How to Wear Dresses With Prints, Patterns, and Bold Colors
Mbabazi House of Style Olivia African Fabric Dress
Have you ever been told to stay away from wearing bold colors and patterned dresses to look thin? I have, and unfortunately, that "advice" influenced my style for a while. Look, I am all for a nice neutral, but I do not want to wear it to blend in or to hide my physique. So instead, I love dresses with prints, patterns, and colors! They are fun to wear, and guess what? I wear them!
Y'all, there are many ways to wear dresses with prints, patterns, and colors. It can be an excellent way to express your personality and style to feel beautiful and confident (at any size).
Tips to Wear Dresses With Prints, Patterns, and Bold Colors
Here are some Style Tips to help you look and feel confident and stylish when wearing these types of dresses:
Choose a great print or pattern: Go for patterns that you love! Try experimenting with different styles to find which patterns you like best if you are unsure what works for you. A good rule of thumb is to opt for prints and patterns that are proportionate to your body size. While this may be true, with certain patterns being more flattering than others, DO NOT let this stop you from discovering which works best for you. Choose prints, patterns, and colors that complement your skin tone and body shape. Anyway, I wear what I want. Sign me up to wear what I love and feel confident in.
Speaking of body shape, that brings us to Style Tips number two and three:
Look for the right fit: Pay attention to the fit of the dress. The key to feeling confident in any dress is finding the right fit. Choose dresses that fit well in the areas that matter most to you, such as the waist or hips, that are comfortable to move in. I look for that just right fit, making sure the dress is not too tight or too loose and that it accentuates the curves in a flattering way. If you're unsure about the fit, try sizing up or down (remember, the fit is what matters, not the size number). You can also consider having the dress tailored to your body!
Embrace your body shape: Don't be afraid to show off your curves! Look for dresses that flatter your figure and highlight your best features. For example, a wrap dress can cinch your waist and accentuate your curves. Y'all, the body that I have today is precisely that, so I'm dressing for today! Dresses with A-line and fit-and-flare silhouettes and with empire waists can be flattering on my plus-sized frame, but a body-con dress can also be.
Side note: You can consider wearing shapewear to smooth out any lumps or bumps if that's your preference. (I have an interesting relationship with shapewear that stems from a dislike of wearing slips underneath my church dresses while enduring the scorching heat during my childhood, but I digress.) Also, shapewear can help create a more streamlined silhouette.
Yellow Polka Dot Dress Old Navy Dress with Green Versace Belt, J. Crew Sweater, and Michael Kors Combat Boots
Accessorize wisely: Accessories can help make your look. Choose pieces that complement the colors, prints, and patterns in your dress. They also add more personality to your outfit and can take your dress from day to night. I LOVE adding a belt to cinch in my waist (ok, this is my number one go-to) or a statement necklace or earrings (and we can't forget adding a scarf. I love scarves!) to draw attention to my face. When I choose accessories, I avoid those that can be overwhelming or distracting and go for those that help complete the look.
Layer it up: Layering can help add more interest to an outfit. For instance, layering a sweater, cardigan, or jacket over your dress will add some dimension and texture to your look. Also, don't forget about the denim jacket (by the way, denim is trending this Spring), which can add the perfect touch of casual chicness needed to top off a dress with prints, patterns, and colors!
Anyway, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel fashionable, confident, and comfortable. Embrace your curves (wherever they are because mine, well, never mind) and some color. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and patterns until you find the perfect look! So, what do you think about these tips? Do you have a favorite pattern, print, or dress silhouette? Let's share in the comments.
Until next time, remember to mark your life with beauty!
xo Janae’
