HOW TO WEAR PRINTS
Basic rules for wearing prints well
Wearing prints can feel intimidating, but with a few simple rules, you can create elegant and sophisticated outfits. The key is to find the right balance. When you choose a printed piece, let it be the star of your outfit. For the rest of your look, keep things simple to maintain elegance. The bolder the print, the simpler the cut should be. Avoid ruffles, frills and overly complex details that can overwhelm your silhouette. At Caroll, we offer a wide range of printed pieces that pair perfectly with solid colours to create harmonious outfits. Don’t hesitate to play with contrasts: a tropical printed top with plain trousers, or a geometric skirt with a simple blouse. The main rule is not to overload your outfit by mixing too many different prints.
Choosing prints according to your body shape
Body shape plays a key role in choosing prints. For slim silhouettes, almost all prints work, but vertical stripes should be used carefully as they can make you look overly elongated. Petite or curvier body shapes should prefer small, closely spaced prints which tend to create a slimming effect. Large, spaced-out patterns add volume and are better suited to taller, leaner silhouettes. At Caroll, we offer a wide range of prints adapted to every body shape. For example, our delicate floral dresses flatter curvier silhouettes, while our shirts with bold geometric prints add volume to slimmer busts. Animal print, when styled well, suits all body types and adds a sophisticated touch to your outfit.
The art of pairing colours with prints
Colour coordination is essential for successful printed outfits. A simple trick is to pick one colour from the print and repeat it in a solid piece. For example, if you are wearing a Caroll floral blouse with soft pink tones, choose trousers or a skirt in the same shade to create visual harmony. Neutral colours such as black, white, grey or beige are also excellent choices to balance bold prints. Don’t be afraid to experiment: leopard print can be paired with bright red for a bold look or with beige for a more classic style. Stripes can also be considered a neutral pattern and pair easily with other prints.
Prints by season
Prints vary with the seasons, and it’s important to adapt your wardrobe accordingly. In spring and summer, floral and tropical patterns are especially popular. Caroll offers a summer collection rich in light, colourful prints perfect for sunny days. Choose flowing dresses with floral or leaf motifs for a fresh, feminine look. In autumn and winter, prints become more subtle, with checks, houndstooth and geometric patterns taking centre stage. Our winter collection includes discreet patterned knits and checked skirts for elegant cold-weather looks. Some prints, such as polka dots or stripes, are timeless and can be worn all year round.
Prints at work: staying elegant and professional
Wearing prints at work can be a great way to express your personality while remaining professional. The key is to choose subtle and elegant prints. At Caroll, we offer office-appropriate pieces such as fine polka dot blouses or subtle checked skirts. Prince of Wales check is especially appreciated for its understated elegance. A blazer or trousers in this pattern can elevate your workwear. In more creative environments, you can opt for slightly bolder prints, such as a geometric blouse paired with plain trousers. Remember: balance is essential — if you wear a strong print, keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Printed accessories: the finishing touch
Printed accessories are a great way to introduce patterns subtly into your outfit. A scarf, a foulard or a belt can transform a simple look into something more refined. At Caroll, we offer a variety of printed accessories to complement your outfits. For example, a floral scarf can add a touch of colour to a monochrome outfit. Printed handbags are also a great option to add interest without overwhelming your look. Play with contrasts: a leopard-print bag can elevate a classic outfit. Accessories are an easy way to experiment with prints without committing to a full garment.
How to mix prints in style
Mixing prints may seem difficult, but with a few simple rules, you can create elegant combinations. The key is to choose prints that share a similar colour palette. For example, you can pair a striped blue-and-white top with a floral skirt in matching tones. At Caroll, we offer coordinated printed pieces to make this easier. Another technique is to mix prints of different sizes: a large pattern with a smaller one creates contrast without looking overwhelming. Some prints, like stripes and polka dots, can act as neutrals and pair easily with others. If you’re new to mixing prints, start with black-and-white combinations before moving on to more colourful pairings.
Timeless prints to have in your wardrobe
Some prints are truly timeless and deserve a place in every wardrobe. Nautical stripes, houndstooth and polka dots are classic patterns that never go out of style. At Caroll, we regularly reinterpret these prints in our collections while keeping their timeless appeal. A striped Breton top, for example, can be worn casually with jeans or dressed up with a skirt. Gingham is another enduring favourite, especially in black and white. Floral prints, although often associated with spring, can be worn year-round with the right styling. Investing in these classics allows you to build versatile and elegant outfits for any season.
Mistakes to avoid with prints
While prints are a great way to express your style, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. The first is overloading your outfit with too many different prints. Even though mixing patterns is trendy, it should be done in moderation. At Caroll, we recommend limiting yourself to a maximum of two prints per outfit. Another common mistake is choosing prints that don’t flatter your body shape. For example, petite individuals should avoid overly large patterns that can overwhelm their silhouette. Finally, don’t overlook fabric quality. A print on poor-quality fabric can quickly look faded or cheap. That’s why at Caroll, we pay close attention to the quality of our printed fabrics, ensuring your garments remain elegant over time.
