Prints charming (From Worcester News)

Prints charming

10:30am Thursday 26th April 2012 in Fashion

IF THIS summer is a celebration of the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, then fashion's main event is print, print, print.

The mantra is the bolder the better to parade this trend to its full potential. And no piece has escaped the print makeover with staples like jeans and shoes emblazoned with captivating prints.

From Hawaii Five-O to animal magic, there are countless mini-trends vying for your attention on the rails.

If in doubt, clash it out... When you're feeling indecisive, stepping out in contrasting patterns will ensure maximum impact - just ensure the most prominent shades are from the same colour family.

Make heads turn with this season's punchy prints.

CLUB TROPICANA

Fashion has gone on a Hawaiian vacation with playful print scenes of blue skies, palm leaves and vibrant hibiscus flowers.

Close your eyes and you can almost hear the waves crashing and coconuts dropping.

But you don't have to wait for your summer holidays to go totally tropical. These playful prints can be flaunted now in moderation.

Try an ironic twist on the Hawaiian shirt with a chic palm print blouse or dare to step out in tropical trousers that work equally as well with beachy flip-flops or glam high heels.

:: PRINT RATING: SUNNY BOLD GRAPHIC GLORY

Remember those optical illusion prints that required 3D specs? Well fashion has transferred them to wardrobes and you might just need your sunglasses to avoid the glare.

These chaotic optic prints are eye-popping, colour-clashing and above all intriguing. Closer inspection is required just to suss them out.

If you're not so keen on garish brights, take the same principles to a monochromatic colourway to dazzle in black and white.

Keep accessories to a minimum - the busy print will be statement enough.

:: PRINT RATING: MIND-BOGGLING BOLD NATURAL SELECTION

Indulge in this season's juiciest trend for fruit 'n' veg prints. This is the fashionable way to get your five a day.

Go bananas for bright fruit like apples or lemons or take the muted option with vegetables, like deep purple aubergines or red onions a la Dolce & Gabbana.

There are two print options on this style market: either opt for lifelike oversized watercolours or kitsch cartoon-style prints for a cute spin.

But don't turn your ensemble into a supermarket aisle - stick to either a fruit or veg feature print.

:: PRINT RATING: DELICIOUSLY BOLD DIGITAL DREAM

We might be saying goodbye to analogue but television's not the only thing going digital. Prints have undergone a digital makeover too.

This design technique varies from lifelike digital florals to smudgy kaleidoscopic prints that leave your head in a spin.

Wear with clashing colours or simple denim and let your print do all the talking.

If you're not quite brave enough for the digital revolution on your clothing, try a statement accessory like an eye-catching scarf.

:: PRINT RATING: TECHNO BOLD PAISLEY PERFECTION

The future may be digital but there's one print trend that's pure Seventies retro.

Thanks to the likes of catwalk favourites Stella McCartney and Jil Sander, paisley has made a fashionable comeback.

Keep things fresh on a white backdrop, muted on dark blue or red, or go wild with clashing brights.

This season's scarf-inspired blouses are the glossy way to work a 2012 paisley. Team with a clashing print skirt or trousers if you dare.

:: PRINT RATING: RETRO BOLD CREATURE COMFORTS

If you love all things kitsch, take your zoological obsession to your wardrobe with some animal magic.

Prints are a virtual Noah's Ark of all things bright and beautiful this season, from domestic pets like cats and dogs, to wild safari animals and winged wonders like butterflies and birds.

Victoria Beckham's pussy cat print dress design, as sported by VB herself, has put felines firmly in the spring spotlight. Get the purrfect look by choosing a bold design.

BUY IT NOW

H&M is helping to turn the red carpet green with its new Exclusive Conscious collection. Stars such as Amanda Seyfried, Kristin Davis and Michelle Williams have all been spotted posing in the high street range. The glam pieces are made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and hemp as well as recycled polyester. The Exclusive Conscious collection is available from April 12 in selected stores and online at www.hm.com/gb with prices from £19.99.

FASHION FLASH
:: BUM DEAL No need to ask 'Does my bum look big in this?' with Tu at Sainsbury's new shapewear innovation - Secret Support Jeans. Following research that one in three women rate their derriere as the least favourite part of their body and 55% state their tummy as their biggest insecurity, the supermarket created their miracle denim. The jeans are said to flatten the tummy, lift and shape the bum and smooth curves through in-built secret support. The Secret Support Jeans from TU are available at selected stores now, priced £25 (0800 636262).

:: HAT'S THAT

With the summer event calendar hotting up, there's no need to lose your head over a lack of suitable hats. Online dress rental service Girl Meets Dress has launched a hat boutique with Bundle MacLaren Millinery. The collection is now available to borrow on www.girlmeetsdress.com from £39 for two nights.