Prints Charming: 21 Foolproof Ways to Mix Patterns
With fashion, when you think “mismatched” you probably think “faux pas,” right? Well, here at Brit + Co, we have our glasses half full and our stripes paired with our florals. Who needs rules anyway, amirite? If you too always find yourself scoping out daring style mavens who pull off those effortlessly chic, pattern-rich looks you’re so dying to re-create, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the scoop on how you can mix plaids, stripes, polka dots and even animal print in a strategic and oh-so-chic way that will have all eyes (and lenses) on you! By the time you’re done checking out these 21 style tips they’ll be calling you Miss Mix-a-Lot.
1. Blue Crush: If you’re feeling a little nervous about taking the print plunge try meshing different textures, keeping within the same color palette. Don’t forget to flip your hair and smile for the camera! (via Refinery29)
2. Rad in Plaid: These two looks are proof that plaid is one versatile print. Pair this almost identical plaid chiffon skirt ($128) with flirty florals for a fresh look, or try plaid-on-plaid for a grunge-tastic ensemble. (via Who What Wear)
3. The Breakup: Worried about your prints clashing? Try this styling tip: break up your outfit with a chunky, solid belt. This glam, gold buckled one from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($38) should do the trick! (via Popsugar)
4. Cozy Layers: Envious of Kate Foley’s flawless layers that are no doubt keeping her toasty during cold weather months? Steal her style with this duo of tough camouflage ($29) and feminine polka dots ($121). (via Harper’s BAZAAR)
5. ’90s Twist: Channel your inner ’90s kid with an ode to daisies the next time you’re thinking of mixing prints á la curvalicious blogger, Assa. (via My Curves & Curls)
6. Now Trending: Don’t be afraid to incorporate other trends into your look, like socks with heels and round sunglasses. (via Popsugar)
7. Girlish Charm: This look screams Sunday brunch in Paris, down to her striped Mary Janes. To recreate this effortlessly chic look you only need to remember one tip: Keep things playful. Oh, and pick up this Mary Kate and Ashley-approved skirt while you’re at it ($185). (via Who What Wear)
8. Seeing Stars: Wearing anything bejeweled (hello third grade art class!) can be a huge sartorial risk, even more so when its two mates are a star emblazoned blouse ($24) and bright fringe clutch ($275). Take a risk, or three and try this high-fashion patriotic look. You might be surprised at what falls together. (via Style.com)
9. Feeling Feline: Alone, a skin tight leopard mini can be a little too risqué, but combined with a vibrant jacket it’s a-okay. We’re totally copying everything about this sexy outfit for our next date night. And kudos to this foxy lady for pulling this off during the day. Meow! (via Elle)
10. Office Talk: All work and no play makes for one terribly blasé outfit. Do like blogger extraordinaire, Blair Eadie, and leave your print-clashing worries behind with this striped Proenza Schouler sweater ($331) and totally sophisticated polka dot pencil skirt ($46). (via Atlantic-Pacific)
11. The Garden Party: Head-to-toe florals are a bold choice. Give your summer ensemble a boost with twice the amount of floral prints. The secret to achieving this look? Mix up dark and light colors and keep the rest of your accessories low-key. (via I Love Garlic Bread)
12. Getting Graphic: You can always count on black and white separates for a chic look, even when it comes to pattern play.We love how Aimee Song coupled her of-the-moment windowpane topper ($275) with this embellished diamond-print skirt and killer lace-up heels ($65). (via Gastro Chic)
13. One Piece Wonder: If you’re looking for the ultimate intro to mixing prints take it one splash at a time with a pre-mixed piece like this haute skirt from Clover Canyon ($182). (via Who What Wear)
14. Keep it Together: Pattern-centric combos don’t always have to be “quirky,” the shades of purple make this look sophisticated enough for the office and casual enough to hit the streets. (via Harper’s BAZAAR)
15. Serious Print Mixing: Now this is how you make vibrant graphic prints look sleek! Top everything off with a classic camel coat and gorgeous hair! Plus, we found the EXACT floral skirt ($138) seen on blogger Eleonora Carisi. (via Ali Express)
16. Neutral Leopard: This is expert styling at its finest, from the dose of leopard in her button-up to the subtle designs in her track-style shorts. We guess Jenna Lyons was right, leopards really are a neutral. (via Popsugar)
17. Pucker Up: We can’t help but fall head-over-heels for this smooch-print blouse and ombré checkered bottoms. Get the look with this funky ChicNova blouse ($22) that looks almost identical to the Saint Laurent version for a fraction of the cost! (via Style.com)
18. Eclectic Stripes: The key thing to remember when mixing prints is not what matches, but rather, what pairs well together. This punchy-hued skirt ($228) and silky striped blouse ($258) come together with statement-making accessories. (via Blog Da Thassia)
19. Daytime Chic: Wondering what to wear to summer brunch or that last minute coffee date? We think something similar to her striped chambray mini dress ($58) and brilliant floral blazer would look smashing. Don’t forget the metallic gold sandals, too. (via On the Racks)
20. Next-Level Suit: Gingham prints can be tricky to pull off as they can easily resemble a farmhouse tablecloth. So, we were delighted when we spotted this street style shot of a two-piece gingham look that is, get this, paired with a tangerine-print shirt! Talk about country chic. (via Paper Heart Chronicles)
21. Raging Accessories: Your prints don’t always have to come from your clothing. Add a bright pop of print to shake things up a bit, like these playful ferocious pumps ($360). (via We Love Styles)
Now that we’ve guided you through some seriously print-tastic outfits, will you dive into the deep end of the pattern pool? Still have more style questions? Ask us in the comments below!