The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

5 Ways to Wear Printed Pants

how to wear print pants for spring

Print pants are everywhere for spring, as you've probably seen in stores like Target, H&M and Forever 21. Like I said, they're EVERYWHERE! I can't resist the bold patterns and playful colors but it can be challenging to figure out how to wear print pants without looking like a bad '80s flashback. Beginngers (like myself) would be wise to stick to small scale prints in fitted shapes. Here are five print pant looks I've rounded up for some outfit inspiration. Could you see yourself embracing any of these looks? Which is your favorite?

1. With a denim shirt
By now we all own at least one denim or chambray button down shirt, yes? This is easily one of the most current, on-trend pairings for print pants. Denim is a neutral that will go with almost any print and lends a casual, I'm-not-trying-too-hard feel to your ensemble. (image via)

floral pants


2. With matching separates
Go ahead and match your top to your pants, like Jessica Alba, who paired a light blue top and black jacket with her light blue and black floral print pants. Looks simple enough! Adding white pumps keeps things fresh and fashion forward.

floral pants


3. With contrasting colors
Rather than match her pants exactly, Sydne opts for a bright blue aqua top to add contrast to her light blue-and-gold jacquard print pants. Neutral accessories finish the look. I think this look takes mad skills to pull off but if you can do it successfully, the result is so chic!

floral pants


4. With soft neutrals
Sometimes a bold print pant just begs to be paired with soft, subtle neutrals. I like how actress Jayma Mays went with a simple white tee and beige jacket to complement her floral pants. Perfect for spring.

How to wear print pants


5. With complementary colors
Joe Fresh sent me this photo of trendsetter Louise Roe ("Fashion Star" judge), who was spotted wearing Joe Fresh for JCP separates in vivid shades of lime green and aqua blue. I'd experiment to see what works color-wise, then keep all the shapes simple and classic - classic button down, crewneck sweater and ankle-crop pants make this look work.

How to wear print pants

Comments
Great trend--www.motownsavvy.com
Love the turquoise and gold pair!
#1 Carla (Homepage) on 2013-03-13 11:30 (Reply)
Don't think it's for me, but I do like the one with the coordinating top.
#2 lisacng @ expandng.com (Homepage) on 2013-03-13 12:05 (Reply)
So honored to be featured. Thank you!!
#3 Sydne (Homepage) on 2013-03-13 12:27 (Reply)
I like Jessica Alba's outfit the most, I guess because it looks the safest, and I have yet to find a well-fitting denim shirt. But, even so, I don't think this trend is for me. Maybe if I was 10 lbs lighter I'd feel more comfortable. I feel like my derriere is too wide.
#4 Monica on 2013-03-13 20:13 (Reply)
I love this trend but I am having a hard time find a pair of printed pants (jeans) that do not fit as tight as leggings. I noticed above there is a bit of room at the ankles. I am not by any means a "big girl" typically I wear a size 2 or 4, could you advise on some brands that aren't too expensive yet don't fit so tight in the ankles? Thank you!
#5 Robin on 2013-03-14 09:57 (Reply)
I'm wearing J. Crew ones in the photo above but I've also worn some from H&M on my blog. I buy them one size larger so they're not skin tight!
#6 Sydne (Homepage) on 2013-03-14 10:57 (Reply)
I think I may try a size larger as you mention. Guess a trip to the tailor is in order!
#7 Robin on 2013-03-14 19:42 (Reply)
So need to try this trend! Thanks for the handy guide!
#8 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2013-03-15 01:28 (Reply)
Such a great help! I am actually wearing JCP ankle jeans with the blue and orange paisley print with a neon yellow (in a tasteful way) shirt. Complementary colors are easiest for me to do, or even do the same color family, but in a different hue. But like the other readers said, it seems like I can only find floral printed pants/jeans as skinnies. I don't mind it, but it gets a tad boring wearing nothing but skinny jeans all the time. If they came out with the trend in straight leg, I wouldn't mind trying it, and it's more appropriate for the office. (Our office is casual.)
#9 Elizabeth on 2013-03-15 09:28 (Reply)
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