Good Lifestyle

If you're like us, you've probably started many sentences with the phrase, "My wardrobe would be complete, if only I had it" - and then ended it with a essential in a wardrobe like pants , a straight leg button-down denim or a leather jacket . Without these essential pieces, it's hard to create cohesive outfits and you might often feel like you have nothing to wear. But must-haves don't just apply to clothing and silhouettes. There are also basic prints that you should own, especially as you get older. Here, personal stylists unveil their favorite clothing prints that create the backbone of a mature and sophisticated wardrobe. With these in your wardrobe, you'll be able to create interesting layered looks that really shine.

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There is no way around this problem: Stripes are a classic .

"Pairing a chic striped top or bottom with a basic top will balance out a look nicely and give it an effortless Parisian vibe," says Sahra Schukraft Brandt , personal stylist and founder of Shop in the city . "If your style is maximalist and bold, pair it with another print like a floral print or an alternating stripe!"

If you opt for a second stripe, choose one of a different size. If you're pairing your stripes with a second print, choose one that's similar in size to the stripe.

You will also want to correctly match the color of your stripes to your outfit. "Use the color of the pattern, not the background of the pattern, to match it with other clothes or accessories," says Michelle Barrett , stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist . "This way, the solid color of other garments or accessories will enhance and connect the colors of the design."

So if you have a cream sweater with a black stripe, you'll want to pair it with black pants, rather than cream pants. This will bring out the pattern. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

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Polka dots have been trending for ages and you can expect them to maintain that status. Add them to your wardrobe to easily make any outfit more fun.

"Remember, the bigger the dots, the bigger the trend statement, so decrease it as you get older," says Elizabeth Kosich , certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling .

She also says it's important to consider the contrast of the dots to yours. If you have low contrast between your skin tone and other features (for example, if you have dark skin and dark eyes), you should avoid points that have high contrast (like black and white). It will take your look to the next level, even if people can't quite figure out why.

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This impression does not have to be scary. In fact, Schukraft Brandt says it can be timeless chic.

"I think going small with a leopard print can help it feel more approachable — think a leopard print shoe, scarf, or neckerchief," she shares. "Pairing it with other basics and using it as a neutral ensures it won't be too assertive but just fun enough."

If you want to try something daring, pair a leopard midi skirt with a heel or a sleek black boot.

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Add some groove to your wardrobe with a funky swirl print piece. "A cool psychedelic print can really be a statement piece that can help you feel bold and youthful," says Schukraft Brandt. "I love a bright '70s print teamed with a bold solid color dress or pants and top for a monochromatic look, paired with a more understated shoe."

If you're going for this print, you'll want to keep things fairly minimalist elsewhere.

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This wouldn't be a list of must-have prints without a floral pattern. "The key is to complement your skin tone," says Barrett. "As a rule of thumb, if you have fair skin and hair, choose pastels ; if you have dark hair and medium to dark skin, you can choose lighter shades; and if you have dark skin and hair, choose medium to dark or light tones."

Either way, you can wear flowers all year round. Barrett particularly likes to wear them over a silk scarf paired with a Breton striped top.

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Similar to flowers, there is cashmere. "It's a classic, traditional pattern that, depending on the color palette, can be either fresh and youthful or stately and mature," says Kosich. “Buy paisleys in summery colors like turquoise, teal, orange and coral to project a light and spunky vibe, or choose a calmer palette in earthy tones like mustard, burgundy and forest green to send a conservative and calm message."

It's a fun design for a scarf, dress or shirt. Try a cashmere tank top under a solid color blazer to dip your toes into the trend.