The anti-rulebook of styling bold prints

The ultimate accessory to style any look is, without a doubt, ‘confidence’. If you are into bold prints, you already have plenty of it. If you love bold and wish to experiment, then you must water down the rulebook on how to style statement prints. Everyone knows the basic rules of print styling—for example, solids paired with prints, muted basics with a bold print accessory for balance, or monochrome if attempting print on print. This is done. This is yester-decade.
If you really want to do bold, then let us take that comfort zone out for a little joy ride and treat it with some fun, shall we?

Nazia Mirza, associate professor of fashion styling, creative and art direction at Pearl Academy, Mumbai said, “You must have heard of animal print sarees, but what do you feel about a whole bunch of animal photographs printed on a saree? Imagine strutting around with a cheetah face for a pallu! Pair it with a skimpy, crystal studded bra blouse, some wild-flowers in the hair, traditional green and red glass bangles with Maharashtrian-style gold jewellery, and a nath - beautifully blending the worlds that never meet.”
“Picture this: A high-slit lehenga with eyes or lips printed all over in loud colours, and instead of a blouse, we do a bomber jacket made from a Banarasi saree. Cornrows for hair, an overdosed layers of chunky gold jewellery that would make Bappi Da smile in approval from the heavens—We can pair it with thigh-high leather boots, bronzed skin, bold eyes and aviator shades,” she added.
She further suggested a pantsuit with a lovely quirky print all over. “Keep the jacket open—wear a solid corset inside. A classic watch, no jewellery—add a statement gold paranda in the hair to have some oomph to the look. Finish it with metallic pencil heels, and if you are feeling extra bold, you can wear your sneakers with some quirky printed socks that colour block with the pantsuit and corset,” she said.
These bold yet tasteful cocktails of styles are sure-shot head-turners if done right. They may be liked or disliked but surely cannot be ignored. Go ahead, try them on, and remember to never dim your fabulousness—just always own it!

– Inputs by: Designer Shilpi Gupta from House of Shilpi

Accessories can really make your outfit pop when you're working with bold prints. Sneha Yadav, fashion analyst & NIFT Mumbai alumni says, “Opt for statement pieces that add to your look rather than fighting it for attention. A chunky necklace or oversized earrings can make your outfit pop without tipping the scales out of balance. Contrasting textures are also great, think leather boots and floral dresses, an interesting combination.”

Bold prints are a summer essential—vibrant, playful, and effortlessly chic. But styling them right is key to looking fashionable, not overwhelming. Here’s how to master bold prints with confidence!
1. Keep it simple, or balance with solids: If you're new to prints, pick a classic printed dress, or pair a statement printed top with neutral bottoms or layer a printed skirt with a classic white shirt. This keeps the look balanced while letting the print pop.
2. Play with proportions: Got a bold printed wide-leg pant? Pair it with a fitted crop top. Wearing an oversized printed shirt? Tuck it into tailored shorts. Structured meets flowy= effortlessly stylish!
3. Print-on-Print, the right way: The trick to a head-to-toe printed look? Stick to the same print or pattern family across separates, or at least a similar colour palette.
– Inputs by: Devangi Nishar Parekh, managing director, Aza Fashions