The Keys To Professional Prints
July 15, 2016
By Brian Maynor
Solid colors may be a safe bet when it comes to dressing for a professional situation, even social ones, but they can also be quite boring. And for people who love color, prints and showcasing their personality, it can make finding something to wear more of a chore than it needs to be, and a lot less fun.
Fortunately there are ways to wear prints that maintain your professional image; you just have to know how to do it.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when pulling out prints for your next professional look, whether it’s just another day at the office, or a social function:
- The actual print. Whimsical prints like hearts, animals or even flowers can really capture your carefree spirit, but if that isn’t valued at your office you may want to save them for your off-duty hours. Instead the better choices are geometric or abstract prints. The eyes pass over them a lot easier and tend to read them more as a texture.
- The colors. People tend to be drawn to prints because of the bright combination of colors, but when dressing for the office you need to rein that in just a bit. If the actual print is bold make sure it is on a muted or neutral background, and vice versa if the background is bold then the print should be neutral.
- The pairings. It’s safe to say wearing a single print head to toe can be overwhelming in any situation, but that’s especially true in professional settings. You need to balance your print with some solid pieces. If you’re opting for a printed dress, look to break it up with some solid accessories or design details.
- The proportions. We all know from previous articles the key to pulling off prints is to keep the size proportional to you. While smaller prints are easier to pull off, they really work best for small or petite people. If you’re more balanced with larger prints pairing them with solids are more crucial, or try to keep them isolated to single area of your outfit. That way you can control the impact better.
- The accessories. If you’re going bold with your out, whether it is print or color, then the rest of your pieces need to be simple and subtle. That goes for your hair, makeup, bag, shoes and jewelry. Pairing too many playful pieces are a surefire way to take your look from fun to costumed.
Prints are fun, and an easy way to show off your personality or even brighten your mood, but when you need them to also appear professional it takes some planning and balance. However, don’t let that step regulate you to a closet of solid pieces just because you want an easy throw-and-go wardrobe. Use these tips to live into your prints and embrace them.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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