This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Contrary to what you may have heard, wear prints and patterns isn’t really all that risky. All those “rules” you’ve heard, well, aren’t really rules at all. Here’s the truth:
Myth: Wearing prints while pregnant will make you look bigger.
If this myth is to be believed, wearing bold, bright patterns during pregnancy is a terrible idea, as it will make you look bigger than you actually are and draw attention to your ever-expanding shape. Pregnant women, it’s said, should stick to bland and basic colors like black and other dark neutrals.
Prints aren’t actually off limits for pregnant women, and neither are bright colors. You just have to make sure to use them in small touches, as opposed to covering yourself from head to toe. Try a cardigan in leopard print over a solid-colored camisole, or a fun graphic top with pants in a solid color. If you prefer to go with a mostly black wardrobe, you can still try to work in pops of pattern in subtle ways, like a silk scarf wrapped around your neck.
Myth: Never mix multiple prints in the same outfit.
One of the most enduring myths about prints and patterns is is that you can’t mix them together without looking sloppy or unsophisticated. This myth professes that it’s only appropriate to wear one patterned piece of clothing at a time, and it should be part of an outfit that’s otherwise made up of solid-colored items.
It’s actually totally possible to wear mixed prints at the same time, as long as you do so in a smart way. For example, choose one larger patterned piece of clothing to dominate, and another smaller piece of clothing in a pattern to act as an accent. Mixing patterns that share a color or are in the same overall color family is another way to pull off the look.
Myth: Horizontal stripes are universally unflattering.
It’s pretty much common understanding that horizontal stripes make you look bigger than you actually are. According to this myth, vertical stripes are always the way to go since they create the illusion that your body is longer and leaner than in reality.
Horizontal stripes actually look good on almost any body shape – you just need to find the type of stripes and cut of clothing that works best for your figure. Fitted clothing with smaller stripes is best for women who are slimmer, as it will create the illusion that you’re curvier than you actually are. On the flip side, if your figure is more in the hourglass category, choose clothing with thick stripes in a relaxed fit.
Return to figure flattering fashion guide >>
The editors at SheFinds wrote this post on behalf of eBay and received compensation as part of our agreement.
