Print, print and more print! Pick your patterns for spring

Fashion is going print mad for spring with designer Mary Katrantzou leading the way with her exotic and elegant designs. If you’ve missed out on her collection in Top Shop (now sold out!), you might want to look at Marni’s more subtle but quirky patterns available in H&M from 8th March.

Many people are wary of investing in prints for a number of reasons, which are mainly a) because they are not as versatile as plain garments, b) we tend to feel they can date more quickly and c) they are not sure if print suits them or not. Firstly, the good news is that good designs stay around for a while, so if you pick up a good piece you should get a fair amount of wear out of it. Secondly, prints can inject a bit of interest and fun into your wardrobe and you don’t need to worry about adding to the piece because it makes a statement in itself.
The most important thing with choosing prints is, knowing which ones suit you and therefore, which ones to invest in.

The guidelines for choosing your prints are:

* Get the right size print for you. Even if you are confident about pattern, a large print on a small frame can look overwhelming; equally, a dainty print on a larger frame will have no impact.
* Choose the right design for you. Think about your body shape AND your style personality. For example, strong angular graphics can be unflattering on curvy figures and bold florals will seem too fussy if you’re either a Natural, Classic or City Chic personality who prefer will more casual (Natural), classic or simple but elegant and coordinated (City Chic) looks.
* Be careful how you wear it: busy pattern around wide hips or a large bust will appear to add more volume so it is better to wear it away from your ‘problem’ areas.
* Choose the right combination of colours. Especially if you wear the pattern close to your face.
* You should feel good when you wear it! 

The creative personalities will love the more inventive designs for spring (some of which are updated old classics) such as paisley in vivid colour, dainty and bold animal shapes, tropical themes, oriental flowers and more. For those of us who are not quite so creative or confident about print there are some fabulous new striped looks in a range of shades and the classic spot in various guises too.

If patterned clothes are not for you but you like to dabble in new trends, why not try prints in accessories.