Style Phile: Prints Charming

I am not the kind of girl who’s content with tons of solids and basics in my wardrobe–no, I need a lot of variety. Unfortunately, until recently, it was pretty nonexistent, at least in the patterns department. If you took a look in my walk-in closet at the beginning of the summer, you would have see tons of colors in several shades; a variety of dresses, miniskirts, a few pairs of shorts, plenty of tops; but mostly all florals. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some florals but really? A whole closet full of them is a bit much. And I know that it’s a classic pattern, each floral is different, blah blah blah but I really needed some more prints and patterns in my life.

Enter my two three big hauls this summer. The first one gave me yet another floral piece (but it was a romper–which I’ve never owned before–in a brand new shade, so it wasn’t all bad) but also a very cute, breezy lime green-striped off-shoulder tee. I love how bold it is, and I was in desperate need of stripes.

Neon lime striped off-shoulder slouchy tee (American Eagle), cuffed denim shorts (Abercrombie Kids)

The second one, just three weeks ago, brought me even more variety in the form of solids (also something I needed, despite saying that I’m not one for solids–they are a necessity, however). But I hit the jackpot on my most recent one just a week ago. I got lace (!), more stripes and plaid. Okay, a little floral slipped in there, too, but what can I say, I’m a creature of habit.

Navy & pink floral cami (Abercrombie Kids), cuffed denim shorts (Abercrombie Kids)

Three months ago, if you had offered me a striped sweater, I would have flat-out turned you down. No thanks, I’m not a stripes girl. However, I’ve learned the error of my ways. Stripes, if done the right way, are totally flattering, and cute in a chic nautical way.

I thought the angle of this was cool haha. Beach Street knit layer in blue stripe (Hollister, $20)

Despite my affinity for all things girly, I doubt if I would have bought a lace piece back in May. Now I have a beautiful yet simple dark grey lace-front tee and I love it.

Bay Shore lace tee in dark grey (Hollister), navy twill shorts (Hollister)

I owned some plaid prior to last week’s shopping trip, but I’ve been itching to get some more since last fall. I did buy a couple pairs of plaid twill shorts in the spring, but since summer’s winding down, I was in desperate need of pieces that could work double-duty, right now and this fall. I found it in a royal blue plaid button-down that’s perfectly rugged yet still polished.

Malibu button-down in blue plaid (Hollister, $49.50), navy twill shorts (Hollister)

Now that I know how much difference a variety of prints can make, I will never give in to buying florals again. Okay, maybe just this once…

What is your favorite print or pattern?