Get it in Print

This week's Spring 2013 trend is fun, but can be a little intimidating--especially when you see how its worn on the runway. Prints are everywhere. BOLD prints. Printed pants, shirts, jackets, shoes, you name it! From florals to plaid and camouflage, any print you can find is hot, and if you can cleverly combine them that's even better.  I'm going to show you some over the top examples to get your creative juices flowing, and then we'll dial it back to a wearable everyday look.

Marc Jacobs kicks us off with two looks in head to toe print:

 

See what I mean by over the top?  Here are a couple more for you....

Dries Van Noten

Ports 1961

Ok, right now you're thinking..."No way." But let's go back. First of all, both Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten offer an important lesson in pattern mixing. They both demonstrate that by maintaining a common color you can successfully mix some pretty bold combinations. For most of us, this may translate to a striped shirt with a floral tie--not a head to toe look. Take one piece by itself out of the Dries Van Noten look and you have a great statement that you can tone down with solids.  Canali and Calvin Klein demonstrate my point:

Canali

Calvin Klein

Both of these examples show how limiting to one printed piece and pairing it with solid neutrals can take this look to the street. Now let's look at some great options for adding some print to your wardrobe this season.

This shoe is an inexpensive and subtle way to add prints to your wardrobe. Stay safe with a classic jeans and tee combo, or find a printed shirt with complimentary colors.

Keds Men's Champion CVO Printed Canvas Fashion Sneaker

If the above looks seem like too much for you, try a smaller/tighter print that sticks to neutral tones, such as this button down from Perry Ellis (and the sale price is killer!).

Perry Ellis Men's Longsleeve Slim Fit Floral Print Woven

Or why not bring this trend to your outerwear?

Mens Marshall Artist Hiking Blazer

So there are some great ideas for how to wear your prints this season. Do you have a favorite printed piece? What is it and how do you wear it? Will you embrace this trend? Comment below!