Inspiration Board: Summer - Print x 2

Summer's gorgeous stripes and florals combo looks amazing in this warm-weather silhouette, but it can be appropriated for fall as well. Florals are having a very autumnal moment, with a number of designers showing darker garden-type prints on the runway. Stripes always offset florals in a flawless way and they don't need to be done with shorts to do it :). A more accessible - and classic - piece is the button-down, although a non-button blouse will do fabulously as well, as will a sophisticated floral tee. And while we're on the subject of options, let's talk about other print-on-prints! I loved Summer's look (and Nikki's similar pairing of floral stripes), but it got me pondering what other patterns would work together, carry a punch, but not be overwhelming. 'Cuz multiple prints in one outfit can frankly go Mad Hatter preeeeetty dang easy. For realz. But, it can be done without looking like an escapee from a Wonderland tea party. the trick is to blend one complex print with a simpler one. Florals, geometrics and paisleys all fall under the "complex" category. Simple prints include dots, stripes and checks (think gingham for warm weather, houndstooth for fall). "Simple" means two colors max and more of a "pattern" type design. The closet staple blazer is a perfect companion for this look, as it's readily available in said patterns (you probably even have one hanging out somewhere in the recesses of your wardrobe) and makes a solid (pun not intended, but cheerfully accepted now that it's here) investment piece, even in a non-solid fabric. If you wnat to switch up Summer's theme, try dots with your florals - just as interesting as stripes and a bit more playful: i.e., a flawless antidote to the dark glamour of a jewel-toned floral. Try saucy, modern geometric against iconic, conservative houndstooth and haberdashery-inspired pinstripes over artistic, bohemian paisley. Keep your bottoms and your shoes simple: neutrals only! Weellll, maybe go for a pinch of color in your shoes if you're audacious ;) -choose one that's pulled from the print. Stay with straightforward fabrics: denim, chino, woven wool, and classic footwear silhouettes devoid of embellishment: pointy or almond toe pumps, loafer or ballet flats, pointy-toed ankle boots (but keep them classic; skip the studs, Western vibes, fringe, peeptoe styles). Jewelry = minimal or none. If you're not a blazer girl, consider using pants as your alt-print piece; stripes, houndstooth and dots all lend themselves to trousers quite nicely. A cool-girl variation would be a bomber instead of  blazer - how about a floral bomber over a striped or dot tee? If you're still a bit shy about all this, try it will all-neutral prints - editing out the color simplifies the look and keeps it cleaner and less busy. Mixing multiple prints may sound daunting, but it's actually easier than you'd believe ..and it's fun, a bit whimsical and definitely quirky! I hope you give it a try sometime soon :) Happy styling, loves!