Article also published on: FashionNetAsia

Just like pink & red, socks & strappy shoes – prints on print have ventured past the taboo that was once held in consideration of wearing two completely different patterns and has moved into an arena of complimentary and complex garment matching.

- Libertine -

This Fall/Winter brings us bold colour and pattern choices that broaden our acknowledgment of what ‘matches’.

A trend for the bold at heart and fierce in presentation – pattern layering is not for the conservative!  It demands an extroverted approach to clothing and rewards it’s weavers with the fashionable statement of being undeniably trend-savvy!

– Proenza -

- Proenza -

- Proenza -

Piling on the patterns does come with it’s own set of rules however – which are not to be ignored unless your intention is to inspire dogs to bark and babies to cry!

To maintain a modern approach as apposed to looking like all you own are hand-me-downs that neither fit nor match – opt for head-to-toe colour tones that stay within the family!

For example, if you want to go for blue apparel – stick with shades of blue – veering off into green hues and those of purple – but NOT opting for a colour clashing print to throw into the works!

If copper is more your colour of choice – stick to it along side complementary tones!

The prints can vary, but to safely layer stay with similar hues.

- Just Cavalli -

- Just Cavalli -

Not an easy trend to pull off – pattern size ALSO play a major part in your projected proportions.  The choice of either a bold or busy print contributes to your overall look and body shape.

Wherever an area you want to de-emphasize or draw attention away from, place detailed pattern here. Both busy or smaller prints mask disproportionate areas.  They are slimming and flattering.

Bold dramatic patterns call loudly for attention via both extending that particular area of your body and enlarging it to the size of the print itself!  Use eye-popping print to draw attention TO a particular part of your body, one that’s worthy of attention!

- Dries Van Noten –

- Dries Van Noten –

- Dries Van Noten -

Use these rules to create a balanced body – utilize the strengths of pattern to either enhance or distract from various aspects of your figure while at the same time remembering to pay attention to the colour pallet your working with.

- Moschino -

- Moschino -