This month’s thrifty theme of Traffic-Stopping Graphics definitely made me stop and think. I thought the theme was referring to graphic tees (hence my explanation if you read my thrifty friends’ posts), but after seeing the looks everyone else put together, I realized graphic can also refer to prints—thank goodness for me because that’s what I decided to style!

I always think graphic tees are really cute on other people, but I never buy them for myself—I only own one and it isn’t secondhand. I decided to go with a bold print instead, and while I had a couple of thrifted options to choose from, I opted for this black and white bodycon dress, one of my many purchases while studying abroad in Scotland. I thought this print, with the repeating, geometric pattern, looked like something that could be block printed—which for some reason is associated with the word graphic in my mind.

I layered on a black denim jacket, which for whatever reason is way cooler than a blue denim jacket, to make the dress a little more casual. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this outfit is very similar to the one I styled for January’s metallic prompt (same jacket, purse, and earrings with a different thrifted dress). My booties were gifted for a brand collaboration with Vivaia, but my beaded purse and earrings are also secondhand. I threw on oversized striped sunglasses to spice up the outfit with a little pattern mixing. And, because nothing else in my outfit was very worthy of stopping traffic, I topped the look off with the brightest shade of pink lipstick I own! I love how the color pops with the otherwise neutral outfit (although, I noticed after the fact that I have a little lipstick on my teeth in some of the pics—such is life).

While this dress is very cute (the black portions are velvety), I learned on its maiden voyage that it rides up very easily and is therefore quite difficult to walk in. I can’t imagine I’ll reach for it much for that reason, but at only $10, it’s worth keeping for events where I know I’ll be sitting most of the time. I think this outfit would be so fun for karaoke! (As long as I don’t plan on dancing too much on stage, lol.)

As a reminder, I will be stepping away from this secondhand collaboration shortly, so if anyone is interested in posting their thrifty outfits with this group of ladies once a month, please let me know! And be sure to check out everyone else’s graphic looks at the links below:

Emma of  Style Splash:

“When I saw this jacket on Vinted I thought it was actually crocheted, that’s how good the print is. I got chatting with the seller and she told me she’d bought it in Spain. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I wanted it to really stand out so I’ve layered it over a solid red base of River Island top and trousers. With so many colours in the print I have plenty of styling options… pink, purple or blue trousers. That’s the great thing about bright graphic prints!!”

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style:

“Could not resist this skirt from Vinted as the print attracted me so much. Graphic prints for me are these kind of psychedelic prints. But I Googled it to be sure and band tees, and all that, are considered graphic too apparently. So you might think totally different of what graphic prints are, that’s okay. If you know me a bit, you know that I like to wear prints (if I wear them!) with simple black pieces. It is still chilly here so I needed to wear something warm in the form of a cozy cardigan. And my beloved suede ankle boots.”

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge:

“I found this amazing faux leather trench coat for $10 at a thrift shop in North Carolina during my recent road trip, and it was perfect for this traffic stopping theme. I combined it with a ‘No Bad Vibes’ graphic tee that belonged to my sister, striped jeans, ankle boots, and a floral print neckerchief that were all thrifted a few years ago, and earrings that I picked up at our local flea market for a mostly thrifted outfit that is fun and colorful. There was no traffic to stop, however, when I took these photos.”

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style:

“When I think of graphic prints, I focus on graphic t-shirts. Some of the messages and photos just tickle my fancy. Like this cactus. Living in Arizona we are surrounded by cacti, so I had to buy this one at the thrift store. Everything is secondhand, and I call this my Arizona-inspired look with the cactus and cowboy boots together. Heck, even my husband joined in on this prompt.”

Jane of Preloved Vintage Handmade:

“When I heard the T6 theme for March was ‘Traffic Stopping Graphic’, I immediately thought of this top. To me it’s the definition of ‘graphic’ – graphic art or Pop Art. The exaggerated 1950s comic strip style artwork is so striking, and saturated primary colours just smack you in the face! Stand me in front of traffic and watch me make it stop!”

. . . . .

As always, thanks for stopping by the blog today.

 

Miles of smiles,

Grace

 

Printed Dress: Thrifted, $10 ($5.00 per wear), last worn here | Black Denim Jacket: Topshop via Nordstrom, $55 ($1.83 per wear), last worn here | Black Booties: Vivaia, $140 ($2.59 per wear), last worn here | Striped Sunglasses: Amazon, $15, buy here | Beaded Purse: Thrifted, gift, last worn here