As you know by know, we love to push fashion boundaries, and playing with patterns and colors is a big part of it. To some, wearing pattern at all might feel like a big step, but don’t worry, we covered the subject here. To the rest of you, here’s how to mix prints:
Why one should mix prints
To begin with, why should one even mix patterns with one another as one piece of it can be quite the statement? Well, there are several benefits, let alone the fun part of doing it. But matching and mixing prints makes any outfit look fashionable, with a little effort to it. Two or three patterns in one outfit don’t need accessories, statement silhouettes or matchy details. The patterns are enough as they are. This leads one to days when an outfit can be done within the minutes, and you’ll still look chic. Not to forget if you need to be dressed comfortable (but an outfit without details is boring) you can do the pieces in pattern and it’ll be fun as it is!
Three Things To Think About
When mixing patterns, there is mainly three things to think about. Or three different ways of doing it. These are not exclusive fashion rules, and doing them other ways works as well, but these are some guidelines on how one can pull it off. But as always, we encourage you to go beyond and trust your fashion eye!
Keep them in the same color scale
As one pattern can be crazy enough for the eye to register, keeping the patterns mixed in the same color is beneficial. This will make the outfit look more pulled together, and the patterns will blend as one. If you can’t do two patterns in the exact same color scale, we suggest that you keep at least two colors in common for the matching part. As humans register things that looks alike, the patterns will look matchy together, due to the common color. To make it even more difficult for you:
- Having the color base of two patterns as the same color, will make the outfit appear softer.
- Pairing the color of the base with a same colored detailed pattern, will make it appear quite balanced.
- Having two detailed patterns in common will make it look more messy.
Now we don’t stress one to be better than the other. But if we’re going to be harsh, the softer look is easier if you’re just starting out. After that, you can work yourself up to a more messy look (aka go fashionista pro).
Larger and smaller patterns
Another way to make a mixed pattern look work, is by focusing on the size of the prints. A larger pattern in combo with a smaller one will appear more basic and enhance the smaller print. This can be favorable to do when playing with silhouettes and body shapes. The fashion rule goes that smaller prints slims down and larger patterns makes it wider. If you want to enhance or tone down a body part, match it with a pattern of the wished size! And if you want to do both at the same time, well, go for a mix of prints!
Similar patterns
If the two pieces are similar in the pattern, the outcome is often quite genius. You can go basic with two different kinds of stripes, of why not two floral patterns? This also comes back to creating balance for the eye and make the patterns easier to register. Similar prints, or even the same, is a great way of doing sets of clothes. Like a blazer and some pants, or a crop top and a high-waisted skirt. They cover different parts of the body, but are united by the print and will create a more coherent look.
Or….
Just forget everything we just said and match patterns that are completely different from one another. A colorful floral pattern usually works perfect with a simple striped piece, obeying the fashion rules that are. Contrasting patterns is bold and quite risky, so we’d suggest doing this when you’re more comfy in wearing prints.
One last thing
A pro-tip that follows the last point is to have a third piece in a neutral color. This might be an accessory such as a belt, or why not a blazer or a scarf? Having a third piece in a neutral color, will “smooth” the mixed patterns, but still keep the balance right.
And that’s a wrap folks! Hope you enjoyed the post, leave a comment on your best tips, and if you want to read more of these posts, let me know!
Great post! Love your advice and will certainly start experimenting with them!! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
xx
Adelynn
http://treasurethatyouthlove.com
Thank you! Glad you find the post helpful! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
lovely inspirations <33
http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/
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Great post! xoxo
Thank you! Xx
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Such a great post! What an inspiration for print mixing!!
Love it!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
Thank you, so happy that you like it! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I totally agree with you on all these tips! I love looks with mixed prints!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Same here, they’re just so good! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great Post, great Guide.
xoxo
Priscilla
BEAUTYNATURE
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thanks for sharing with us on how to mix prints! This can be challenging for me to do but wit your guide, I think I have a better idea on how to mix prints. 🙂
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
That makes me happy to hear, thank you! Glad you find it helpful! Xx
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I absolutely love your blog, all of your content is so amazing and professional! It’d mean a lot if you could check out my latest blog post- much love Holly xo
https://corkylilthing.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much! Will do! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great tips and I like the getty images you’ve chosen! xoxo
http://www.naomella.com
That’s lovely, thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
The last look is my favorite! I like to have that neutral pieces to balance things out. The other looks are fabulous but I don’t think I could pull them off!!
xoxo, ︎ rachael
RachaelBurgess.com | Instagram
The last look is really good! Having a neutral piece definitely makes one outfit more wearable! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Now THIS is a fabulous assemblage of tips. Mixing prints can be so daunting – this makes it feel far more attainable!
