Clashing Prints: Five Ways to Work the Look as Demonstrated on the SS19 Runways

Hayley Kadrou   |   25-03-2019

A big hit on the Spring/Summer 2019 runways that sees no signs of slowing down as Autumn approaches, the clashing prints trend is one of the most fun-loving and surprisingly wearable looks to try right now.

If we know one thing about the rules of fashion, it’s that they are there to be broken.  The only real rule is to wear whatever you’re drawn to with confidence.

 

And for the Spring/Summer months now on the horizon, it’s the rule of clashing prints that is yearning to be broken.

 

Here are some ways to work the looks.

 

Wild Whimsy

Rochas SS19

Rochas SS19

Burberry SS19

Burberry SS19

 

Animal print is seeing a huge revival on its own right now, with everything from vintage leopard designs to snakeskin prints leaping from accessories onto garments for this season. And for SS19, we’ve finally been given permission to mismatch the flamboyant garments like never before.

 

Ways to wear it include donning the same print in varying colours or pairing a bold print with an animal motif tee. Clash opposite skins with the most ease by combining one complete design, such as a leopard print skirt, with an item that only has wildlife-esque details – such as a tee with zebra print font.

 

The likes of Rochas and Burberry embraced the look on the runway, with the former using the hues to unite designs together while the latter balanced vibrant yellow print with a calming grey shade.

 

Flower Power

 

Michael Kors SS19

Michael Kors SS19

Self Portrait SS19

Self Portrait SS19

 

Florals will always be a springtime favourite, forever the epitome of new life and fresh beginnings as the next season approaches. But now you can mix up the staple print by clashing together florals to give the feminine design an eye-grabbing, bold edge.

 

Make like Michael Kors and mix up the mirroring floral compositions with opposing shades, or follow suit with Self Portrait by layering garments that sit side by side on the colour wheel.

 

Pattern Party

 

Mui Miu SS19

Mui Miu SS19

Carolina Herrera SS19

Carolina Herrera SS19

 

Not all clashing need be so coordinated. Mixing random patterns that are full of flair has also been given the green light this season, and allows you to take what you love from the previous two trends and introduced even more to it.

 

For example, the runways this season weren’t shy of combinations such as check jackets over leopard print dresses or stripped jumpers with floral trousers. The key is to stick to just two major designs and keep makeup and accessories minimum.

 

Carolina Herrea balanced a flower-embroidered blazer with checked shorts, while Miu Miu added a wild side to office wear with a grey blazer over high-shine animal print.

 

Patchwork Print

 

Etro SS19

Etro SS19

Chloe SS19

Chloe SS19

 

Don’t want to actively think about how to perfectly clash your clothes together? Then tap into the trend by opting for an all-in-one piece that does the thinking for you.

 

This season, patchwork was plentiful with designs mixing together everything from fabrics and tones to patterns and prints into one slip-on item. While donning such items, the key really is to let them do the talking and not to distract from the already busy piece.

 

Etro went bold with vivid blues and reds, while Chloe took a softer approach championing earthy tones and silky fabrics.

 

Art Class

 

D&G SS19

D&G SS19

Louis Vuitton SS19

Louis Vuitton SS19

 

The catwalk turned into an art class for SS19, with the clothes being presented as chaotic pieces of abstract art being thrown together with an array of patterns and motifs.

 

While some were more stylised, others were more of a conundrum. Like the patchwork designs, this allows you to work into the colourful chaos without having to overthink.

 

Louis Vuitton channelled abstract aesthetics that clashed colours together within the same design, while D&G presented dresses as collages of creativity.

 

Louis Vuitton SS19

Louis Vuitton SS19

 

READ: SS19 Haute Couture Beauty: From Dior to Chanel, Makeup Takes a Dramatic and Fantastical Turn

READ: The Spring/Summer 2019 Fashion Trends It’s Time to Start Wearing

READ: Fearless: See Miu Miu’s SS19 Collection in A&E’s March Editorial Shoot