Bold prints are a trend this spring
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If Jackie Kennedy were alive and wound up in Michelle Obama's closet, she'd probably shudder -- politely. Or feel a tad woozy. The stylish Mrs. Kennedy had a rule: No prints. She rarely wore them, convinced that solids gave a more memorable and streamlined look.
The current first lady has different ideas. "Michelle Obama seems to have embraced prints, to stand out against that dull Washington uniform of red and blue pantsuits," says Kate Betts, author of "Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style" (Clarkson Potter, $35).
The book, full of dazzling photos, tracks Obama's style evolution, from her days at Princeton through the campaign till today. "Bold prints really work for her," says Betts. "She's captured people's attention."
Those people include designers, who have served up a host of Obama-bold patterns for spring, from A/X Armani Exchange's cheetah and zebra swirls to Trina Turk's giant leaves. "They're bright, happy -- you feel refreshed when you put them on," says Susan Marasco, a Bloomingdale's fashion director.
Granted, not everyone may feel confident enough to wear prints as bold as the first lady's. Betts admits that, as a native New Yorker, she considers solid black her default shade. But even she's contemplating a brighter spring. "I'm trying to wear more color more often."
"It's not the easiest," Marasco agrees. "When I wear a bright print, I feel like all eyes are on me. It's a little intimidating. So having the influence of someone like Michelle Obama is wonderful."
HOW TO WEAR A BOLD PRINT
The shoe: Keep it neutral. "A colorful shoe steals focus," says Susan Marasco, of Bloomingdale's.
The bag: Make it solid, in a bright color pulled from the print of your outfit, says Marasco.
The jewelry: A simple earring, maybe a bangle. That's it, says Marasco. "The print should be the focus point."
Tone it down: A pattern with just two colors "is a more streamlined way to wear a print," says Kate Betts.
Layer up: Wear a jacket or, like Michelle Obama, a cardigan, belted and cinched in, says Marasco.
Skirt the issue: A jazzy print worn away from the face, like on a skirt, may be all you need, says Betts.
