Blouse: Marshalls (similar style here) | Shorts: Forever 21 (similar style here) | Purse: Kate Spade (similar style here) | Shoes: Steve Madden (similar style here)
Hey My Loves!
When putting together this outfit, I started off with these amazing shorts I purchased from Forever 21 roughly two years ago. When I first bought them, I wasn't quite sure how often I'd wear them, but thought they were so different, I decided to buy them anyway. I challenge you do to that once in a while. You know I'm a huge proponent for thinking ahead and determining a purchase based on versatility to avoid waisting your money, but sometimes it's okay to step outside the box and challenge yourself. You know that saying, "nothing great ever comes from comfort zones"? It's so true, even when it comes to fashion and getting dressed. I've been feeling really inspired by Solange Knowles lately. She is THE master of bold color and mixed pattern pairings. She's not afraid to take some risks and I really love that about her. With that, I revisited these shorts in my closet and challenged myself in selecting another pattern to mix it with and I ultimately decided to go with this sporty zipped up blouse. What made me think they'd work together is that they both have a color in common, blue. I think that's the base to start with when creating any mixed pattern look, finding a common color. They don't always have to be the same exact shade, but at least in the same color family; it'll make the match much easier to determine. I love the way the look came together and I hope you do, too!
Style Tip: One thing you may want to consider is the size of prints you're working with and where you'll place/wear them. You know I try to make as many suggestions on how you can wear something for your body shape, but I kind of want to change my approach a bit. I don't want you to ever feel you can't wear something simply because of your body shape. I want you to consider how you'll feel in what you're thinking about wearing and have that determine the outcome. So, with that, I'd say that if you're insecure with a specific area of your body, perhaps you want to avoid placing the largest print there, as it can bring more attention and add some unwanted visual weight to that area. You could do this, however, on an area that you feel most confident about, which will highlight it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate your time and interest :)
XO,