P.S. I absolutely recommend the OPI base coat. I have tried loads over the years {some peeled almost immediately, some felt too sticky}, the OPI one was the only one that felt perfect. Sometimes, if I’m not wearing polish for a few days, I will actually use the base coat on my nails as a form of protection so they don’t break – it works great for that too!
xx
I am a huge fan of mixing prints so this article struck a cool chord with me. If folks follow the concepts you’ve mentioned in this article then they won’t have to feel intimidated by this fashionable art form. I love the way pattern mixing creates a style of my own.
Have a great weekend
KaSonndra
http://livewellbefabulous.com
I’m so happy that you liked the post, it makes me so happy! And yes, hopefully it will help people to navigate in the jungle haha! Patterns can definitely bring a lot to one’s style, and that is so in a very flattering way! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love this post! So inspired now!!
Darriyan xo
http://www.darriyancateland.co.uk
Thank you, so happy that you are! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I loved this post! While I am very liberal and open minded when it comes to makeup and bold colors on the face, I’m a bit more conservative when it comes to fashion 😀 I love the way these were paired, but I’m mostly sticking to the rule of only 1 print piece in an outfit 😀 xx
BeautyPepTalk
Hahah I’m the exact opposite, I love when my fashion game is crazy and my beauty game minimal! Hahah one piece of print in an outfit is better than none! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Wow, truly informative and fun to read! Love the sample photos as well. Great post ♥ Anyway, I hope you could check out my latest travel post: Tokyo Disneyland experience + a few tips. Hope to hear from you soon!
Love, Airish
Gorgeous Glance
http://www.airishabella.blogspot.com
Thank you, the outfits in the photos are so good right?! Love em! Xx
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Good job, love your post.
Kisses, DadieB. ~
dadiebradshaw.com
Thank you! Xx
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I LOVE mixed prints on others but am the biggest baby when I try to do it myself. These are all such great tips. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally be brave enough to try mixing myself!
Oh please do, the best way of knowing is just to try! Begin with subtle patterns and prints and work yourself up! Xx
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Amazing tips and great fashion inspiration! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This post is super helpful, thank you! I am afraid of mixing prints and prints so I always stick to solid colours and stripes. These tips might just give me the courage to try prints.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
So glad you found it helpful! The only way to begin is by trying, begin with subtle colors and patterns! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Man, I didn’t even know there were so many kinds of print mixing! I tend to prefer a pattern mixed with some stripes, that’s always my go to! It’s fairly easy and mess up proof haha. I just make sure the pattern and stripes are a similar colour. Great post about mixing! I know this is something that is super intimidating for me and a lot of other girls, so definitely glad you gave some advice on this topic. 🙂
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Hahah well, the sky is the limit when it comes to print mixing! Truly, it’s only the imagination that puts an end to the possibilities! So happy that you like the post, and I do hope people find it helpful! Pattern and stripes in a similar color is definitely a chic way of doing it! Xx
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these gals are so fashion forward! I love it!
kelseybang.com
They are indeed, love it too! Xx
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Oh, this is great! Love to different prints — so fun!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Same here, it’s so much fun indeed!! Xx
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Love it. So inspired!
<3 | X ALY | Aly In Wanderland | Aztec Bodycon Dress
So happy that you are, thank you! Xx
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Great tips!
District of Chic
Thank you!! Xx
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Mixing patterns is one of my fav things to do! Your tips are very useful, keeping the same color scheme is a must when playing with bold prints. x
Have a nice weekend,
Andreea
http://couturezilla.com/
It definitely is, it makes the look more coherent and kind of easier to pull off as well! Thank you love, same to you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
You’re a genius. I love mixing prints, but I get a little stumped sometimes. This is so helpful.
Have a great weekend!
