and personality to her look.

Take a walk on the wild side and ease your way into the trend in order to get a taste of how to play with it. Start out with the basics, like black and white stripes with a dash of leopard print, like this Fashionista, or even black and white stripes with an accent of brilliant floral prints. Once you get a good feel of how to pair animal prints with different patterns, go after those bolder pairing decisions. However, it’s important to not get carried away with all the bright colors and fun patterns. Your outfit is all about the attitude as well, so, remember: the only way to strut is with style!

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “When mixing prints, keep a neutral color scheme as your base in order to avoid looking cluttered. Don’t throw all your prints and patterns on at once; pick your two favorites, and you just created a perfectly balanced ensemble.”

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