When it comes to fashion these days, there are no rules. We’ve seen it all: Plaids and polka-dots, florals with animal print, sequins and sneakers, geometric patterns and graphic prints with stripes.…
Get crafty and let your imagination run wild. Mix and match all the season's fantastic print trends.
Print mixing is one of the more difficult trends to pull off. But when done right, mixed prints can look wildly high-fashion.
- Colors are important
During your first attempt at mixing patterns, try mixing a piece that has a lighter or neutral color with one that is bolder or more eye-catching. Let the color of one piece pop, while the other piece creates an aspect of “calm” instead of having 2 colors that are almost competing for attention.
Another good color tip is to pair prints that are within the same color group. The boldness of the prints will not seem as sharp if the other prints are closer to the same color.
2. Dots and Stripes work well together
May sound odd, but they create such a contrast to one other that it actually works when done the right way. This is usually a good way to start mixing prints before jumping into more complex prints such as tribal or animal prints.
3. Proportion, Proportion, Proportion
Knowing how to play with the size of the patterns is important. Certain sizes can create an illusion of something being smaller or larger than it actually is. For example, pairing thin stripes and thick stripes can create a balance, emphasize your waistline and distract the eye from certain areas.
4. Option To Separate
One easy way to wear prints and not feel as if the look is too overbearing, separate the prints with a solid item. For example, if you wear a printed top with a printed skirt, then wear a basic belt or cardigan. The separation of prints decreases the boldness of the mixed prints but you still get the same edgy effect.
5. Test out textures
Mix pieces together and figure out which combinations are pleasing to you and what you are comfortable in. At the end of the day, your comfort in the look is the most important.
