6 Prints You Need In Your Wardrobe As You Get Older As Recommend By Stylists

For many of us, completing the sentence, “My wardrobe would be complete, if only I had…” often leads to essentials like trousers, a button-down, straight-leg denim, or a leather jacket. These core pieces are the backbone of cohesive outfits. But beyond clothing items and silhouettes, core prints are just as vital, especially as one matures. Personal stylists reveal their favourite prints that contribute to a mature, sophisticated wardrobe, empowering you to craft layered, captivating looks. These essential prints are the key to creating outfits that truly stand out.

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6 Prints You Need in Your Wardrobe as You Get Older

Crafting a complete wardrobe often involves the quest for essential clothing items. Yet, beyond staples like trousers and leather jackets, core prints are equally crucial to elevate your style, especially as you mature. Personal stylists have highlighted these key prints that form the foundation of a sophisticated wardrobe, allowing for versatile and captivating outfit combinations.

1. Timeless Stripes

Smiling Happy Model is wearing blue jacket and sweater, striped gilet, red pants and yellow sunglasses. Fashion Street Style autumn or spring. Woman posing outside the clothing store

Stripes reign as a timeless classic. Sahra Schukraft Brandt, founder of Shop the City, suggests pairing a chic striped piece with a basic top for an effortless Parisian vibe. To master mixing prints, consider balancing stripes with floral or alternating stripes for a bold statement.

Proper colour coordination is essential. Michelle Barrett, founder of Capsule Closet Stylist, advises using the colours in the pattern to match other accessories, enhancing the pattern’s impact.

2. Playful Polka Dots

portrait of pretty, middle-aged woman at office wearing a navy blue and white polka dot blouse

Polka dots remain a perennial trend, offering an easy way to add vibrancy to any outfit. Elizabeth Kosich, a certified image stylist, emphasizes the impact of dot size on age-appropriateness. She advises smaller dots as one ages and suggests considering contrast levels for a harmonious look.

3. Timeless Leopard

white middle aged woman wearing leopard dress

Leopard print exudes timelessness when used in moderation. Schukraft Brandt recommends smaller leopard accents like shoes or scarves for an approachable yet fun touch. For a bolder look, try a leopard midi skirt paired with sleek footwear.

4. Retro Swirls

mature woman with shopping bag enjoying aroma of fresh peonies on pink background

Inject a hint of the ’70s with funky swirl prints that add a bold and youthful touch. Pair bright ’70s prints with solid colors for a vibrant monochromatic look, balancing boldness with subtler shoe choices.

5. Versatile Florals

A happy woman riding her bicycle wearing a floral dress and a straw hat

Florals are a staple print that complements all skin tones. Barrett suggests matching florals to your skin tone—pastels for lighter skin and brighter tones for darker complexions. A silk floral scarf combined with a striped top is a winning combination.

6. Paisley Elegance

A mature woman with red curly hair smiling on a city street, wearing a red paisley tank top.

Paisley motifs are classic and adaptable, offering a youthful or sophisticated appeal depending on colour choice. Kosich recommends choosing summer brights for a lively vibe or earthy tones for a more conservative look.

These prints, whether in scarves, dresses, or shirts, form a crucial part of a well-rounded and mature wardrobe, allowing you to explore diverse styles while maintaining sophistication and versatility.”