Printed jeans…your first thoughts are probably: 1. how will my thighs look? 2. do they make me look like I’m wearing a couch? (my brother actually said this to me when I was wearing my floral printed pants..so from first hand experience, it is a legitimate concern) and 3. is this seriously something I can pull off?

Here’s the thing – printed jeans are definitely not for everyone. A heavy pattern on a slightly thicker leg or a shorter leg is overwhelming and not necessarily slimming. Pairing printed pants with the right outfit and appropriate accessories is certainly not the easiest task. And avoiding looking like you’re trying way too hard to look stylish in an of-the-moment-trend is a definite concern. So how exactly do you wear this season’s boldest trend?

espy stylist and assistant marketing coordinator Jackie has picked out 5 different looks with 5 different pairs of printed pants to show you the best ways to style this trend, accessorize it, and some tips for those of us who don’t have super slim and long legs like espy stylist Suneet – who has modeled all the looks!

1. Keep it Simple:

(especially when the pattern is this bold!)

We’re all swooning over these gorgeous gold foil floral skinnies from Fidelity (Sheffield Rose – $229). These jeans are not for the timid fashionistas. Not only are they crazy colorful with an anything but subtle floral print, but they are also painted gold – which means they’re shiny. These are the Queen of all printed jeans in the realm of espy. So what do you wear with denim royalty?

The key with something as bold as the rosy gold jeans is to keep it simple. Try a sheer blouse in a soft, but solid color and a dark, cropped jacket to achieve balance. Jackie has paired them with a mint green sheer blouse (RD – $39), a dark denim jacket (Fidelity – $229), and a black bootie (Wanted – $73). A solid color on top will help to emphasize the printed pant as the key piece of your outfit. Finishing the look with a fitted, darker jacket like the denim one Suneet is wearing gives a touch of sophistication and structure to such a wild print.

2. Streamlined:

(work appropriate prints)

If you’re more of a Lady than a Queen – a quieter and darker print, such as the Fidelity Ace Monte Carlo – $219, is for you. If you do have a thicker thigh, a less obvious print in a non-textured pant is the way to go. It won’t add any excess bulk or attention to places you don’t want to draw attention to. It’s much easier to keep your look streamlined and maybe a touch more professional when the pattern isn’t so bold. This is definitely casual Friday at the office appropriate.

Wearing a fainter print allows you to pull in other trends or bolder colors for a refined, less flashy look. In this look, Jackie has paired these muted teal printed pants with an ox blood blazer (RD – $57), which is the color of the season for men and women, and a shimmery champagne blouse with looped pleats (RD – $39). The pleats add a layer of texture to the outfit, while the blazer pops some color and gives some shape around the waist.

 3. Cute and Cozy:

(how to be stylish and stay warm on your weekend getaway)

If you’re spending the weekend in Banff or you have a bit more of a casual style – this the look for you. These jewel tone teal velveteen printed pants are heaven to wear (Fidelity Ace Velveteen Monte Carlo – $229). As cozy and comfy as a cord but with a lot more impact.

Jackie has styled them with a long grey sweater (RD – $49) and a killer leather jacket (Bano eMee $349). Wearing something a little longer and treating your printed pants like you would a legging is a great way to get around the thicker thigh issue. Add a long pendant necklace (Darlings of Denmark – $39) for the illusion of extra length and a fitted jacket, like the leather one Suneet is wearing, to avoid losing any shape with an over-sized sweater. Accessorize with a a cute headband (Delux Accessories – $23) and booties.

4. What to Wear on Date #3

(because you know you won’t know what to wear…)

Here’s another bold print! Let’s call these the Princess pants (Mavi Serena White Floral – $119). They are white with a floral pattern on top – very scary! Stay away from these if you have a thicker thigh unless you are going to wear them with a tunic or an over-sized sweater. The pale background of these pants makes the flowers really stand out. These will draw a lot of attention – so you’ve gotta be bold to pull them off! However, if you’re brave enough, these are definitely show-stoppers.

Here Jackie has paired a baby pink sweater (RD – $47) with silver foil inlaid and a grey suede coat (GSUS – $419) with an amazing collar. The look is made up of basics that have great textures to give the outfit as a whole some richness and depth. Jackie has paired a feminine pendant necklace as the finishing touch to a date-worthy look.

5. Pretty and Preppy

(for the girly or the nerdy)

Ideal for class, a lunch date, or shopping with your girlfriends – this is the sweetest way to wear printed pants like these floral Mavi’s (Mavi Alexa Grey Floral – $119)! The darkness of the pattern which uses shades of black and grey neutralizes the impact of the print, making them a little more wearable. The neutral shades of this floral print are a good option in a printed pant if you like to wear a lot of color.

Jackie has paired this final print with a creamy lace tee (Kersh – $83) and a bright red cardigan (Kersh – $69). The cardi gives the look a touch of nerd chic and the lace keeps it feminine and fresh. Adorable!

 

Feeling a little more confident about wearing a print on the bottom?? Just remember to keep your personal style involved in your outfit. Don’t lose yourself in a trend! If you’re preppy, you can still be preppy and wear a printed pant. It’s all about balancing the boldness of the print and wearing the silhouettes that suit your shape the best. So don’t take my brother’s word for it – prints are no longer just for the couch.

xoxoxox

the espy stylists