Black & White Chic: Mixed Prints

A timeless trend makes a resurgence in 2013, and the effect is crisp, clean and fabulous.  With the juxtapose, jarring mix of dark and light, black and white print has become the new 'neutral' and serves as a blank canvas for pairing with colors.

Body Central -Zebra Print Cropped Cardigan
Old Navy -Geo Print Mini Skirt
Anne Klein -Zya, in Black (Houndstooth Print)
 

Mixing prints is a frightening prospect, especially when the design of the prints varies greatly.  But perspective is the key to pulling off this particular mix of prints; viewing black and white as a single 'neutral' color, various prints in this same 'neutral', will match, just as dressing all in grey or all black match.

 

The zebra print sweater (1) is a classic print (like it's leopard counterpart) and should be a staple in any chic wardrobe.  The Geometric (Geo) print skirt is a modern infusion of black and white, and in a mini cut is a fun take on this trend.  The Houndstooth print is another classic, but it gets an unexpected update in a pump (3) instead of clothing.

 

 

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is attention grabbing, when you use classic pieces in bold designs then throw caution to the wind!  It takes a great deal of skill to pull off mixed prints, but with black and white, one need not be cautious -all the attention that is normally paid to pairing color families is virtually eliminated.  I matched my black and white ensemble with a navy tank top and satchel, only because it was the evening.  For a day look, I would have gone with a bright pink, red or yellow.  For an alternative look, I would opt for a bright clutch and a skinny belt.  My styling word of caution is simple: make sure the white parts of your prints are indeed a bright white, and that the black is a true black, which has not faded to a dark grey.  You want your look to stand out, not fade into the background!  SN