How to Style Bold Prints for 2018

Bold African prints were all over the spring/summer ‘18 catwalk shows, and with new season collections landing, it looks as if they’re here to stay. From graphic statement designs to pretty and softer prints, the introduction of bright African printed garments can inject some much needed fun and vibrancy into your wardrobe.

Perfect for everyday chic and special occasions, discover how to style bold prints and African fashionfor an on-trend look in 2018…

Summer Pop

Spring/summer means bright colours that will make everyone around you feel good. Winter means months of greys, black and camel, but come spring/summer it’s all about bold colour pops.

This year the on trend look is to add pops of colour with bold prints, in particular, African prints. From blues and reds to turquoise, green and yellow, it’s all about being playful with print and colour this season. Try adding a pop of sunshine yellow to your look, with our Floral African Print Dress.

This is summer in a dress and African fashion at its best. With buttery yellow, graphic florals, hints of blue and burgundy and a flattering shape – what more could you want in a dress this summer?

Try teaming this dress with gold strappy sandals, an oversize beach bag and sunglasses for a casual day time look.

Colour Blocking

Colour blocking is back with a bang this season. As a fantastic way to define and balance your proportions, colour blocking is a clever way to enhance your figure, as well as adding a playful African print and a splash of colour.

Geometric shapes were all over the Spring/Summer ‘18 catwalk. Combining colour blocking with unique shapes and styles, we love how cleverly placed panels can make the waist look smaller, creating an hourglass silhouette.

We love our paneled and printed fit and flare dress, which enhances the smallest part of your body – your waist. The well defined panels work perfectly for the colour blocking trend, and the pop of print keeps this look fun and feminine. With a mustard panel to the centre, this section works with the body in order to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. This panel draws the eye to the smallest part of the body, white the lavender-grey panel enhances the look.

Try teaming this dress with peep toe heels and a cross body bag for a summer garden party, or dress up with heeled court shoes and a clutch for a special occasion.

 Subtle Print

Big and bold African prints owned the fashion runway for the season, but that doesn’t mean to say that softer and subtler prints aren’t in too. More simple outfits were styled up with printed bags and accessories to add interest. If prints aren’t really your thing, but you want to experiment this season, why not try adding prints to your everyday look with accessories.

Brights are also in for the season, so try pairing bold and bright clothing with simple African printed accessories. We love our cross body jumpsuit in teal for the season. With a cut out at the waist, it’s so on trend, and the addition of the subtle print on the underside of the waist belt is the ideal way to introduce a print to your look.

Stand out from the crowd in this bold and bright colour. This jumpsuit hugs your figure in all the right places, nipping you in at the waist and skimming the thighs. Try teaming with ballet pumps or flat gladiator style sandals for a chic off-duty look, or dress up with pointed toe heels and a structured clutch. 

Balanced Print

Prints can be used cleverly to add balance to the body. If you are top heavy try a bold print on the bottom half and if you are bottom heavy try a print on the top half, to help balance your figure. Choosing printed separates is also a great way to introduce prints if you are usually a little print shy. In choosing tops, skirts and trousers with prints you can balance the look by pairing with simple separates. Try African fashion staples this season, such as the printed trouser.

We love our Karibou Wide Leg African Print Trousers. Fitted at the waist, these floral print trousers pull you in before skimming over the thighs. The bright African inspired shades are so on trend, and provide the perfect way to add print with balance to your wardrobe. For day time try teaming with a white cropped t-shirt or vest and sandals, or enhance the bright shades with a bold electric blue blouse tucked in. For colder days in the spring, try a thin knit top tucked in.

Channel the ‘70s vibe and try pairing with wedge heels, this will also lengthen the legs, allowing the trousers to skim the floor. For the evening, try tucking in a black satin cami and team with a gold clutch.

At Sika’a we are huge fans of bold and bright prints. Drawing inspiration from African fashion and fabrics, you will find a huge variety of printed garments available to shop online, from dresses, shorts and playsuits, to trousers, jumpsuits and tops. Our playful prints enable you to add a little variety and fun to your wardrobe this season. Shop our range here.