Wear Paisley Like a Pro

Paisley is a print that's spanned the ages -- worn just as well by '70s rock chicks like Patti Smith as it was by '50s princesses like Grace Kelly. It is indeed a timeless fabric, a fact made even more apparent upon seeing its recent reincarnation by today's designers. All over the spring 2012 runways of Jil Sander, Jonathan Saunders and Stella McCartney, the pretty scarf-print's been reworked to reflect the sleek and tailored, yet daring, woman of the aughts. Here are a couple of key lessons to keep in mind when trying out the look:
1. Wearing paisley on loose, silk trousers serves as the perfect anchor for a casual-cool ensemble.
2. To add some flair, try it on as one full outfit, pairing a sheer, paisley-printed blouse with an airy pair of colorful paisley shorts.
3. When worn on something like a sharp shift dress, paisley gives off a sophisticated vibe.
As you can see, this is one surprisingly versatile print, giving you plenty of room to go from '70s edge to '50s refinement to a mixed-and-matched look that's truly of-the-moment.


Getty/GoRunway, Art by Bobby Doherty Courtesy.stylelist.com