One of my girlfriends has a phobia of prints.

She is beautiful and vibrant and one of the most fabulous people you could ever meet.  Her only weakness may very well be that she insists on covering herself from head to toe in big blocks of solid color.  Solid pants in a neutral color.  Solid tank.  Solid button up shirt over the tank.  This is her uniform, and her downfall.

I have very gently tried to encourage her to liven up her wardrobe on several occasions, but she continues to resist me.  She claims to “love my solids!”, but I suspect the real problem lies in the fact that she believes “it is just so much easier to match everything!”

I maintain that every woman should learn a few easy ways to incorporate prints into their fashion arsenal. It’s an easy way to get more use out of your basic pieces, and it adds visual interest that blocks of monochrome color simply can’t compete with.

Three Fool Proof Ways To Liven Up Your Fashion Sense With Prints:

Start Small. I know what you’re thinking.  This crazy woman who told me my capri pants were OUT and I should start wearing dresses is now trying to convince me that leopard print heels are “small”.  Well… yes.

If you’re used to wearing all black or all [insert color here], adding one extraordinary accessory (whether it’s shoes or a scarf) is an easy way to change your entire look. Go from black on black on black to Va Va Voom by simply changing your shoes.  And you don’t have to go all out with stilettos.  You can find an assortment of colors and patterns in ballet slippers and flats, too!

Start at the bottom. The bottom layer that is.  If the idea of stepping out covered in stripes and spots freaks you out, try adding a layer of interest to your outfit.  You can stick with the basics for pants and use an interesting camisole or shell underneath a solid top.

And you don’t have to drive yourself crazy with the matching.  Neutrals match just about anything.  If you keep everything else basic, one print will not push you over the edge.  I promise.

Go hog wild! You don’t have to keep your prints hidden.  Once you’ve gotten more comfortable with the extra detail, you can bring it to center stage.

But here’s the key to making it work: keep everything else understated.  Very, very understated.

Fashion is supposed to be fun.  It’s supposed to feel fun. When you find yourself wearing a uniform, it’s time to switch things up.  Incorporating new colors and designs is a great way to do it!

Miss Britt blogs about her own phobias every day on her own blog.

Photo Credit: Shoes by Porcelain Girl, Others by Cherry Red