When it comes to fashion, mixing patterns is a “no-go zone” for a lot of people. It seems daunting and people are scared they’ll look crazy if they mix too many patterns. But why be afraid? It’s really super easy, and you’re guaranteed a ton of compliments. So I’m providing you with some sure fire tips and tricks that’ll make you look fashion forward every day (plus there’s a cheeky little video I made at the end)!
There are tons of ways to mix patterns. You can go on Pinterest and search it, but they really only tell you how to mix patterns in your home. The three ways they tell you to mix patterns for your home are:
1. Small + Medium + Large
Go for three size variations of the same print, or three sizes of prints in general— small, medium, and large.
2. Organic + Structured
Opt for a floral print, and then a structured polka dot, plaid, or stripe.
3. Modern + Traditional
Pick a modern print like a stripe or chevron and pair it with an “ethnic” print.
These are fairly simple and versatile ideas. You can follow all of these tips for your clothes if you’d like, or you can continue reading to figure out how to take your pattern mixing to the next level.
The formula I use to mix patterns usually focuses around one color, much like the pattern mixing ideas for your home. The formula is:
Movement + Geometric + Small-Scale
This may sound confusing, but don’t worry! I’ll explain it for you.
Movement is any pattern that is naturally flowy. Similar to the “Organic” and “Traditional” ideas of the Pinterest pattern mixing, this can be a floral print, a watercolor print, an “ethnic” print (like an Aztec or ikat), or an animal print. It should be based on one major color. However, the more hints of other colors it has in it, the more opportunities you have to pull in more patterns and colors.
Geometric is any pattern with a structure. This can be large plaids, stripes, or any pattern that incorporates medium to large-sized shapes. However, make sure your pattern isn’t too small, because then it’ll be hard to pick your small-scale pattern.
Small-Scale patterns are any patterns that are tiny and repetitive. A small-scale pattern might be a small polka dot, mini gingham, a herringbone, a textured sweater or scarf, or a small hounds tooth print.
Finally, there are THREE KEY THINGS to remember when mixing patterns:
1. Layering
Layering is great because it increases your possibilities for pattern mixing. For example, you can pair a striped tee with a plaid button down and a polka dot cardi, or a tribal print jacket with a textured sweater. Skirts and patterned tights are also a great way to layer.
Here are some examples, but you can find more in the video below!
2. Accessorizing
Accessories are a little bit tricky to put together because you can only fit so many on your body, but they’re actually the most fun to incorporate when it comes to pattern mixing. You can incorporate multiple scarves (together!), patterned shoes, headbands and hairbows, as well as patterned necklaces and bracelets. By doing this, you can add a ton of awesome patterns without looking like you’re wearing a ton of prints.
Here are some examples from the video!
3. Picking one “focus” piece that your outfit will revolve around.
This can be a patterned scarf, plaid top, or printed pants— anything with one major color, and multiple hints of color in it (does this remind you of something?). Once you have your key item, you can start to add more patterns that incorporate the colors in that piece.
Here are some video examples!
So now that you have the basics of pattern mixing, it’s time to start putting together outfits!
If you’re having trouble with where to begin, check out my video below where I go even more in depth on how to mix patterns. I’ll give you some more specific tips on how to put outfits together, and tips on how to take your outfits one step further to incorporate more than two or three patterns!