The Shy Gal's Guide to Wearing Bold Prints

The contrast between black and white makes a graphic statement all its own, so adding a bold print on top of that doesn’t feel like that much more of a commitment. A black velvet trim or hint of white within the pattern itself can help make your look even more cohesive.

Unlike black and white, nude or neutral tones allow your print to totally steal the spotlight (and somehow not overwhelm you in the process). Try a beige jacket over a patterned dress or a sand-colored slip with a bright coat to break things up.

Placing your pattern on an extended backdrop dilutes its intensity and makes it feel much less intimidating. Here, de Betak’s white tee and jeans allow us to take in a single element of her adventurous coat (the blue lines) instead of being dizzied by all the details at once.

If you’re feeling more audacious, pick a richer shade from your print. Even the brightest pigments are guaranteed to complement, not overshadow, your statement piece perfectly.

We’re talking style and quantity here. Clean white shoes and navy ankle socks are quirky but low-key partners to this bold mini-dress. Moral of the story: Don’t overthink bold prints. Wear them minimally (but confidently) and you’ll never be “too much.”

Shop de Betak’s favorite prints and patterns in her wardrobe over at Finery.