Loud Prints & Patterns - Gaudy or Gucci?

A largely debated topic.

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Fashion police everywhere for decades have either praised or trolled the fierceness of those who strut their stuff in prints and patterns, whether it be designer logos or the classics like geometrics, leopard, stripes, houndstooth, sequins, snakeskin, fur, lace, embroidery - the list goes on and on.

I hate the phrase "oh, I can't pull that off." I can't tell you how many friends tell me this, maybe on a weekly basis. I love to encourage my friends to try some of my favorite current prints like leopard and, during New Years, sparkles and sequins. They would always be like, "that's sooo you, but I could never wear that."

....HONEY.

HOOONNEEEY.

LOL.

Look in the mirror.

If I had that mentality, I would still be in my PJs. It's not about pulling something off. Anything can be "pulled off." It's all about moderation. Those who think they cannot pull off certain prints or patterns often are too scared to branch out and try new trends, and generally shy away from other new and adventurous things in life. Plaid isn't just for your best friend Chelsea, and floral isn't just for your grandma Carol.

If you're too timid to try a print, add a little into your accessories like your shoes, jewelry, or even on the embroidery of a top. I promise, you will be the only one paranoid about it being there and looking bad on you. You'd be surprised how other people notice it and actually compliment you on it rather than judge you for taking the "leap."

Now don't get me wrong, not everything has to be moderated. Some great heroes can wear a full on geometric print top with metallic leggings and get away with it, looking like a fashion diva. Confidence and fashion knowledge is key. Also, styling. Be your own stylist or have a stylist - you need to have taste when doing things NOT in moderation. You don't want to look like this ...

Or hey, maybe you do. Matching couple outfits make it easy to find each other if you get split up at Six Flags Great America, and they can be bougie AF if you pull it off right. Take for example, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

LOOK at them slay in these gray pinstriped pant suits.

Another example of them in prints follows below:

Now, this is where the controversy comes in once again: clothing with words, sayings, phrases, and/or logos on them. Trashy or statement? Again, I think it needs to be done tastefully. Being decked out head-to-toe in the Gucci logo looks like you're trying to flash something that I honestly don't want.

I'm all gucci on the Gucci there, Gucci. Sorry to say, but you too, Fetty. Plus, wearing the same outfits? Awwkkkwarrrddddd......

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Now I'm going to end this with the story of a girl. A girl who grew up being told that animal print was trashy, but Abercrombie logo shirts were cool - especially the ones back in the day that said things like "Recycle Paper - Pass Notes in Class."

Yup - I had that shirt. Thanks, Mama H!

But, I guess it was a trend at the time. Now, a new current trend is leopard/cheetah print. What I've come to realize is that if you truly love a print, it's timeless. Someone could have been wearing leopard print back when I was 8 years old wearing that Abercrombie tee (that my teachers probably hated) and it would have been totally fine. I'm sorry to say, Mom, but you ill-informed me. Leopard print is not trashy if it is done the right way.

My current favorite item in my closet is my Sam Edelman leopard print boots. There's not a day I go out wearing them and don't receive a compliment, be it from a friend or a stranger. They bring a fun pop to any outfit and help my personality shine through. What pattern or print brings out yours?

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