How to Wear Prints Without Looking Overdressed: 10 Simple Style Tips (2025)

by Fathia Olasupo

Wearing prints can either make you stand out or feel like you’re doing too much. That’s the real struggle. You see someone else rock a patterned outfit effortlessly, and the moment you try it, it feels loud, mismatched, or overwhelming.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I wear prints without looking like I’m trying too hard?” this article is for you. We’re not giving vague tips or overused fashion clichés. We’re breaking it down simply, what works, what doesn’t, and how to style prints in a way that feels like you. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to wear prints without looking too much, no matter your body type, personality, or event.

 

10 Easy Ways to Wear Prints Without Looking “Too Much”

  • Understand What Makes an Outfit Look “Too Much”

  • Start Small if You’re New to Prints

  • Follow the Print + Solid Rule

  • Mix Prints the Right Way (Stick to One Colour Theme)

  • Choose the Right Print for Your Body Type

  • Keep Accessories Clean and Simple

  • Match Prints with the Right Occasion

  • Let Confidence Lead Your Style

  • Take Inspiration from Real-Life Style Icons

  • Avoid Common Mistakes When Wearing Prints

 

1. What Makes an Outfit Look “Too Much”?

It’s not the prints themselves that are the problem; it’s how they’re styled. Looking “too much” often comes from:

  • Wearing large, clashing patterns together
  • Too many bright colours in one outfit
  • Over-accessorising a printed piece
  • Pairing prints without a colour anchor
  • Adding loud makeup or hairstyles to an already busy look

The goal isn’t to avoid prints. It’s to know how to balance them.

 

2. Start Small if You’re Not Sure

How to Wear Prints Without Looking Overdressed: 10 Simple Style Tips (2025)If you’re not accustomed to wearing prints, start by incorporating just one printed item into your outfit. This helps you build confidence without worrying about matching.

  • A printed scarf on a neutral outfit
  • Patterned shoes or bags with a plain dress
  • A floral or tribal top with black jeans

You don’t have to go full head-to-toe. Once you’re comfortable, you can move up to more complex pairings.

 

3. The Print + Solid Rule

This is the easiest way to avoid looking overdressed. Pair one printed item with a solid-coloured piece that matches one of the colours in the print.

Examples:

  • An Ankara skirt with a black top
  • Striped pants with a cream blouse
  • Patterned jacket with a white T-shirt and jeans

This gives the print space to shine without overwhelming the outfit. It also keeps your look neat and easy on the eyes.

 

4. Want to Mix Prints? Here’s How to Do It Right

Mixing prints can work if you follow one simple rule: stick to a standard colour.

If two prints share at least one colour, they’ll naturally flow together.

Good mixes:

  • Stripes and polka dots in black and white
  • Ankara and leopard print with shades of brown
  • Floral shirt and checked skirt with green accents

Also, make sure one print is more subtle than the other. Let one take the lead, and the other act like a backup singer.

 

5. Choose the Right Print for Your Body

Some prints are more flattering than others, depending on your body shape.

  • Petite: Smaller prints work better; they don’t drown your frame
  • Curvy: Go for prints that follow the shape of your body, like diagonal lines or spaced patterns
  • Tall: You can handle larger patterns and longer designs

It’s not a rulebook. Try on different sizes of prints and see what makes you feel good.

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6. Keep Your Accessories Clean and Simple

When your outfit is doing the talking, your accessories should listen.

  • Go for plain earrings or hoops.
  • Avoid printed bags with printed outfits.
  • Choose neutral shoes: black, white, beige, or clear
  • Sunglasses should be sleek, not chunky

Accessories shouldn’t compete with your clothes. Think of them as support players, not the lead role.

 

7. Know When and Where to Wear Prints

Know When and Where to Wear PrintsCertain prints are better suited for specific events:

  • Work or interviews: Stick to calm prints, thin stripes, soft florals, or muted colours
  • Brunch or casual outings: Go for fun polka dots, tribal prints, or patchwork
  • Weddings and parties: Statement prints work here, but balance them with solid shoes and neutral makeup
  • Every day wear: A printed jacket or dress with sneakers is enough to add personality

Always dress with the setting in mind.

Read Also: How to Style Ankara for the Office in 2025: Professional Looks for Every Workday

 

8. Confidence Is the Key Ingredient

You can wear the simplest printed shirt, but if you keep adjusting it or looking uncomfortable, it ruins the vibe. On the other hand, if you walk with confidence even in a loud place, it seems intentional.

Here’s how to build confidence with prints:

  • Take mirror selfies in your outfits; this helps you see what works
  • Practice wearing prints at home or on casual days
  • Compliment yourself when you get it right. Don’t wait for others to do it.

When you feel good, it shows. And that’s the whole point of fashion.

 

9. Real-Life Style Examples That Work

Let’s look at how some public figures or everyday fashion lovers wear prints well:

  • Temi Otedola: Often pairs Ankara skirts with white shirts and tiny bags
  • Zendaya: Known for mixing printed suits with plain heels and a fresh face
  • Instagram fashion creators: Use printed pants with crop tops, keeping the look grounded

Even when wearing two prints, they follow the same rule: one is louder, one is calmer, and the colour palette connects everything.

 

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wearing too many accessories with printed clothes
  • Choosing colours that clash harshly (like neon on neon)
  • Ignoring your body type when selecting print sizes
  • Copy-pasting someone else’s look that doesn’t suit your style
  • Wearing prints head-to-toe with no breathing space

Avoiding these helps you look well put-together without going overboard.

 

Conclusion

Wearing prints doesn’t mean you have to look extra or loud. When done right, prints make your outfit interesting without needing much effort. Start small, follow the balance rule, and wear what makes you feel like yourself. That’s how to wear prints without looking too much, and, more importantly, how to enjoy your style.

 

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For more stylish insights and the latest fashion inspiration straight from Nigeria, explore our full coverage on Nigerian Fashion Trends.

 

FAQs

1. Can I wear two different prints in one outfit?

Yes, as long as the prints share a standard colour and one is more subtle than the other.

2. What prints are best for beginners?

Start with small florals, stripes, or polka dots in neutral colours. Pair with plain outfits.

3. How do I wear Ankara prints without looking overdressed?

Balance your Ankara piece with a solid-coloured item and neutral accessories.

4. Are prints okay for formal events?

Yes, but choose calm, symmetrical prints in deeper colours like navy, black, or maroon.

5. What accessories go best with printed outfits?

Plain jewellery, nude or black shoes, and simple bags keep the focus on the print.

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