A Little Inspiration is Not "Couture"...

Christian Lacroix, the "couturier of color," imposes his style, a blend of diverse influences and ancestral customs. Embroidery, adornments, and ornaments were his greatest assets. His inspirations? Hermès, where he took his first steps in the 80s. And his hometown, Arles in Provence.

Hermès, of course. Perhaps the precursor, created in 1837 by Thierry, of the same name. But it was in 1929 that the famous designer Lola Prusac found her inspiration in the Dutch painter Mondrian. Then came the silk scarf (with a capital S), and the development of several lines of leather goods and clothing.

Kenzo Takada (yes, there are many), from Japan, took us on a journey in the 70s, through his deconstructed forms, mixed and colorful inspirations. A true Jungle Jap, as his first collection was called...

 

Having cited the GREATS of Haute Couture, let's return to what can be within our reach with just as much class and distinction...

Have you often told yourself that it takes a lot of daring to wear certain prints?

Houndstooth print, ethnic print, very (too) floral prints... You walk past the item without giving it a chance to express itself on you. I've always been told that you have to give clothes a chance. They are not made to seduce you, no. It is YOU who must be seductive with what you wear. THERE is the nuance. This is how you stand out. I admit it can be difficult to juggle patterns. Some will seem extravagant, others, a little dated...

But here are some wise tips for creating an equally daring harmony.

If the print is the centerpiece, then you save time. It's not easy...

OH NO. You will have to use your imagination for the hairstyle and shoes to adopt. But indeed, it will be the jewel, the accessory of your outfit. If it's a printed dress or tunic, you can always accessorize it with a very thin, discreet, well-placed belt, so as not to add heaviness to your ensemble. Otherwise, it would risk being too busy and we wouldn't know where to look! Draw attention to your unique printed piece.

 

Having cited the GREATS of Haute Couture, let's return to what can be within our reach with just as much class and distinction...

Have you often told yourself that it takes a lot of daring to wear certain prints?

Houndstooth print, ethnic print, very (too) floral prints... You walk past the item without giving it a chance to express itself on you. I've always been told that you have to give clothes a chance. They are not made to seduce you, no. It is YOU who must be seductive with what you wear. THERE is the nuance. This is how you stand out. I admit it can be difficult to juggle patterns. Some will seem extravagant, others, a little dated...

But here are some wise tips for creating an equally daring harmony.

If the print is the centerpiece, then you save time. It's not easy...

OH NO. You will have to use your imagination for the hairstyle and shoes to adopt. But indeed, it will be the jewel, the accessory of your outfit. If it's a printed dress or tunic, you can always accessorize it with a very thin, discreet, well-placed belt, so as not to add heaviness to your ensemble. Otherwise, it would risk being too busy and we wouldn't know where to look! Draw attention to your unique printed piece.

 

 

I.CODE – Relatively classic dresses where the prints are homogeneous. Their V-necks and boat necks give them a delightful look. This allows you the freedom to wear them on various occasions (plenty of fun to be had). Like a spring picnic with friends, with a pair of sneakers or the famous Tropéziennes. Or, a chic dinner with heels and a light belt. Solid and dark in color because if the latter is red or pink (to match), it might make you look shorter, whereas conversely, and whatever your body type, your figure will be enhanced. These accessories will give a more "dressed up" structure. All with, of course, very discreet jewelry because, don't forget, the I.Code printed dress ALREADY plays this role...

IKKS – The collection is very trendy! Personally, these outfits give the impression of having come from all corners of the world...

• For this red printed dress, you could accessorize it with a bandeau belt to emphasize its Japanese side. Otherwise, without anything, the voluptuous fabric and its prints make it irresistible. It is open to any environment, any occasion.
• The bohemian in you, who likes to dance to folk music (or not, for that matter), will be won over by this cashmere print dress. Keep it to yourself but between us, it's the KEY print for these autumn months! But shhh, I didn't tell you anything.

To be worn in all seasons. A flared cut that is both modern and adapted for US women!

All these little tips to perfect your outfit for the uninspired or less inspired. And for all the others, let your imagination run wild! Don't hesitate to try things on, you might be in for some very pleasant surprises...

And for YOU, Men?

 

 

• The stripes on this deep and petrol blue bring texture to the garment. The chosen calligraphy also makes it more vintage, therefore casual. And its V-neck and fitted cut are meant to be worn at all times...
• Gone are the days of "lumberjack" plaid shirts. You'll be called a Hipster, and this trend is timeless. In a reversible wardrobe, these long or rolled-up sleeves, you can wear it.

How to choose prints?

Fortunately, we have the freedom to choose the prints we desire! BUT, depending on our body shape, the choice of the piece will have a great influence on the part we want to highlight...

 

 

With a large, contrasting print, you'll prefer...

• A jacket with clean lines, like a kimono or blazer with discreet buttons. Less advisable... the safari jacket or details such as gold buttons, braids, etc.
• A simply cut skirt, straight, pencil, or even midi. Be careful with ruffled, pleated skirts or those with many cutouts.
• A straight-cut pair of trousers will be preferable to trousers with many pockets, topstitching, or cuffs.

Know how to highlight yourself by opting for pieces that match your body type. Discover Femme Actuelle's fashion tips and choose the prints that suit you best.

 

 

We find our cashmere print on this chic and lively flowing blouse. Accompanied by these thin golden vertical stripes that bring color harmony to this beautiful cashmere print blouse.

This colorful and fanciful printed blouse can be worn at any time. Its crepe and flowing fabric gives you a chic casual piece.

If you prefer more discreet prints, know that you can give free rein to all fantasies.

 What to wear with printed clothing?

Here are some examples of combinations that work quite well:

• A printed bottom (flowing pants, flared skirt, or high-waisted printed shorts) with a white or denim shirt. A white shirt will give your outfit a more distinguished structure. A denim shirt will make it more casual. It's up to you to decide the effect you want to create.
• If you're considering a patterned jacket, make the wise choice of a white (or light-colored) T-shirt for contrast. For the bottom, you have free choice, but in my humble opinion, I would opt for raw denim or flowing, light-colored pants. This way, you create an outfit that could really make you stand out!
• Wear your printed jacket over a monochrome outfit. For a very chic effect! For example, wear a jacket in dark shades with a blouse and pants in the same hue. If the jacket is in lighter shades, pair it with a tunic and a skirt in neutral or cool colors (light grey, taupe, or ivory).
• Wear a patterned dress, the printed piece is the dress. It's enough on its own, especially in summer!

 And to finalize your outfit: accessories!

With outfits composed of prints, as previously advised, the idea is to make the print the highlight.

For accessories, opt for sobriety.

Choose your shoes, belt, and bag in neutral shades that harmonize with your outfit: nude, camel, grey, etc.

You can also choose your bag or shoes in a complementary shade to one repeated in the print, or conversely, use the same shade.