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30 Days of Outfit Ideas: How to Mix Prints & Patterns

January 28, 2018 By: Nada Manleycomment

I do not consider myself an artistic person. At all. I am the opposite of artistic, as a matter of fact. But when it comes to fashion, I like to think of myself as a Picasso, mixing and matching patterns with abandon. Sometimes, it works. Other times, not so much. But I’m crazy like that. I’m a fashion risk-taker. Fortunately, over the years, I’ve perfected the process of mixing and matching patterns, and picked up a few strategies along the way.

Maybe a chaotic pairing of florals and stripes isn’t your style, and that’s totally okay. I’m not here to sell you on clashing patterns, if they’re not your thing. But if, like me, you love bold combinations and aren’t afraid to mix it up a little, here’s a guide for wielding your wardrobe pattern palette like a pro. In 3 easy-ish steps.

Rule #1: Stripes Go With Everything

With animal prints.

Wow, Jenna Lyons. Im loving your style!

Source: Honeyisle

And tropical prints.

23 looks para dominar el arte de mezclar estampados https://womenfashionparadise.com/

Source: Elle Espana

And graphic prints.

Mixed prints. The secret? Make sure there's one color that matches between pieces. In this case, a lovely light coral :o)

Source: TipHero

And floral prints.

jcrew floral skirt, kendall and kylie heels, floral and stripes, womens fashion, street style, jessakae

Source: Jessakae

And plaid.

Plaid skirt + blue and white long sleeve button down + braided leather belt

Source: Labafrica

And polka dots.

striped t-shirt + polka dot blue skirt + blazer with gold statement buckles + statement necklace = perfect for school days

Source: Tamara Thomson

Rule #2: Mix small-scale prints and large-scale prints.

If you’re a beginner at this whole print-mixing thing, one simple rule to remember is that the key to a successful mixing of prints is a contrast between scale. Combine oversized prints with tiny prints. Can this rule be broken? Absolutely. When you become a pattern-mixing pro, feel free to toss this rule out, along with many others, but it’s a great jumping off point for the timid, because it really makes pattern-matching foolproof, as in the following looks.

Skinny stripes and a bold graphic.

Jokotade-Style-Blog-Attolle-Clothiers-Wax-Print-Full-Skirt-Ankara-Skirt

Source: Jokotade

Big plaid and small check.

Women's Clothing - New Sweaters, Dresses, Shoes, Women's Boots & Skirts - J.Crew Factory

Source: J. Crew

Small gingham and big polka dots.

Playful Mix

Source: Refinery 29

Bold floral and small stripes.

"Floral, stripes, ethic jewelry? This combination speaks to all of my favorite things! Through in the somewhat scary bright pant, and this has the potential for something great!"

Source: Jamie Krell

Tiny dots and big flowers.

Mixing Prints - Floral & Dots \\ Fall Outfit Idea More

Source: Leopard Loafers

Slim stripes (on top) and large folksy print. (This is next level, but so is everything Olivia Palermo wears).

Source: Collage Vintage

Rule #3: Unify Prints with Color

Another beginner’s tip: Unite contrasting prints with a color scheme for best results. Whether both prints are set against a bright white background, or there’s a single color shared by both prints, this tip makes pairing patterns almost effortless, as in the looks below.

The blue and yellow tie this colorful look together.

Mariana Cassou On: São Paulo Fashion Week | The Tory Blog

Source: The Tory Blog

The black in the leopard echoes the black in the plaid in this bold combo.

This is the best Merry Christmas love outfit,hair,make-up..

Source: Glam Radar

Blue and blue. 🙂

Laura Bailey is a master of mixed prints — her floral button-up and tartan plaid midi skirt look like a match made in fashion heaven.

Source: Pop Sugar

Red and red. 🙂

Love this look- love all things nautical. LOVE this skirt (already have a top like this!)

Source: Boden

Green and green.

Don't know if I'm brave enough but I love this combo!

Source: thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com/

Both colors in both prints make this a natural pairing.

GiGi New York | Southern Curls and Pearls Fashion Blog | Stone Crossbody

Source: Southern Curls and Pearls

Both of these prints are bold, and of the same scale, but they are united by a white background.

print mixing

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

4 Prints to Mix and Match

You can mix and match any of your favorite prints, but since we’ve already covered striped tops and animal prints in this series, I’ve shared items in a couple of beautiful florals, a snappy plaid and a cheerful polka dot.

Plaid shirt, $17.99, H&M

The Classic Shirt in ivory with navy dots, $60, Boden

Main Image - Topshop Floral Print Peplum Blouse

Topshop Floral Print Peplum Blouse, $65

Jersey maxi, $90, Boden

I hope these tips help you become a mix-and-match-master, and inspire you to create new combinations with the patterns already in your closet.

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