Combining prints fashionably can feel overwhelming, particularly if you're not used to taking risks on graphic colors. But executed properly, it brings imagination, playfulness, and a pinch of bold self-assurance to your wardrobe. You don't need to work for a fashion magazine or pose for a high-fashion brand to pull off this style—just a few rules will guide you on how to mix stripes with flowers, polka dots with plaids, and more without appearing like a walking collage.
This blog will simplify the fundamentals of mixing print fashion into simple steps, provide you with fail-safe patterned outfit pairing strategies, and demonstrate how to avoid being overwhelmed by competing prints. From dressing up for a day out to a show-stopping look for a party, you'll be ready to rock with these pattern on pattern tips.
Print mixing is not a trend—it's a personality expression. Get the right mix, and you can be chic, put together, and even trendy. Street style legends to wear-to-work ensembles, print mixing fashion spells action and eye candy.
But with that said, everyone steers clear of it for fear of appearing mismatched. The secret to making this work is balance, and if you know a few rules, you can play dramatic print styling tricks without crossing the line.
One of the most secure on-trend pieces of advice is starting with neutrals. A black, white, beige, or gray print can serve as a background. A good example is to pair a striped black and white top with muddled-colored floral bottom pants. This provides your outfit with some order and prevents the prints from struggling against one another.
If you're new to mixing prints in fashion, simply mix monochrome pieces first. That way, you're not mixing color and pattern at once, then.
The most significant print clashing guide rule starts off with this golden rule: choose one lead print and one more secondary print. The lead print should be more visible—either larger, darker, or more centrally placed in the body (e.g., an imprinted jacket or a skirt). The secondary print supports it without dominating the center stage.
Examples:
If you apply this rule, you will be in harmony and not overpower your appearance.
However crazy you mix up prints, your wardrobe will still be great if the colors harmonize. Attempt to harmonize at least one or two of them in both prints. For example, if your skirt has green and pink flowers on it, select a top that has at least one of them in its print.
This is one of the most helpful patterned outfit pairing tips—it ties everything together without needing to be matchy-matchy.
Stripes are the most versatile and easiest print to mix. If you’re unsure where to start, go with stripes and another pattern. Mixing stripes and florals is a popular and safe combination. The linear design of stripes acts like a neutral and provides balance to busier prints.
Test these out:
Don't forget to keep the scale of the pattern in check—a little stripe appears better with big prints.
One other significant trend on trend tip is to match and pair the size of your prints. If they are equal, they may fight each other for space and be too busy to look at each other. But if one is huge and dramatic and the other is microscopic or more detailed, it's visually balanced.
Experiment with pairing:
When comparing scale, your prints look intentional, not accidental.
If you're skeptical about whole-hog mixing prints in fashion, start with accessories. Scarves, handbags, and shoes are perfect for adding a second print without going the whole hog.
For example:
These small gestures enable you to confidently experiment with your toes at fashion-forward print styling concepts.
Having two loud prints on at once can be fantastic if done correctly, but having three bold things going on might make your outfit look like a chaotic mess. Keep yourself to a maximum of two prints happening at once for a streamlined look. If you absolutely need to do three, keep one ridiculously subtle, such as textured material or small print.
Also, top off your outfit with solid items. For instance:
When the rest of your outfit is influenced, your prints stand out without going overboard.
No conflicting print guide would be finished without reminding you that attitude is everything. Flaunt your getup with confidence. The best matching patterned outfit pairing guidelines won't stick unless you're confident in what you're wearing.
Begin by wearing your contrasting prints around the house or in informal areas until it becomes second nature. After a while, your eye will pick up what looks good on you with regard to taste and body shape.
These are some tested combinations that almost never go wrong:
Timeless and easy to blend. Choose similar colors to tone down the effect.
Playful and dramatic. Mix with neutral colors like black, white, or tan to make it functional.
Wear checks at the bottom half and stripes at the top half. Make one of the prints smaller in scale than the other.
Play with color harmony and simplicity with simple accessories.
Two pieces in the same print in different sizes create depth without madness.
These combinations are great, bold print styling ideas to try and play with, and become confidence-building.
Here are some pattern-mixing ideas for different types of occasions:
Make it work by combining low-key prints like fine stripes with teeny checks or polka dots. Utilize sleek shapes and neutral colors.
Don't fear. Experiment with pairing a printed top and a patterned cardigan, or playing with printed pants and a graphic tee.
Be daring with flashy contrasts. A striped blazer over a floral maxi dress or a patterned clutch over a printed jumpsuit will make an impression.
The occasion can dictate just how bold or held-back your pairings need to be.
You should avoid some common mistakes to look perfectly fashionable:
Stick to two patterns at most unless you’re highly experienced or going for a high-fashion editorial look.
Clashing colors are harder to pull off than clashing patterns. Stick with one or two base colors.
If your outfit is already bold, keep accessories simple and neutral.
Too much coordination can make your look feel forced. Mixing prints works best when it feels effortless and fun.
Blending fashion prints is not intimidating. With a little careful patterned garment pairing guidance, your sense of style can be elevated. Approach it as art—experiment with color, size, and texture. Stripes are used as bases; consider dominant vs. subordinate prints, and bold out with bold prints styling ideas when you feel ready.
Then go ahead—break a few rules, experiment with new pairings, and relish the creative freedom that mix-and-matching print provides. Before long, you'll never see your closet in the same way again.
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