Somewhere along the way, we all learned the age-old adage “don’t mix your prints.” Yet many of us are still hesitant to attempt this daring look. It’s definitely a look that’s sure to draw some attention, but fashion rules aren’t the same anymore.
Every day, celebrities are mixing prints, rocking the pattern-on-pattern looks and changing the game. While power clashing might not necessarily be your thing, fear not! You can still hop on this mismatched trend without mixing wildly clashing prints. Just follow a few simple rules and you’ll be runway ready in no time.
1. Know your patterns
From paisley to houndstooth to tartan to gingham, there are a ton of different prints you’ll encounter on this journey of pattern mixing. If you’re aware of the varying tips and tricks for each print, it’ll really help you as you plan your next outfit.
Stripes
Stripes are a basic print, and they’re one of the most popular and versatile patterns. They come in different widths, directions and colors, which means you should be careful of simply throwing them on. But in the end, they should be treated as your new neutral. (Hint: They also match excellently with polka dots.)
Animal Print
Your inner Cheetah Girl will rejoice in knowing that animal prints are still alive and well. Wearing animal prints actually traces back to the eighteenth century when they were worn by members of high society to promote their sophistication and wealth. The best way to tap into your wild side with this trendy print is by styling it with a more mild pattern. This look works best if the print is made of natural colors like browns and muted yellows (but the world might make an exception for you if your name is Galleria, Dorinda, Chanel or Aqua).
Houndstooth
Houndstooth is a classic and timeless print. Like stripes, it’s a great way to add a little definition to your outfit as you style it around a focus piece. This particular pattern is traditionally black and white, which will help you decide what color your other print should be.
If you’re searching for a chic or work-friendly look, houndstooth matches excellently with anything that’s sleek black. However, if you’re looking for something a little bolder, mixing houndstooth with plaid or stripes will always create a lovely match—especially if the two prints are different sizes (for example, a large houndstooth print with a pinstriped skirt). As long as you keep your clothes in the same color family, you can’t mess this up.
Plaid
Although there are several different subcategories of “plaid,” it’s still a relatively universal design. Because there are so many types, you’ll have just as many options when it comes to picking your outfit of the day. However, it’s just as easy to become overwhelmed with choices. To avoid mass confusion, try to focus on the size and the color of the print. Once you figure out what kind of look you want to try, everything else will fall into place.
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2. Plan around a focus piece
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when mixing prints for the first time is going too hard too soon. If you’re ready to take that step, that’s great! But if not, try to plan around one statement item. You can let this single print dominate your look and simply use the other one as an accent.
That being said, this works best when you have a pattern on your outerwear and on either your shirt or pants. This way, if half-way through the day you decide these two prints aren’t the best of friends, you can always take off your jacket and rock the single printed item for the rest of the day.
3. Mix prints of different sizes
Adjust the proportion of your outfit by pairing large graphic prints with something a bit milder to balance it out. It’s an easy way to add in a fun piece without overwhelming the look. If you pair an oversized polka dot top with pants decorated in small, delicate flowers, your look will be much more visually appealing.
Alternatively, you could also try pairing bold or geometric prints together for a uniquely chic outfit.
4. Keep your prints in the same color family
It’s so easy to get caught up in worrying if your patterns are clashing that you might end up forgetting to check if your colors actually match. Mixed prints in the same tonal range look put together, and can allow you to set the focus of your outfit on a pop of color rather than just a print. Blacks and whites are always a safe go-to, but green and yellow works as well as pink and grey.
If you’re still overwhelmed or left wondering if the outfit matches, forget the pattern and focus on the colors. If they were solid colors, would they go together? Once you’ve answered that, then you can start to look at the bigger picture.
Related: How to Create a Color Palette for Your Personal Style
5. Break up the prints
Use accessories to break up the prints in your outfit. With either a belt or a solid color in between the two patterns, you can give the eye a rest before you jump into the next design. This can also help build your silhouette and add some structure to a look while still upholding the irregularity that comes with coupling prints.
6. Shoes count too
Wearing the right pair of shoes can often make or break an outfit. So why not try a pattern there, too?
We recommend this option for testing the compatibility of prints. This gives you the opportunity to still mix prints, but lets you do it with a lighter touch than if you decided to wear something larger, like a printed jacket. The most popular options seem to be leopard print or snakeskin, but you can always go old-school and wear a pair of chevron rainboots or checkered Vans.
Mixing prints can be a confusing and slightly terrifying step to take when it comes to trying out an outfit, but the most important thing to remember is that fashion is supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to give you the chance to express yourself and make you feel good. You can’t let the mixed-print-hating naysayers get you down. If you’re happy, healthy, and not hurting anybody, I say go for it. Besides, you might just find your signature look somewhere between the plaid and polka dots.