It’s safe to say that even the most devout minimalists might be tempted to give one of this season's most popular prints a whirl this winter. For the cold-weather season, the patterns are cool, lively, fun, and, quite simply, too good to pass up. From chic houndstooth that will add an expensive-looking touch to your outfit to cozy and festive Fair Isle prints that will jazz up your skinny jeans and boots, the trending prints are an easy way to add interest and a unique touch to your winter look. Many popular patterns are easier to pull off that you think. Scroll below as we share some helpful tips on how to style this season’s coolest print trends—and shop some of the most compliment-inducing patterned pieces on the internet right now. Maximalists, rejoice!
Argyle
Style notes: The Scottish tartan pattern made a refreshing appearance on the F/W 19 runways, and fashion girls have been quick to try the diamond motif. The easiest way to wear the print is with a knit sweater or cardigan. For a chic look, layer a lace collared blouse underneath and a dramatic cape over the top along with skinny jeans and knee-high boots. The brand Pringle of Scotland has become synonymous with the print.
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Houndstooth
Style notes: For those of us who err on the side of minimalist, houndstooth is the perfect winter print to instantly add some interest to a monochrome look. Pair a black-and-white houndstooth jacket, cardigan, or blazer with crisp white pants and sleek black shoes for a luxurious and polished look.
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Moody Florals
Style notes: Yes, you can pull off florals in winter! On the runways, the likes of Dries van Noten, Alexander McQueen, and Prada went for bold floral motifs in opulent jewel tones. Fashion girls everywhere have been spotted wearing the feminine prints with chunky combat boots and lug soles, exuding a refreshingly modern and cool contrast to the romantic print. Layer a long floral dress over a tissue-thin turtleneck and tights and finish the look with a long overcoat.
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Plaid
Style notes: Heritage prints such as check and plaid are popular year-round, but they look particularly posh during the cold-weather season when paired with plush layers and boots galore. If you already own a plaid blazer, then why not opt for a plaid skirt and pair it with chic mock-croc knee-high boots, a button-down, and knit sweater.
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Zebra Stripes
Style notes: Animal prints have been trending hard for some time now, so much so we almost consider them neutrals. While leopard and tiger continue to be staple prints, it's zebra stripes that have been reigning supreme. There are so many ways you can wear the standout pattern, but a chic midi dress paired with a velvet blazer and boots is by far one of the chicest ways to pull off the trend from day to night. The print also pairs well with vivid pops of color such as hot pink.
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Fair Isle
Style notes: Nothing says cozy holiday season quite like a Fair Isle sweater. The traditional knitting technique had a major moment on the F/W 19 runways and is a winning "grandpa trend" this season. Wear a Fair Isle sweater with sharply tailored trousers or a vibrant midi skirt and pumps to give the print an elevated, party-ready look.
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Jacquard & Brocade
Style notes: The holiday season lends itself beautifully to the rich and decorative woven fabrics of brocade and jacquard, often made in colored silks and with gold and silver threads. They unquestionably add an opulent touch to every outfit and are the perfect way to amp up a little black dress this season. The brocade and jacquard effect was spotted on dresses, coats, and blouses on the F/W 19 runways, exuding ritzy looks.
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Snake Effect
Style notes: If you're fashionably fearless, snake print is a great option to make a statement this winter. The luxurious print was seen on head-to-toe looks on the runways, but if you want a subtler (and easier) way to wear the trend, opt for a pair of snake-print boots instead, and wear them with a knitted skirt set for a standout winter look.
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Polka Dots
Style notes: Polka-dot remains a go-to print among the fashion set no matter the season. Invest in a chic polka-dot dress or blouse that you can wear right now with tights and layers and into 2020 with strappy sandals (the print was seen all over the S/S 20 runways), proving the playful dots aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
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Up next, six non-boring ways to dress for fall if you're a minimalist at heart.