Mixing prints and patterns can be intimidating. No one wants to look foolish (or clownish).
But, with a few tips its totally doable, I swear.
To get started with ideas and inspiration, check out my Mixing Prints & Patterns Pinterest Board that I created specifically to go with this post.
Tips for Mixing Prints & Patterns
- Mix big with small and small with big. Wearing patterns and prints together is about creating interest and contrast. So you’ll want to mix a bold stripe or print with a small stripe or print. For example, a big floral print combines well with a small stripe.
- Treat stripes and dots as a solid color. For example, treat a navy and white stripe as though it were just solid navy. Wear it with a print or pattern you would ordinarily match to solid navy.
- Leopard is a neutral. Period. It goes with everything. So is camo, in my opinion.
- Combine two prints to start. Then add a neutral, such a leopard print or camo to really mix it up.
- Advanced Tip: Use the color wheel to mix and match complementary colors. More on that here.
Below are examples of outfits that mix prints and patterns.
I’ve added a little info about why each one “works.”
Big stripe, small print, matching color
Small stripe, big plaid
Small stripe, big plaid, matching colors
Small stripe, big plaid
Small stripe, big print
Small stripe, big print
Small stripe, big print
Big stripe, small plaid, monochromatic
Small stripe, big plaid, complementary colors
Big stripe, smaller print
Matching accent color in scarf and stripe, neutral leopard
Big stripe, smaller plaid, neutral leopard
So do you feel ready to mix things up this fall?
You can find more of my styling educational posts in the Style 101 section.
Please subscribe to receive my posts via email.
For more outfit inspiration check out my Pinterest boards and my Instagram! Oh and please “like” my blog on Facebook!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on or purchase through certain links, I may receive a small commission.
Alexa I sure hope you get paid to give us all these immeasurable tips!!
Lol, thanks, Nicole!
Seriously, this is art.
Yay! Thank you!
Thanks for the tips! Very good!
Alexa
Hi my name is Terri, I go by Dee, I need help in mixing and matching plaids, strips, and everything in between. I am making a tie skirt (yes an actual skirt made with ties) I’ve always been very conservative so coming out of my comfort zone using these ties is a bit overwhelming. I’m making this skirt in honor of my late husband, next month it will be 13 yrs since his passing. He wore ties most of the time, so this is how I want to honor him by using most of his ties. Can you help please?
Hi Terri,
What a great idea! I love that! I would recommend using a color wheel to help you decide which ties to place next to one another. You can read a bit about color theory here. Also, I would reference quilting guides since what you are trying to put together is a lot like a strip quilt. There are a lot of resources on the internet for quilters to help figure out what are complementary prints and colors. If you are still struggling, I would recommend getting a quilting book from your local library or fabric store. Something like this.
Hi Alexa,
I feel invigorated,a wee bit anxious but overall excited about the application of your tips-thanx!
#PRINT MIXING ROOOOCK!
Thanks, Janie!
This might be a long shot but O really lovel the pink and camel strriped sweater can you tell me where I can buy that and the leopard shirt
Hi Kim,
I haven’t seen a sweater like that in a long time. You can find a similar leopard shirt here and here.