Crossroads Trading Co.

This week I’ve probably heard “Weird Al” Yankovic’s new track Because I’m Tacky at least 100 times. OK, I’m exaggerating a little, but he brings up some good points about fashion these days. In fact, some of the “tacky” items on his list come straight from this year’s hottest fashion trends.

He rhymes about “…wearing stripes and plaid” and sporting “…sandals with…socks.” But wait–I’ve seen the mixing of stripes and plaid all over the blogger scene this past year. And W Magazine is forecasting that sandals with socks will be Fall 2014′s biggest footwear trend. Which begs the question, what is tacky anyway? And when it comes to busy prints how should we style our bold patterned bottoms?

Option 1: Pair your bold patterned bottom with a simple black tank. This multi-colored sunray maxi skirt ($35) is the perfect first styling challenge. It has an all-over print and incorporates at least 6 colors in its busy design. I’ve kept the styling simple with a pair of brown leather sandals, white sunnies and a black silk tank top. The simple, barely there, black tank keeps the bold print at the center of attention.

Option 2: Style your bold bottom piece with a bright colored blouse. If you want to play up that bold print, opt for a brightly colored blouse. I’ve selected this cherry red blouse with draped front by 213 Industries. Pairing a bright top in a contrasting color just livens up the whole outfit. Pick a simple black shoe and keep the accessorizing to a minimum.

Plus these blue and tan printed trousers are just $15!

Option 3: Wear a solid tunic or dress on top. Sometimes when styling a busy print, less is more. To play down the print on your bottom half, wear an elongated solid on top. It minimizes the print and slims the body! These blue geometric trousers are also just $15.

Side note: I’m really digging these wall decals I picked up at Ikea (similar here). They’re a great way to add a little decor to an empty space, plus they’re super affordable!

Option 4: Get “tacky” with it and add a printed top to your printed bottoms– even add a printed shoe! Taking fashion risks is what fashion is all about after all. And sometimes two prints are better than one. So pile on the prints like I did here, pairing this checkered print bra top with our black and white scarf print trousers, $15. Contrasting prints often compliment each other and one thing’s for sure: you’ll have one eye-catching outfit! #sorrynotsorry

All printed bottoms hitting stores early next week! Can’t get to one of our 32 locations? Shop the Crossroads Online Shop with us! We’ve got plenty of printed bottoms for you to choose from, with some on sale!