Pattern Chic: Geometric Print Shorts

One of the hottest trends this season is the geometric print; this ubiquitous pattern which varies in shape, size and position can be found in everything from dresses to pants and brings a modern touch to a classic silhouette.

New York and Company -Geo Print Shorts in Pink
New York and Company -Three-Quarter Button Front Shirt in Salmon
JCP -Skinny Leather Belt in Yellow

While patterned shorts definitely abound this season, the geometric print offers a fresh twist on this classic cut; the repeated shapes along with the variety in color in this intricately patterned pair of shorts (1) have an optical illusion effect, resulting in the pink in the shorts to look closer to the salmon color in the shirt (2).  Going back to the color wheel, I paired a yellow belt (3) with this ensemble, because both the pink in the shorts and the salmon color of the shirt are lighter shades of red.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

I love the way the yellow in the belt breaks up the monochromatic look of the shirt and shorts; emphasizing this bright, sunny hue, this color-blocked clutch adds just the right amount of yellow without being over-powering.

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy so long as you don't over think it!  Monochromatic dressing is a fun way to play with varying hues of the same color.  My only advice with styling this technique, is to uses colors of the same intensity; faded or bleached items will make you look like your tying to make the piece match, other than effortlessly doing so.  One more piece of advice: when shopping for pattern-printed clothing, the mark of quality items will show if the 'even-ness' of the sewing; if the break in pattern is hard to distinguish along the seams, or the fabric on each pant leg is symmetrical, then time and effort was put into making the garment and is definitely a must buy!  SN