Showing off how much of a fashionista you are is definitely something to take pride in, but keeping up with new trends every season? It can be fun in theory, but in practice that is one expensive hobby! Some of 2014’s spring and summer’s hottest trends from the runway were prints. And the good news is we realized some of those are pretty common graphics that you might already own. After all, even if you bought the dress on sale back in 2004, if it’s deemed a trendy print for 2014 why not finally get some use out of it?
Image via fashionunion.com
Geometric prints were big on the runway this year. They ranged from creating a type of optical illusion to be more flattering for your body, to smaller repetitive patterns. A good rule of thumb is to choose a look that won’t be too overpowering for your body shape; For instance large and abstract prints can sometimes be too much for a smaller frame. And depending on what you already own, you can give it a fresh face-lift by switching out what color you accent or accessories you choose.
image via yesstyle.com
Florals of course were big again this year. It seems like every year when people come out of their winter hibernation they think that only now it is okay to start wearing florals again. Regardless of what rules you imply as to when you can start showing off your petal power, chances are you already own something of the like. Similar to the geometric print, both small and repetitive, as well as large and abstract were instyle. So choose what looks best on you and rock that dress as if it’s brand new! Or, you can add a solid colored shirt or sweater over top to really give an old garment a new feel.
Image via thefashionfoot.com
Image via mindymaesmarket.blogspot.com
Stripes and polka-dots. Two of the most basic prints that have been around for decades, and they are clearly not going anywhere. The good thing about having them be so basic is that they become much more versatile than say a multi-colored floral shirt, or an intricate geometric pattern. This year we saw the mixing and matching of stripes and polka dots. What used to be considered a faux pas in fashion is now being embraced as long as you keep everything to scale and make sure that even if the prints are different, that the colors match. Below you can see how it was done on the runway, and translated to the streets by a fashion blogger.
It’s easy to come up with a reason you just have to have the latest and greatest trends, but chances are you could probably recreate similar looks using what you already have. This season it’s easy with shapes, florals, and classic stripes and polka-dots. So that means more money for shoes, right?