How to: Mix Prints and Patterns in your Wardrobe

One of the CHICEST things in fashion is also the scariest; mixing prints and patterns. Think about it, when you see someone who has mixed prints you either think "Wow, she's got good style!" or "WOOOA, what is she doing?". I can help you out with some really simple easy to follow tips. I will have you a print pro by the end of this article.

Buying Prints:


* If you do not own prints, now is the time to start buying! Some of the things to look for:
 - Maximize your best feature. You want to wear prints to attract attention to the right places. ex: If you
 have a great bust that is a place to wear prints.
 - Larger prints make things look bigger and smaller prints make things look smaller. ex: If you have huge
 hips and don't like to draw attention to them, do not wear a large floral print skirt or pant.
 - The same color rules apply; purchase colors that work for your color pallet. Do not purchase
 a print when the majority of the background is white for any place you want to minimize, choose black or
 a darker color (like jewel tones).
   
* Start with a printed dress and add a colorful shoe or jacket; if you are a beginner. You will get so many compliments you will want to keep using print and color in your life!

Mixing Prints:

* The first and most important rule. The two prints must have at least one similar color, better with two. Unless the second print is all neutral.

This is two prints mixed together. The reason why this works - both pieces have a similar color story; maroon, dark green, and lt. pink. For the shoe I chose maroon, because this is the only color not represented in the pants, this will draw the eye down from the top to the shoe. I used a neutral color for all the accessories.

* Make sure you keep portions right, use a small print with a big print, not two small or two big. This is similar to the rules of portion. If your big on top, that is where the smaller print goes.

This is three prints mixed together. The reason why this works: The larger print is on top, and the smaller on bottom. This will emphasis the chest and minimize the hips. The skull print is sharing the same color story, so it will work well with the other prints (this should be worn around the neck following the collar of the jacket loosely). Since we only had one color in the mix I chose red for the shoe and bag.

* Try to keep a theme.

This is three prints mixed together. The reason why it works: All of these items represent a theme, nautical. I stuck with two contrasting colors, and white. Then I went with some very typical nautical accessories; anchors, boat shoes, chain, rope and a basket bag.


* Don't mix a busy print with another busy print, this is how it goes wrong. When wearing a busy geometric, floral or paisley pair it with a polka dot, or stripe. The busier print can be loud and big, but the other print needs to be small and quiet; neutral is an easy way to go.

This is an example of two prints mixed together. The reason why it works: there is one busy print (pants) and the next print is not (top). The accessories add a pop of color. The necklace is an important part of this outfit, because it adds color and interest to the neckline on the neutral printed top.


Mixing prints is fun, and can add longevity to your wardrobe. Look in your closet, you may have some outfits just waiting to be created. Play around with pieces in front of your mirror, and test out your new mixing skills.