Foolproof Tips: How to Wear Bold Prints

Mae Amor: How to Wear Bold Prints - H&M Palm Leaf Dress, Sole Society Fringe Bag, Tory Burch Wedges, Gorjana necklace Mae Amor: How to Wear Bold Prints - H&M Palm Leaf Dress, Sole Society Fringe Bag, Tory Burch Wedges, Gorjana necklace Mae Amor: How to Wear Bold Prints - H&M Palm Leaf Dress, Sole Society Fringe Bag, Tory Burch Wedges, Gorjana necklace Mae Amor: How to Wear Bold Prints - H&M Palm Leaf Dress, Sole Society Fringe Bag, Tory Burch Wedges, Gorjana necklace Mae Amor: How to Wear Bold Prints - H&M Palm Leaf Dress, Sole Society Fringe Bag, Tory Burch Wedges, Gorjana necklace

Palm Leaf Print Dress | Bracelet | Wedges | Fringe Bag | Necklace

Welcome summer and welcome bold prints!!! I love bold prints as much as the next guy, but I know they can be challenging to style – particularly if you aren’t used to them.  There is a a time and a place for mixing prints (aka, whenever the heck you feel like it), but if you’ve ever asked yourself how to wear bold prints, my main advice is to keep it simple (at least in the beginning).

1. Start with a piece that makes you feel like a rockstar

I love a bold print on just about any piece. What’s most important to me is that the piece fits well or at least makes me feel good.  This dress is actually not the greatest fit, but I was able to pull out some of my handy dandy no-sew altering techniques (for a different post on a different day) to make it a little more flattering.  Starting with a piece that fits you well will help you feel more confident in rocking your bold duds.  If you don’t feel good about what you’re wearing, you’re less likely to go through with actually wearing it out.

2. Let the print speak for itself

When wearing a bold print, I find it best to start with simple jewelry.  In this case, I just opted for some tiny gold earrings (not seen), a gold chain link bracelet, and a long gold necklace.  If you start simple and want to build on it, go for it!  But you might find that just a couple pieces is all it takes.

I also like to start with nude or otherwise neutral shoes.  For this dress, it was important to me to give the illusion of longer legs so I did two things: 1) shortened the dress and 2) wore tall nude wedges.  The print might otherwise be a little overwhelming on my shortie body.

3. Experiment with texture

If you’re itching to mix it up, try mixing in some other textures.  I love the leather bag with fringe against the dress for some reason.  I started out with a simpler bag but thought that the fringe sort of played well with the leaf print without competing with it.  It doesn’t really command your attention, but it gives the look a little more interest.

You might notice that my tips are quite basic and that is due to one thing: I think you should wear whatever the heck you want to.  I don’t offer tips for what type of print to choose for your body type because I don’t really think it matters.  I’ve heard so many times that I can’t wear certain things because I’m short and not that thin and to be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it.  My advice to anyone wondering if they can pull something off is just “yes!”…an emphatic “yes!”  If you feel like wearing it, give it a try.  If it doesn’t make you feel good, don’t bother. Simple.

A little confidence and a smile are the best accessories anyway!

Happy Monday, pals! Hope you have an amazing day!

Mae-Signature

25 Comments

  1. Katie Williamsen wrote:

    I love love love that dress! I’m loving anything with palm leaves! Can’t wait to see you this weekend! xo

    Posted 6.22.15
    • Mae wrote:

      Girl, I’m all about palm leaves too and I can’t wait to see you either! Bring on the weekend!!!

      Posted 6.22.15
  2. This dress is PERFECT for summer! I totally agree that mixing up textures is a fun way to add a little interest to a bold print! And smart about wearing nude shoes to lengthen the leg – I had kind of forgotten about that trick! Beautiful!

    xo, Christina
    Fitness & Frills

    Posted 6.22.15
  3. Cailyn wrote:

    YOU ARE A STUNNER IN THAT DRESS! I tried on the same exact one, but it looked horrible on me so my best friend actually purchased it! You look even better! I showed her this to get some inspiration for pairing the dress. I hope she likes this as much as I do!

