5 Fresh Ways to Style Printed Pants Like a Fashion Girl
To me, printed pants are one of those items I admire on other women but often struggle with styling on myself. I routinely ooh and aah over styles doused in punchy floral prints, darling polka dots, and classic stripes, but the moment I'm faced with piecing together a printed pants outfit that reads both playful and polished, I tense up as if it's my first time getting dressed. Womp.
I'm not here to wallow, though. This season, I'm getting over my printed pants qualms (the same way I am with polka dots), and looking to the street style set to inspire five fresh outfits that are perfect for Spring and Summer, and with a little something extra to boot. From an unexpected and eye-catching mixed-print look to a Summery-sleek take on head-to-toe polka dots, these fashion-forward outfits have convinced me the look is one I desperately need to embrace, particularly when it's too hot for jeans.
See the five looks ahead, all featuring affordable printed pants from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's with stylish extras to complete each outfit top to bottom.
Ground a Print With Denim
A bold, floral print can feel like a lot when a mix of colors are involved, but a denim or chambray top is a classically cool offset for the office, a dinner date, or for a weekend outing. To keep the mood chipper, I'm all for a straw bucket bag and barely-there strappy sandals.
POPSUGAR Shirred Button Down Shirt
POPSUGAR Shirred Button Down Shirt ($33, originally $44)
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants ($37, originally $50)
Pamela Munson Petite Isla Bahia Fringe Basket
Charles & Keith White Criss Cross Low Heel Sandals
Stone and Strand Tiny Hollow Hoop Earrings With Fresh Water Pearls
Edge Up Your Stripes
Classic stripes land on the safer end of the spectrum when it comes to printed pants, but a genius way to sidestep a snoozy look? Tiger print on top and bottom (i.e. your shoes). In the warmer months, skip the jacket and stick to a structured blouse and complete the look with a sleek, ladylike bag to keep the overall effect polished.
Hofmann Copenhagen Tabitha Blouse
POPSUGAR Paperbag-Waist Wide Leg Crop Pants
POPSUGAR Paperbag-Waist Wide Leg Crop Pants ($37, originally $50)
IMAGO-A Nº43 Carré Top Handle
Massimo Dutti Buckled Animal Print Flat Sandals
Persol Sun PO3225S Polarized Green Acetate Sunglasses
Pair Your Polka Dots
Polka dots always makes an impact, especially when worn head to toe. Yes, a printed jumpsuit is one way to interpret this look — and wouldn't you know the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's has a stylish tuxedo jumpsuit in the April collection — but you can also team together a wrap top and pants for a similar effect. To finish, is there anything cuter for Summer than bright yellow espadrilles, a mini basket bag, and spotted neck scarf? I think not.
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Long Sleeve Top
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Long Sleeve Top ($33, originally $44)
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants ($37, originally $50)
Castañer Carina 80 Wedge Espadrilles
Loewe Basket Stones Small Bag
Ann Taylor Polka Dot Silk Little Scarf
Ann Taylor Polka Dot Silk Little Scarf ($30, originally $40)
Monica Vinader Alta Capture Charm Bracelet
Adam Selman x Le Specs Luxe Lolita 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
Red (Print) All Over
Another way to take head-to-toe prints for a spin is with a coordinating tank-top-and-trouser set. I love this look for a wedding or party instead of a dress and would finish with a uniquely-shaped handheld bag, sleek hoop earrings, and cute wedges (because, yes, '90s-inspired styles are having a moment).
POPSUGAR Button-Back Tank
POPSUGAR Button-Back Tank ($27, originally $36)
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants ($37, originally $50)
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Kira Leather Wedge
Double Flower Power
If your playful print comfort zone is florals, then blossoming bottoms are for you. Choose a color-coordinated sweater and natural shoes to complement the your bloom of choice and for the big finish, reach for a contrasting floral-print bag (I'm obsessed with woven styles for Summer).