How to style printed pants

Printed pants are not for the faint of heart because they can really make a really bold statement. While drawstring hipster Aztec prints were all the rage a few years ago, there are now a lot more choices in terms of prints and patterns as well as tailored silhouettes for work.

To get more mileage out of your printed pants, pick one in a colour that matches the rest of your wardrobe so that you have more outfit variations.

Here are some tips from Ms Renyung Ho, 30, co-founder of fashion brand Matter, on how to style printed pants: • Go beyond the tank top Contrast silhouettes and textures for an unexpected element, such as a black bodysuit with linen pants or a silk shirt with a chambray cotton piece.

• The Law of Three

The Law of Three is about anchoring an outfit with a third accessory or item that ties two different pieces together. It could be a gold sandal with a monochrome top and bottom print, or a basket weave cross-body bag that connects your printed bottom and plain top.

Finding visual connections between a top and bottom with your third piece gels your whole outfit together.

• Challenge your style

If you have a minimalist style, go bold by pairing your plain T-shirt with a printed pair of pants. If you have a colourful wardrobe and like to push the envelope, style your printed pants with a printed top.

• Dress it up

Style your asymmetrical pants with a dress shirt for a more formal look, or pair a flowy pair of pants with a silk blouse for a day-to-night look.

Here are some outfit suggestions:

1. White crew neck tee, $99, future classics by Kapok and maroon pants with white face prints, $87 (usual price $290), Bimba Y Lola

The print on the pants may be unconventional, but it is versatile - dress it down with a plain T-shirt or dress it up with a white long-line blazer.

2. Blue cropped sweater, $110.80, iROO and trousers with green leaf print, $34.90 (usual price $69.90), Mango

Pair a slouchy and textured cropped sweater with flowy trousers for a bohemian vibe.

3. Lace-up bodysuit, $49.90, H&M (available from mid-August) and cotton black and white pants in Raka Raven, US$119 (S$160), Matter

Show off the waist detail of these pants by tucking in your top or wearing a body suit.

4. Blue cropped shirt, $45.90, Zara and drawstring pants, $490, Tory Burch

Dress up a plain collared shirt with printed pants. Unless you have a loud and anything-goes style, pick a top in a similar colour so that it will not clash with your bottom.