Prints can be a blast—floral, stripes, spots, you name it. But let’s be real. There’s a fine line between “chic” and “clown car” when it comes to wearing bold patterns. If you’ve ever thrown on a printed top only to feel like you’re auditioning for a circus, you’re not alone. Been there, done that (and burned the shirt).

Anyway, here’s the kicker: learning how to wear prints without overdoing it isn’t as tough as it sounds. With just a few simple rules, you’ll be a print master—without ever looking like a walking art gallery.

Why Prints Are Trickier Than They Look

First off, let’s talk about why prints can be such a headache. I mean, they seem like an easy way to spice up your wardrobe, but too many can make you look like you raided a thrift store’s bargain bin—and not in a cute, vintage way. Trust me, I’ve been there.

The truth is, prints can overwhelm your outfit if you’re not careful. Too much, and it’s like someone opened the floodgates to a pattern apocalypse.

Here’s how it usually goes:

• Visual clutter: Too many prints = your outfit’s a jumbled mess.
• Clashing patterns: Stripes + polka dots? Big no-no.
• Lack of structure: When your outfit feels like a patterned blob. Yikes.

Learning how to wear prints without overdoing it is key to avoiding the “I don’t know what I was thinking” moment at the mirror.

The Types of Prints You’ll Actually Use

I could go on about the different kinds of prints all day, but I’ll spare you the boring details. Instead, here’s a breakdown of the prints you’ll probably come across—and probably wear at some point.

Classic Prints You’ll Find Everywhere

• Florals – Think boho vibes, grandma’s garden, or a 90s throwback.
• Stripes – Horizontal or vertical, stripes are like that reliable friend who never lets you down.
• Polka dots – Retro and playful. It’s like you’re channeling your inner Lucille Ball.
• Animal prints – Bold, edgy, and if you’re wearing them, you’re probably 10% cooler than the rest of us.
• Geometric prints – Sharp lines, clean shapes. It’s all very “I know what I’m doing” vibe.
• Abstract prints – Sometimes you need to wear art. Or maybe you’re just covering up a stain. Either way, you look cool.

I could give you more details, but at the end of the day, the key is this: You’ve gotta know how to wear prints without overdoing it, or else you risk looking like a walking Picasso.

Start Small, Baby Steps

Look, I know you want to wear that bold floral dress you bought online, but take it slow. Baby steps, okay? Accessories are your best friend here. You don’t need to throw all your prints into one outfit—trust me, I tried it, and it didn’t end well.

Start with small print accessories. They’re easy, and honestly, they make you look way more put-together than you probably feel (especially when you roll out of bed 10 minutes late).

My Go-To Printed Accessories

• Scarves (yep, a floral scarf totally pulls it off).
• Shoes (subtle polka dots or striped flats work wonders).
• Bags (a fun, printed tote adds character to any outfit).

For instance, I’ve been wearing a striped scarf from Pete’s Boutique on 7th for weeks. It’s my “I’ve got my life together” accessory—even though my laundry’s been piling up.

Keep It Simple with Color

Okay, so now you’re thinking, “I’m ready to wear that crazy top!” But here’s the deal—choose your colors wisely, or else you’ll be looking like a Crayola box exploded. The secret? Stick to a color palette. When in doubt, match one color from your print with the rest of your outfit. This keeps everything balanced.

Pro Tip for Color Coordination

• Choose 2-3 main colors that match across your prints.
• Use neutrals (like black, white, beige) to anchor your look.
• When you want to mix prints, make sure they share at least one color.

Remember that time I wore a bright yellow floral shirt with green pants? Yeah, let’s not talk about that. In hindsight, I should’ve used the color-palette rule.

Pair Prints with Solids for the Win

Listen, if you’re starting to panic—don’t. I got you. If mixing prints seems like a lot to handle right now, you can always start by pairing prints with solid colors. This is the easiest way to learn how to wear prints without overdoing it.

Tried-and-True Pairing Examples

• Floral blouse + plain white jeans. It’s cute, clean, and effortless.
• Polka dot skirt + solid top. Done and done.
• Striped sweater + black pants. Oh, the classics.

And don’t even get me started on the time I wore a floral shirt with floral pants. Rookie mistake, y’all. But hey, live and learn.

Mixing Prints: The Secret Sauce

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get a little bold. Yes, I’m talking about mixing prints. But let’s not go crazy—mixing prints is like cooking a new recipe. It can either be amazing or end in tears (trust me, I’ve burnt myself on this one).

Mixing Prints Like a Pro (or Like a Grown-Up)

• Vary the size of the prints: Pair tiny polka dots with big floral patterns. It works.
• Stick to the same color family: You don’t want to look like a jumbled mess, so keep things cohesive.
• Add a neutral piece: A solid-colored jacket or belt can break things up.

And, you know, when I tried stripes and leopard print together—shudders—yeah, don’t do that unless you want to be a walking mess of chaos.

Know Where to Put the Prints

Here’s a pro tip: prints aren’t just for clothes. They’re also for strategic placement. I learned this the hard way after a fashion disaster involving a giant floral blouse and a striped skirt. Ouch.

Anyway, here’s how to place prints based on your body:

The Print Placement Cheat Sheet

• Prints on top = attention up, great for smaller busts.
• Prints on bottom = balance for broader shoulders.
• Vertical stripes elongate. Horizontal stripes? Not so much.

I personally love wearing printed tops because they add some flair without stealing the show.

Layer, Baby, Layer

Okay, now that we’re friends, here’s my secret: layering prints with solid pieces works wonders. It’s like hiding your candy bar in your gym bag. No one knows what you’re up to, but it’s working.

Layering Examples

• Floral blouse under a solid jacket.
• Printed tights under a black dress.
• Patterned scarf over a simple sweater.

Layering is your little sneaky trick for learning how to wear prints without overdoing it. It’s subtle but effective.

Confidence: The Final Ingredient

Honestly, at the end of the day, the secret to how to wear prints without overdoing it is simple: wear what makes you feel good. The best prints are the ones you’re comfortable in. Don’t overthink it. And if someone judges you for your outfit, remember—they’re just jealous they didn’t think of it first.

Wrapping It Up

So, here’s the deal. Wearing prints doesn’t have to be this big, scary thing. Start small. Stick to a color palette. And always remember to layer wisely. And if all else fails, just keep practicing. You’ll get there, I promise.

Fast forward past three failed outfit choices, and soon enough, you’ll be walking around like a print pro.

As noted on page 42 of the out-of-print “Fashion Faux Pas & Fixes” (2011)—don’t let prints overwhelm you. Keep it simple, keep it chic.