15 cool ways to rock pattern and print in minimal outfits

The thing about pattern and print

I looove pattern and print. Unfortunately, this includes big coloured floral prints on a black blackground, adorning blouses, dresses and gowns. Why it this unfortunate? Because I cannot and I must not wear coloured prints, especially if they are big.

So how do you know that, just maybe, you should not wear coloured prints?

You’re petite – they will swamp you
Your style is very far from girly – they may look weird on you
Your style is girly enough as it is – you don’t need an extra boost there
You feel that they make you look like crazy cat lady instead of quirky cute – I don’t know the exact root cause but if it applies to you, you will know.
You gravitate towards a minimal style – to you, they will look like a bucket of syrup you must drink but don’t want to.

Must I leave print and pattern behind?

That depends on you – there are minimalists who don’t think so, and then there are minimalists who do. Ask yourself two questions. First, do you find black & white patterns attractive? Get some inspo and note what it is you like and don’t like. Second, do they look good on you? There’s nothing for it but to hit the changing rooms. Again, note the results. If you find you like patterns and can also find pieces that should work on you, buy a few with different patterns and start building them into your outfits. Black & white patterns are clearly an important element of maxi-minimalism, adding extra zing to truly minimal looks and a million fresh ways to combine black, white and grey, the bread and butter of all minimalists.

Inspiration: get the juices flowing

Finally, for initial inspiration, check out some of the looks taken from my @epicstreetstyle Insta and from my posts below. Give yourself a head-start and think about how you could integrate some on-trend and timeless pieces into your own looks.

Outerwear

Tops

Dress

the satin stripe dress (from Insta)

Accessories

Love,
Gabriella

beat the spring chill in style: check boyfriend coat, ripped jeans, chunky knit and bold clutch black white pattern minimal print 3 ways to wear the black pencil dress, city chic, floral bomber, little black dress, leopard skaters, white backpack, mirrored aviators black white pattern minimal print light blue distressed jeans, organza panel shirt, monochrome stripe blazer, mirrored aviators studded heels, striped blazer black white pattern minimal floral nineties crop top, white biker skirt, straw trilby, chunky minimal sandals, black aviators, summer outfit black white pattern minimal print off-shoulder striped top, indigo slim straight jeans, white trainers, straw trilby, Nineties nylon choker, aviators, Balaton view black white pattern minimal print pinspot shirt satin bandana scarf minimal chic outfit black white pattern print pinspot shirt pattern scarf minimal black white pattern print pattern print minimal outfit white spot flower print shirt gucci style luxe loafers topshop Ruffle blouse greyscale check print minimal look ruffles black white pattern print polkadot black white pattern print ruffle blouse big cuffs striped shirt paisley scarf distressed jeans black white minimal pattern print striped emily the strange tee t-shirt scarf black white minimal pattern print black white pattern print minimal satin stripe dress topshop Camden Town weekend in London, casual minimal outfit, jeans, military jacket, stripes, black, white, The World's End pub stripe belt black white minimal pattern print

Black & white pattern pieces to add to minimal outfits:

check coat: New Look
floral bomber: a market find
striped jersey blazer: New Look
floral crop top: Nineties
off-shoulder striped top: H&M
black pinspot shirt: New Look
white flower pinspot shirt: Topshop
check ruffle blouse: H&M
polkadot V-ruffle blouse: H&M
white striped shirt: Zara
striped t-shirt: Emily the Strange
knitted Breton sweater: H&M
satin stripe dress: Topshop
striped neck ties: C&A
black paisley scarf: New Look
black grey pattern scarf: H&M