    Posted 6.22.15
  4. This dress looks AMAZING on you and I may need it in my closet!!!!
    I love your tips on wearing bold prints so many people are so afraid to wear them.

    xoxo
    Brooke

    Posted 6.22.15
  5. Anna wrote:

    If there is one print I have been loving this Summer is the palm print! You look so divine and I love these tips, girl! XO

    Anna
    alilyloveaffair.com

    Posted 6.22.15
  6. Paige wrote:

    I love the palm print trend! It’s one of my faovirtes right now!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

    Posted 6.22.15
  7. Kait wrote:

    I just purchased that dress last week and I loved both the print and fit! I love your tip on pairing it with a completely different texture to add some interest – will definitely be doing that!

    xo
    Kait Justine
    http://www.aweaknessforsparkle.com

    Posted 6.22.15
  8. Amanda wrote:

    I love wearing bold prints! This dress is so cute on you!

    XO,

    Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com

    Posted 6.22.15
  9. There is certainly a lot of good advice in this post. I am so not the type of person to have a tailor (or myself) fix clothing to make it fit better on me. Sad, but true. I used to be able to sew, but for some reason I am so useless at it now (MOM HELP!!) so I opt to go to the tailor if shiz is really cray. The tailor though, costs an ARM AND THREE LEGS! But seriously, what the heck! I do like how you say to start simple and work your way up. It’s a good point because if we just start with chandelier necklaces we may feel odd and not beautiful wearing the piece. Lovely post & loving the print! xx

    Posted 6.22.15
  10. Katey wrote:

    You look fabulous! I love that fringe bag too. Palm leaf print is a huge favorite of mine right now as well. Great tips. Love your advice to wear what makes you happy! That’s when you feel your most beautiful!
    Katey
    http://www.twopeasinablog.com

    Posted 6.22.15
  11. I’m obsessed with that dress!! I’ll have to grab one for myself!! Loving these tips!! <3
    xoxo,
    Amanda | http://www.TheChambrayBunny.com

    Posted 6.22.15
  12. ellespann wrote:

    yes, yes, yes!! I love the teal-ish hues of this palm print!
    Elle
    Southern Elle Style

    Posted 6.22.15
  13. Samantha wrote:

    Ok STOP it right now with that dress and bag. I’ve been dying for a white fringe bag and both of these are perfection!!!

    Posted 6.23.15
  14. I’ve been wanting either a palm print dress or romper but I’ve always been afraid of trying to match it with things. I’ll definitely use your tips and finally order one! Thanks so much!
    xo, Kyla – KyMarieC / @kycurrierlewis

    Posted 6.23.15
  15. Brooke wrote:

    Absolutely adore this dress, you look gorgeous! I just purchased a palm leaf dress from Old Navy and love it…it screams summer!

    xoxo,
    Brooke | KBStyled

    Posted 6.23.15
  16. Mary wrote:

    Love this dress! Ive been on the hunt for the perfect palm dress and found it here! Great post! Sportsanista

    Posted 6.23.15
  17. Jes Dooley wrote:

    I’ve been all about bold prints lately!! I love ones with color because they give so much love to the face!!! You are rocking that dress!!
    Jes

    Posted 6.23.15
  18. Nickie wrote:

    First off, love the print! Second, great tips. I do the same–neutrals when it comes to bold prints. It makes your print dress or top or whatever stand out more! And yes yes yes, to mixing prints with textures. I’m a big fan of textures anyhow but snakeskin or furry leopard is a great addition to make mixing prints really POP.

    Also, love your balayage ombre girl!

    xoxo,
    Nickie of http://www.nickieanddime.com

    Posted 6.23.15
  19. Ashley wrote:

    loving the leaf print! I have been dying to pick up something similar 😉

    xo SideSmile,
    Ashley

    SideSmile Style | A Dallas Fashion Blog

    Posted 6.24.15
  20. I’m in love with your dress! I can’t believe it’s only $12.95??!! So perfect for summer!

    http://www.Fashionabella.com

    Posted 6.24.15
  21. Courtney wrote:

    Thanks for the tips! I absolutely adore bold prints, but they can be a little tricky!

    XO Color Me Courtney
    http://www.colormecourtney.com

    Posted 6.25.15
  22. This palm dress looks great on you and I love your white fringe bag!

    Posted 6.25.15
  23. teamwiking wrote:

    Ooh, I LOVE the print on that dress, it’s perfect! I just bought a sarong/scarf that is similar and I’m so in love.

    Posted 6.25.15
  24. Abigail wrote:

    What a great print – you look so cute in this dress!

    Posted 7.6.15

Comments are closed.