Did you just buy a printed shirt but have no idea how to actually style it? Don't worry, we're here to help you out with that. From making you understand the key principles to suggesting the best bottomwear you can pair with, this blog will explain it all. Make use of the colour combinations we've suggested and be sure to create a lasting impression. Our accessories and footwear recommendations will surely help you upgrade your styling game. Towards the end, we've also mentioned a few styling mistakes you might want to avoid. Now, let's go over this curated guide for printed shirts one by one.

A] Key Principles to Style Printed Shirts

As printed shirts are already visually appealing, they require plain trousers to complement the look. Again, shirts with a slim or tapered look tend to do better. Heavy jackets and bulky sneakers are both huge no-nos when it comes to printed shirts. Choosing clothes according to your skin tone will further enhance your look. Minimal accessory options are your best bet, which we will further expand later. And lastly, if all these rules sound confusing, we suggest relying on the occasion or your intuition.

B] Best Bottom Wear Combinations with Printed Shirts

Here are our recommended bottoms for men to pair with your printed shirts:

  • Solid-Coloured Chinos 

Due to their casual look, chinos are a great choice to pair with printed shirts. A white mid-rise woven chino trouser, for instance, will go well with a blue printed shirt. A dark brown mid-rise woven chino trouser is another example that could be paired with a white printed shirt. Check out our range of curated chinos for men that are perfect for your travels and day outings. 

  • Slim-Fit Jeans

A crowd favourite, slim-fit jeans can be used for daily wear. Black and light grey jeans are a type of jeans that you can find in many people’s wardrobes. Some combinations we highly suggest are black jeans with black printed shirts and light grey jeans with a tropical or nature-printed shirt. Wear these printed shirt outfits on dates or for a casual stroll in your city.

  • Cargo Pants

For a more relaxed look, cargo pants with printed shirts are an interesting combination. Just be sure to use it as a jacket for a better outfit structure. Beige cargo pants with a brown printed shirt and a white T-shirt is a combination we definitely suggest. Navy cargos with a floral navy shirt is another combination you can surely try.

  • Tailored Shorts

Shorts are a fun way to get the summer party started. Shorts in pastel colours such as yellow, light blue and light pink can be chosen. Some combinations we highly suggest include light blue shorts with light blue floral-printed shirts and light pink shorts with a similar shade geometric print shirt. We suggest wearing these to your day parties or summer brunches.

  • Dress Pants

Trousers with printed shirts in combination can be done to show off a sophisticated look. Beige dress pants or trousers with a navy green and pink printed shirt is a combination worth trying. White dress pants or trousers with a white and pink printed shirt is another must-try colour combination. And while a bit punchier, these looks are perfect for office and social events.

For more bottomwear suggestions, refer to our blog on essential types of pants every man should own. 

C] Colour Combinations Based On Prints

Not all colour combinations are meant to go together. Here are a few printed shirt colour combinations, along with the matching bottomwear suggestions from our side

  • Floral Prints

As floral prints contain 2-3 colours, it's vital that you match one of these to your bottoms. Some floral-printed shirt combinations we suggest:

  • Navy blue printed floral shirts with white trousers.
  • Black and white floral shirt with white chinos.

1. Geometric Prints

Geometric printed shirts already provide a sharp look, so they need to be paired with a neutral bottom to balance them out. Here are a few geometric-shirt combinations from our side:

  • Navy blue geometric printed shirt with black straight-fit denims.
  • Black and white printed shirt with white shorts. 

2. Tropical Prints

Geometric printed shirts are perfect as vacation fits. Shorts are a great way to feel comfortable even in warm climates. Below are some of the suggestions we recommend for tropical printed shirts:

  • Light blue tropical printed shirt with beige shorts.
  • White and olive tropical printed shirt with olive shorts. 

     
  • Abstract Prints

Abstract printed shirts are already considered a statement piece. A loose fit here will help you gain the right attention. A few combinations you need to try involve:

  • Khaki abstract shirt with grey cargo pants.
  • Pink abstract shirt with white cargo pants. 

E] Accessories & Footwear Guide

Here are some accessories and footwear options to prevent an imbalance in your outfit:

  • Footwear

Black or brown loafers appear stylish with geometric or micro prints to draw attention to the outfit. Espadrilles in beige, brown or white will complement your outfit quite well. Sneakers with red, white or black combinations will keep your outfits looking fun.

  • Belts

A cinnamon brown belt is an excellent choice that goes well with most outfits. We advise you not to go for printed belts, as they will not look aesthetically pleasing.

  • Watches 

A leather belt with a black strap and silver dial will keep your outfit looking sleek. A thin silver chain, ring or bracelet can also be worn based on your outfit. Just be sure to avoid the chunky options.

  • Sunglasses

Sunglasses options with a square frame, such as Wayfarers and Aviators, in brown colour, are a great way to keep your look classy. A quick tip we can provide is to avoid round sunglasses.

F] Some Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common styling mistakes you need to avoid:

  • Styling Printed Shirt Outfits With Printed Bottoms

Printed shirts already entail minute details that can be well-focused with neutral bottoms. This is especially true for floral-printed shirts. 

  • Selecting The Wrong Colours For Your Outfit

As explained earlier, it is vital that you do not choose the wrong colour combinations for your printed shirt outfit. A reliable tip we can provide here is to match the secondary colour of your outfit with your bottoms.

  • Wearing The Wrong Size

Wearing the wrong-sized outfit can lose its elegance even if it was planned carefully. It's best to go for a relaxed fit that isn't too tight or too loose.

  • Layering As A Jacket

Printed shirts can be worn as a jacket. A plain white t-shirt can be worn inside, along with white sneakers. Avoid bright or bulky jackets, as they can dim the appearance of your printed shirt outfit.

For more styling tips, refer to GQ India's blog on style imperatives men are getting wrong.

E] Why Choose Thomas Scott for Printed Shirts

Most Thomas Scott printed shirts are made from 100% cotton, which makes them suitable for the warm climate in India. With so many print choices available, we’re sure you’ll surely fall in love with our patterns. What’s more is that we provide these options in different fit types and material options. The best part is that all our shirts are completely affordable, but we do not compromise on the quality. No matter what the occasion is, our printed shirts for men are here to make you stylish every step of the way. 

Conclusion

Styling printed shirts may seem complicated, but it does not have to be. Even following a few fashion rules from this blog is enough. This can include styling printed shirt outfits with plain bottoms, keeping the jewellery minimal and wearing loafers, espadrilles or sneakers as per the occasion. Lastly, don't forget to visit Thomas Scott for an apparel collection that blends comfort, style and affordability. With so many options that even cater to plus-sized individuals, let Thomas Scott upgrade your styling game. Contact us for personalised guidance based on your unique style.