Our Spring Style Guide is presented in partnership with Uniqlo USA, dedicated to creating clothing that never stops evolving because your life never stops changing. Simple apparel with a not-so-simple purpose: to make your life better.

Spring is officially here, and if you haven’t started thinking about what your wardrobe is missing, we’ve got you covered! Covered in prints, that is. Because a great print helps you make a perfect spring style statement.

You may have heard the terms “print” and “pattern” thrown around interchangeably, but allow me to drop some knowledge on you. A print is—no surprise here—printed onto a fabric, much like ink on paper. However, a pattern is actually woven into a garment.

A giveaway between the two?

You can usually feel a pattern, but not a print.

For example: stripes, polka dots, and camo are (more often than not) prints. Madras, houndstooth, and jacquard are all patterns. 

When wearing prints, the key is to keep the rest of your look minimal, so the focus stays on your standout printed piece. Key prints to look for this season? Tropical and geometric designs, dots, and microprints.

Below, how to wear prints three different ways this spring: 

THE PRINT BOTTOMS

shirt: Uniqlo, $30 | jacket: Uniqlo, $40 | shorts: Uniqlo, $30
sneakers: Uniqlo, $10 | sunglasses: Uniqlo, $15 | socks: Uniqlo, $2

Wear it Well: Shorts are a great place to play with pattern—they add interest to your outfit without making a front-and-center statement. Opt for a shirt in a shade that complements the subtle floral print on these spring shorts, then throw a denim jacket on top to stave off any leftover winter chill.

THE PRINT JACKET

blazer: Uniqlo, $40 | shirt: Uniqlo, $30 | chinos: Uniqlo, $40
shoes: Florsheim | sunglasses: Uniqlo, $15 | belt: Uniqlo, $20

Wear it well: Don’t be fooled by this seersucker jacket- while seersucker is a pattern, it often comes with a stripe or check…which is a print! This particular numbers has a subtle stripe, which I love. Button the top button on the blazer, cuff the hem on the chinos, and finish the look with sleek, black accessories that’s mwah, a total ::chef’s kiss::

THE PRINT SHIRT

Shoes: Uniqlo, $20 | Pins: Uniqlo, $10 each
Jacket: Uniqlo, $50 | Shirt: Uniqlo, $30 | Kando pants: Uniqlo, $40

Wear it well: A small-scale check can add a perfectly appropriate dose of print to any guy’s work wardrobe. For beginners, choose a neutral-based print and add pops of color using your accessories.

// Shop #SGApproved Prints & Patterns //

TELL ME:

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRINT OR PATTERN TO WEAR?

Thanks to Uniqlo, and to you, our readers for supporting the brands that make Style Girlfriend possible!