I only started getting in to printed pants in the last 12 months or so, but now they’re a wardrobe staple and I find myself gravitating towards printed trousers when I’m styling outfits. I get at least one message a week asking how to wear printed pants, so I thought it was about time for a blog post…
My ultimate tip is to get the fit right. If your trousers are too tight, not only will it be uncomfortable but it will be noticeable – patterns distort when they’re stretched so get the fit right and you’re on your way to a winning outfit (actually, that applies to all clothes, not just printed pants). Depending on what you like you can find printed pants in lots of forms – there are joggers, leggings, tailored trousers, harem pants … even printed jeans.
ASOS Curve Sleeveless Shirt | Junarose Daisy Floral Jogger | New Look Wide Fit Lunacy White Patent Loafer Shoes | Ted Baker Exotic Trim Stab Stitch Tote (all from ASOS)
The simplest way to style printed pants is by looking at the colours in the print and continuing that theme throughout your outfit. These white daisy print navy trousers make styling easy because the two main colours are neutral tones, and in my outfit above I have gone with a basic monochrome theme throughout.
Chocolat Grid Pants | Chocolat Grid Zip Collar Jacket | Yours White 3/4 Sleeve Work Shirt | Yours Colbalt Blue Oversized Top With Dipped Hem | Yours Navy Sleeveless Top With Dipped Hem
A pair of printed pants can be worn in a number of different ways, for different looks. Take this pair of trousers from Chocolat’s SS16 line – you can pop a matching jacket over a fitted singlet for a matchy matchy look; pair them with a crisp white blouse for the office; wear an oversized top in this season’s hottest colour to match the cobalt waistband for a casual look; or go for a sleeveless top in French navy for a great brunch outfit.
Wine Longline Singlet | Navy & Brown Paisley Print Harem Pants | Brown Frame Sunglasses With Pearl Arms | White Platform Gladiator Wide Fit Sandals (all from Yours)
If you’re wearing a pair of baggier trousers (like harem pants), go for a fitted top. If you’ve got slimmer pants (like leggings, ponte pants or printed skinny jeans), go for a looser fit top – that’ll give you a balanced silhouette to make the most of those prints, so the prints don’t overwhelm your shape. There are some great 70’s inspired prints this season that are quite busy (hello paisley!), so match them with simple accessories and basic pieces for an easy boho vibe.
Black Jersey Swing Tunic With Cut Out Back | Leopard Print Leggings | Black Over Strap Clutch | Wide Fit Black Crossover Peep Toe Cork Wedge Sandal (all from Yours)
Rather than trying to wear all of the colours that feature in your trousers on other parts of your body, just pick one. It doesn’t have to be the main colour of the pants (in fact, it’s probably better if it’s not because this will stop you from looking so matchy-matchy) – just go for an accent colour or a neutral. Keep the rest of your clothing and your accessories neutral and voilà, style success!
Feeling game? Why not try a bit of pattern clashing? I’d love to know how you rock your print pants – let me know below what prints you’re loving right now!
Meagan wears:
Blue Skies Ahead Oversize Top from Harlow (L/XL)
Kate Madison Textured Print Pants from The Warehouse (26)
Next Baseball Pumps from EziBuy (9)
I got really excited about the choc grid pants, then i saw the price tag. 299$??? And they only go up to 20??
And why are the clothes you are wearing crossed out?
You need to get your gorgeous butt down to the warehouse, and tell them you want to promote their plus clothes. I want to click on what you are wearing, and buy it!!
Hi Twixtie, the grid pants from Chocolat go up to a 24, but different retailers have different stock in store. The price tag is perfectly reasonable for a high end NZ designer item – similar to what you’d find at Karen Walker, Zambesi or Annah Stretton.
The clothes I am wearing are crossed out because they are past season and no longer available – I believe in cultivating a wardrobe with pieces I love and will wear across multiple seasons rather than wearing something once and removing it from my wardrobe. Items with a similar aesthetic may be able to be purchased from the companies listed. Oh, and I work with The Warehouse regularly – you can see my most recent work with them here. xo
I have a pair of printed joggers I guess you’d call them that I got from the Warehouse last summer. I really struggle to know what shoes to wear with them in winter. They finish just on the ankle so I can’t really wear casual canvas style shoes because you can see the socks. Would you wear an ankle boot?
I wear ankle boots with my printed pants quite often, and I think that they work. Give it a go!
Awesome, thanks!
Ohhh, I am quite into the matchy match idea, but, it could end up looking pajama-ish I reckon…unless there was statement jewels and heels involved… 😉
There can absolutely be statement jewels and heels involved! I think the accessories are crucial to make it not look pyjama-ish.