From Office to Outing: Versatile Ways to Wear Printed Shirts
Are you also the one who still thinks printed shirts are just for casual Fridays? If yes, you are in for a surprise ladies!
"Because life's too short to wear boring clothes"
These words from a renowned fashion stylist perfectly capture the evolution of printed shirts in modern fashion.
According to recent fashion retail data, sales of printed shirts for women have almost doubled in the last year, proving they're no longer just a trend but a wardrobe staple.
Let me share a little secret – I was once a solid-color devotee. My wardrobe looked like a paint swatch of neutrals until I discovered the magic of printed shirts. And, I'm here to guide you through the art of wearing prints from boardroom to bar.
The Office Edit: Making Prints Professional
I remember my first client meeting in a subtle geometric print shirt!
I was nervous about looking too casual but paired with high-waisted black trousers and minimal jewelry, it struck the perfect balance of professional and personality.
Here's how you can master office-appropriate prints:
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Choose small to medium-scale prints in sophisticated color combinations
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Layer a printed shirt under a solid blazer for a peek-a-boo effect
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Opt for shirts for women in silk or silk-blend fabrics for an elevated look
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Balance bold prints with neutral bottoms
Pro tip: When selecting printed shirts for meetings, stick to abstract patterns or subtle florals in muted tones. They photograph beautifully during video calls too!
Weekend Warrior: Casual Cool with Prints
Last weekend, I turned heads at the farmers' market in my favorite co-ord dress set – a matching printed shirt and pants combo. The best part? I later wore the shirt with jeans for coffee with friends.
Here's how to nail casual print-wearing:
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Mix patterns confidently (yes, you can!) by keeping one print dominant
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Try the half-tuck technique with high-waisted jeans
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Experiment with oversized printed shirts as light layers
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Play with print scales – wear larger prints for statement pieces
Evening Excellence: From Day to Night
Trust me, nothing transforms better from day to night than a co-ord dress. A co-ord dress for evening wear doesn’t always need to be blingy. You can choose subtle prints, shiney fabrics, or thread embroidery.
I've lost count of how many compliments I've received on my kalamkari embroidered co-ord set when styled for dinner dates. The key is in the details:
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Switch casual bottoms for leather pants or a silk skirt
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Add statement accessories and bold lipstick
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Play with textures – mix printed silk shirts with sequins or metallics
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Consider monochrome prints for sophisticated evening looks
Shopping Guide For Printed Shirts For Women
After years of trial and error (and some regrettable purchases!), here's what I've learned about investing in quality printed shirts for women:
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Fabric Quality
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Check for color fastness
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Ensure prints are clearly defined
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Look for natural fibers or quality blends
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Fit Factors
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Consider how the print scale works with your frame
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Check button placement and gaping
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Look for slightly stretchy fabrics for comfort or size up
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Versatility Test
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Visualize at least three different occasions to wear it
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Consider if it works with existing wardrobe pieces
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Check if it can transition between seasons
Care and Maintenance
One question I frequently get from readers is about maintaining the vibrancy of printed shirts. Here's my tried-and-tested care routine:
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Wash prints in cold water
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Turn garments inside out before washing
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Avoid direct sunlight when drying
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Steam instead of iron when possible
Final Thoughts
The beauty of printed shirts for women lies in their versatility. Whether you're building a capsule wardrobe or looking to inject some personality into your office wear, prints can work better than most pieces in your closet.
Just remember my golden rule: if it makes you smile when you put it on, it's probably right!
I'd love to hear about your favorite ways to style printed shirts! Drop a comment below.
