The new rules for wearing – and styling – prints

Saturday, 7 March 2026

Throw out the rulebook when it comes to pairing prints, writes Georgie Wright.

There’s a lot of rules about clashing prints. A cursory Google will throw up a few: make sure one print is larger than the other, try to stick to one colour palette, go for a more streamlined silhouette so the prints don’t overwhelm you, stick to a theme, whatever that means, etc etc etc.

I guess the goal behind guidance is to stop you from looking like you’ve driven through an op shop backwards. But what’s so wrong about looking like you’ve driven through an op shop backwards? What if I want to look like the print factory spewed up on me? Since when is it illegal to wear two giant prints at once? (It’s not.)

Clashing prints have been popping up all over the runways lately, and yes, they have top designers and stylists to make sure they look great. But in my humble opinion, the best print pairings are unexpected, like an eclectic grandma who refuses to shrink themselves and their appearance. And the only way to achieve that is with a little experimentation, and even less f…s given. Besides, dressing up is meant to be fun! So really, the only rules you should have to follow are: do you like it? Do you feel good? Great. Go off girl.

Penny Sage shirt, $390

This kind of looks like those large tartan plastic bags great for storage and moving house, and I mean that as a huge compliment.

Kowtow scarf, $169

It’s a scarf, it’s a headband, it’s a top, it’s whatever you want it to be.

Zara coat, $190

I regret to inform you winter is coming.

Wynn Hamlyn dress, $750

The trifecta.

La Tribe flats, $289

Pair with a fun pair of tights and you’re off.

Swedish Stockings knee-highs, $61, from Underlena

Said fun pair of tights.

Rhoda Nunn skirt, $250

This one-size-fits-most skirt (sizes 4 to 20) makes wearing prints (and ordering them online) a dream.

twenty-seven names scarf, $200

Florals are flowers that live forever.

Ruby top, $189

The perfect base to build on.

b.Eautiful bag, $70, from Good as Gold

b.Eautiful and beautiful.

Verner sarong,$239

If you’re still a bit nervous about figuring out which prints to clash with which, get a piece that’s done it for you.

Gloria scrunchie,$25 (on sale)

There’s something about lamé that just screams prom, in a good way.

Charlotte Simone coat,$859 (on sale), from Muse Boutique

Prints x Penny Lane.