Photo: Clara Molden for The Daily Telegraph

I always think that I’m not a print person; that I’m someone who is far happier in a discreet uniform of classic navy and olive green than shouty florals and high-impact graphics, but maybe I’m mistaken… A quick review of recent outfits from my Telegraph column proves that there has been a breakthrough of pattern. These days my wardrobe is peppered with statement prints tucked alongside my hard-working not-so-basics and neutrals. These newcomers have been introduced gradually; navy breton stripes have been swapped for strikingly colourful versions, polka dots for swirling paisleys and while I’m not really a fan of ditsy florals, I dig a retro-fabulous pattern or graphic design. These elevated prints make perfect sense, and more importantly, they still feel like me.

A top makes the perfect starting point for some pattern play if you’re wary of bold prints, as it can easily be tempered with faded jeans, track-pants or a maxi skirt.

This blouse from La Double J is a stunner, and the elegant black maxi skirt from COS that I teamed it with makes the perfect backdrop to the eye-catching pattern. Pairing print with wardrobe staples avoids an outfit descending into Grey Gardens territory… I’ve realised that wearability is also down to the colour combination. I feel comfortable and at ease in my favourite hues, so by going for a familiar colour palette the print-fear ebbs away. The dark green base of this Marimekko shirt feels gorgeous and grown-up, and it blends perfectly with the Me+Em track-pants.

While the print might be new, the slouchy silhouette is a tried-and-tested favourite. By keeping things simple and faff-free, I’m well within my Gentlewomanly comfort zone.

Photo: Clara Molden for The Daily Telegraph

Now, tell me, how do you wear print?

My favourite shops for print play: Essential Antwerp, La Double J, Diane von Furstenberg, Boden, Stand, Scotch and Soda, Zara, M Missoni, Marni, Stella Jean, Pink City Prints, Kemi Telford, Phoebe Grace and Rixo.

STYLE NOTES:

The marvellous blouse I’m wearing in the top picture is from LaDoubleJ – called the Happy Wrist Bell-sleeve blouse in Peacock – from Matches. The skirt is my own from Cos, similar HERE. The sandals are from Joseph, last few sizes available HERE.

The jewellery is from Bar.

In the second outfit I’m wearing a blouse by Marimekko, from Fenwick. It’s now sold out in all sizes but 10, but they have some ace prints in the ‘new in’ section HERE. The satin track-pants are from Me+Em HERE, the knotted sandals are from Russell+Bromley HERE and the jewellery is from Bar.

All items except the skirt identified as my own, were loaned and returned after the shoot.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)