Amber | y a c h t s m a a n
Gosh, haha thank you love! Just trying is the best way to begin! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I’ve actually never mixed prints before! Shows how much I know about fashion, right?! I’ll try out the tips in this post!
alicered.co.uk
Hahah, many of us haven’t! But it fun once one get started! Xx
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Great post and advice dear, thanks for sharing!
Faye .x
Blog: http://www.fayeisabella.co.uk/2016/09/the-face-of-today-lfw-edition.html
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fayeisabella/
Thank you! Xx
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This is an absolutely fab and informative post especially for fashion newbies such as myself! I love your ideas, I like the idea of matching patterns that are completely different, especially. 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Aww, thank you love! Contrasting patterns is so much fun, just love the chic statement it makes! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great tips! can’t wait to wear prints more this fall xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/getting-ready-holidays-jenni-kayne/
That’s lovely, prints for fall is so much fun! Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great tips on mixing prints! I look at these photos and I say wow these women look amazing. But when I try to do it I feel a little odd!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
It definitely feel a bit uncomfortable to try it as the look is such a statement, but as always, begin small and with small patterns! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Lovely inspiration. Yes, I am such a fan of mixing prints and patterns. Ultimately, I wear pretty much any colour, but brights are generally my favourite. Happy weekend. x/Madison
FASHION TALES
That’s lovely though, love when people embrace colors and prints! Same to you love! Xx
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I love mixing prints, especially in fall when we’re layering up to keep warm! Very chic! 🙂
http://www.lauralouiseellis.blogspot.co.uk
xx
Right? It’s something with fall and prints in specific, love the combo too! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com/blog/compilation-fall-trends-2016/
I love mixing prints, especially in the cooler months when you can play with lots of layers! Great post!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
It’s so true, mixing prints with different layers is a great way of doing it! I just love how stylish prints with a seasonal feeling can be! Xx
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amazing!
NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG
Thank you! Xx
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I LOVE to pattern mix! It’s so much fun to really take a look into your wardrobe and experiment with pieces you may have had for years and bring them to life in a new, fresh, and fashionable way! I agree with all the tips and suggestions you’ve shared for pulling it off and when I think of bold and pattern mix, the first name that comes to mind is my muse, who you’ve featured here, OP, I LOVE HER!!!! This girl always gets it right! Thanks so much for sharing, gorgeous, and I hope you have the most amazing weekend ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Ugh, same here!! It’s so much fun to bring new life into pieces by mixing them with one another. Mixed patterns gives an outfit a new look, which is also favorable! And yes, OP just nails it, she could kind of wear whatever and would still make it look fashionable! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is such a great post with some fantastic tips! Mixing prints is definitely something I want to try more of, especially this fall season because I always stay away from mixing them. x
Yaay, try it! It’s so much fun once one gets started. And as more comfortable you get with mixing, the more bold one can go! Xx
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I absolutely love the idea of big patterns with small ones. This is what I need to try to do from now on!
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Do so! The outcome is often so chic, and a lovely way of developing one’s style! Xx
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Fantastic post 🙂 these are some great tips <3
http://bit.ly/2cMnZ30
Natural Beauty And Makeup
Thank you!! Xx
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i’ve always stayed away from prints! this was really a great post.
http://www.portiastylebook.com
Prints are definitely not for everyone, but they are fun if one feels like trying. Beginning with small and subtle patterns is always a great start! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post and tips! I love the mix of print!
http://violettedaily.com/
Same here, it’s a lovely statement of an outfit! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great tips! Keeping the same color scheme is always my number one too.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Right? It’s an easy and chic way of matching! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This is a great post! I love all of your tips. I’m always looking for ways to wear pieces I already have in my wardrobe in new ways. Mixing prints is definitely something I want to try more of! xx
Audrey Adair-Keene | http://www.happilyaudrey.com
Mixing prints is a lovely way of keeping things fun and creating interesting outfits with old pieces! Love the fashion statement it makes! Xx
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I am not usually brave to mix the prints but I would love to make one stunning outfit mixing the stripes with floral!
Would you like to follow me back?
https://glaringwaves.blogspot.ba/
Stripes and floral is such a great combo, I just can’t get enough of it! Xx
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io adoro il mix and match. Certo bisogna essere attente a non esagerare..ottimi i tuoi consigli!
Lalu
It’s just such a chic way of fashion, love it! Xx
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