HOW TO WEAR SUMMER PRINTS LIKE AN INSTA QUEEN

Here are four of the most Insta-worthy prints that Instagram fashion queens are wearing.

We’ve rounded up four Instagram-worthy print-inspired looks – from all-in-one wonders and off-duty gems to bang on-trend matching sets and librarian chic looks – so you can be well on your way to rocking patterns, graphics and colours like they’re going out of fashion.

1. FULL-BLOWN PRINT

Matching sets are a great way to include print into your wardrobe, as they’re not only statement-making for the bold and daring out there, they’re also quick to style thanks to the fact that they’re already coordinated for you. You could always throw on solid-colour outerwear to add another layer. Maxi and midi dresses that are covered in print are an easy and stylish way of including print into your wardrobe, especially when the idea of coordinating a full-blown print outfit is more daunting than actually wearing one. You can always add accessories which either enhance the print theme or distract from it slightly by using solid or neutral colours.

Free 2BU floral off-the-shoulder top 249.95; Free 2BU floral wide-leg pants 299.95; chunky earrings 59.95; Guess denim jacket 1299; bracelet 79.95

Joy (left): Free 2BU off-the-shoulder top 249.95; Free 2BU wide-leg pants 299.95; chunky necklace 79.95; necklace 79.95; chunky accessory 79.95; Jo Borkett scarf 169; bangle 79.95

Vivi (right): Kelso button-down dress 399.95; Jo Borkett scarf 169; hoop earrings (set of 3) 59.95; chunky bangle 79.95

Joy (left): Free 2BU floral top 199.95; Free 2BU floral skirt 299.95; Jo Borkett headscarf 149; Accessorize earrings (set of 8) 299; Kelso chunky chainlink bracelet 79.95; Kelso block mules 299.95

Vivi (right): Kelso tropical-print maxi dress 399.95; Accessorize earrings 199; Kelso blazer 599.95; Free 2BU transparent mules 449.95

Joy (left): Free 2BU button-down skirt 299.95; Free 2BU button top 199.95; rings (set of 3) 79.95; Kelso hoop earrings 59.95; Reebok sneakers 899.95 
Vivi (right): Kelso maxi print dress 399.95; Accessorize chain 299; Forever New belt bag 399; rings (set of 6) 79.95; Aldo sneakers 1299

2. TEXTURE AND PRINT

If you get it right, the combination of texture and print is just as stylish and interesting as full-blown print. The trick to this is finding a piece that has a lot of texture – think denim, corduroy or linen – that will almost ‘clash’ with the patterned piece. Adding a third item in a solid colour (a neutral is often best) will create an additional layer of interest.

Free 2BU crochet top 229.95; Free 2BU floral wide-leg pants 299.95; Kelso collar shirt 299.95; Kelso hoop earrings 79.95; Steve Madden sneakers 1399

3. OFF-DUTY PRINT

We’re currently obsessing over the uber-casual tucked-in tee and maxi skirt combo – the perfect lazy day look for when you don’t feel like getting too dolled up but still want to tick the print box. Serve up some '80s realness with a short-sleeved shirt buttoned up to the top, or show off a sign of the times with a statement tee. Don’t forget about the power of a casual sneaker – and when it comes to a pretty printed dress, the chunkier the shoe the better.

 Free 2BU floral odd-the-shoulder max dress 349.95; Accessorize beaded bracelet 249; Kelso hoop earrings 79.95; Free 2BU chunky sneakers 349.95

Free 2BU slogan T-shirt 99.95; Free 2BU tie-dye skirt 299.95; transparent belt bag 149.95; chunky bracelet 79.95; chunky earrings 59.95; Dune London leopard-print sneakers 1199

4. PRINT CLASH

The key to nailing the clashing-prints look lies in coordinating similar colour schemes. If one print features a lot of a particular colour, make sure the other item, no matter the print, contains the same or similar shade. This tricks the eye into seeing a more cohesive outfit and ultimately makes you look more put-together. Another consideration is scale and proportion of print. Pairing large and sparse prints such as wide stripes, with smaller and busier prints like florals creates an interesting sense of structure.

Vivi (left): Kelso dotted top 249.95; Kelso printed skirt 379.95; leopard-print earrings 79.95; beaded bangle 79.95

Joy (right): Free 2BU striped shirt 199.95; Free 2BU floral frilly skirt 299.95; leopard-print bangle set 79.95; chunky necklace 99.95; Accessorize velvet hair clips 129

PRINT TIPS FROM THE PROs

Our favourite Instagram baes, Joy Lakay and Vivi Nascimento, give us their best and most fashionable tips to wearing print.

@joylakay

What do you love about print?  
I mostly wear prints during summer as I feel like they help to elevate your wardrobe – incorporating prints can turn a subpar outfit into a killer one, whether you’re incorporating it in small or big ways.

What’s the best way to introduce print into a summer wardrobe? 
It can be scary. I suggest starting small with a printed headband or scarf. For me, I’m a sucker for printed matching sets! They take the fuss out of overthinking how to style your clothes and they double as complete different outfits if you swap a printed skirt out for linen or cotton trousers or swap the top out for something more classic like a shirt. 

How do you like to wear print?  
I have a more minimalistic approach to fashion so I like using prints to add detail to my looks or as matching sets or dresses. I don’t usually clash prints. This summer however I’m inspired to get more daring and incorporate as much print as possible.

@nascimentovivis

What do you love about print?

I love the energy that I feel when I wear clothes with prints. It gives me real summer feelings.

What’s the best way to introduce print into a summer wardrobe?

You don’t need to be afraid; just trust your gut in the moment and go for it. You can start playing with printed accessories, trying different combinations, and get more creative from there.

How do you like to wear print?

I love wearing long printed dresses, and printed crop tops with nice shorts.

SHOP WOMEN'S FASHION

Fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Fashion assistant: Primrose Skolo. Paulo Toureiro/Hero Creative. Hair & make-up: Merle Titus/Supernova. Models: Joy/Fanjam, Vivi/Ice G.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.