Prints vs. Textures

To finish our styling toolkit, we must separate prints from textures. A print is purely visual, like a floral pattern dyed onto flat cotton. A texture is tactile, like the physical bumps of a thick knit or the shine of smooth leather.

In our Neutrals class, we learned that mixing fabrics prevents boredom. We can now take this one step further: extreme texture actually replaces the need for color. A completely colorless outfit made of heavy tweed, smooth leather, and thick wool is guaranteed to turn heads.

Unlike texture, a large print is a massive visual statement that demands the eye's attention. Because it is so loud, you must surround it with absolute silence. Pair any large-scale print exclusively with the calm, solid Core 6 neutrals we learned earlier.

Where you place a print matters just as much as its size. Keep small, delicate prints near your face so they do not overpower your natural facial features. Reserve large, loud prints for your lower half, applying the exact same logic we used in the Colored Bottoms class.

You reach true styling mastery when you combine both elements in one single look. Pair a heavy, solid texture on your top half with a delicate visual print on your bottom half. The harshness of the leather or thick wool perfectly balances the chaotic energy of the pattern.

Go to your closet and pull out one piece with a heavy physical texture and one piece with a printed pattern. Based on the size of the print, decide whether it belongs on your top or bottom half, and lay out your expert-level outfit!