The Theresa Cotton collection is all about bright, bold and colourful West African prints and the catwalk is no stranger to this fabulous fabric.

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In the Spring/Summer ’16 collections, many designers were using African-inspired patterned fabrics. From traditional leopard print to abstract modern patterns, it is clear that this print is a summer wardrobe must-have. Designers such as Missoni, Dries Van Noten and Kenzo featured beautiful African-style fabrics.

Whilst we all wouldn’t mind owning an item from the catwalk, we have to be realistic. Not all pieces are affordable and, more importantly, wearable day to day.

How Do You Make A Print Work For You?

• Wear a patterned top with your favourite pair of jeans and heels. This is a great way to introduce pattern to your wardrobe. Keep everything else simple.

• If you love patterns, then some black wedges and clutch bag, along with under-stated makeup and accessories are all you need to make an outfit stand out from the crowd.

• As well as being fun and bright, patterns are great at hiding those dreaded wobbly bits or areas of the body you’re not happy with. Geometric designsor a swirly, modern, flowery print work well on all ages, body shapes and are extremely wearable.
• When deciding on accessories, chose from the pattern’s colour palette and use this to match your shoes and bag.This will really make the outfit flow from head to toe (tip: use just one colour from the pattern to create a seamless, coordinated look).
• If you’re still feeling wary of print, why not wear it as an accessory? A patterned clutch, scarf or even patterned shoes teamed with a monochrome/neutral outfit can give you a pop of colour without being too bold.

When printed in bright colours, the daring, bold patterns of West African fashion transform into a modern, contemporary material. Pair this with excellent tailoring, wearable, comfortable shapes and cool fabrics, such as cotton, and you have an addition to your wardrobe which won’t gather dust!


Some days, you need a lift and patterns will certainly give you this. I’m sure you won’t be able to look at yourself without getting a warm and happy feeling. Your confidence will shine through. Prints will definitely brighten up your day (and everyone else’s!) so why not give them a try.

Be bold. Be confident.

Theresa x

_{This post was first published on Boudoir & Beach Blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Images from Boudoir & Beach store}

_{Source: Boudoir & Beach store}

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