How to Mix and Match Patterns in Your Outfits

When it comes to fashion, the world of styles, textures, and prints offers endless possibilities for creating unique ensembles. Mixing and matching patterns can elevate your outfits to new heights. Pairing a classic pinstripe with a playful polka dot is just one way to add creativity and flair to your look. In this guide, I’ll share 5 expert tips on how to combine prints in your outfits. While there are no strict rules when it comes to mixing patterns, these tips will help you navigate the process with ease and confidence.

1. Mix and match the sizes of patterns

It can be difficult to find patterns that go well together, but sometimes matching patterns that are completely different can look better than two similar patterns together. A key tip for mixing and matching patterns is to play around with different sizes. Trying to put together patterns that are similar in size can make the outfit look too chaotic and busy, so opt for two different sized patterns.

Pairing a large print with a smaller sized pattern will complement each other better and make the outfit look more cohesive. Sometimes allowing yourself to be free and creative can make the outfit look more seamless and put together, outfits don’t always need to match to look good. At the end of the day fashion is an outlet it’s meant to be fun so use this as a chance to try different styles together and find what works for you.

2. Mix a simple pattern with a bold one

To mix patterns and to make it look good, you want to pair a simple, more classic pattern with a bolder one. Regardless of the patterns you pair together, the outfit is going to be a bold look but you don’t want it to be overpowering. A staple pattern like a stripe is going to be the base of your look as it has more of a subtle and classic look it won’t draw too much attention.

You want to pair a bold pattern like an animal print or polka dot that is loud and will be the statement feature in the outfit. This allows you to mix and match patterns whilst creating the illusion of only having one print as you’ve mixed loud and subtle pieces together. You want to be able to mix patterns but still style outfits that are wearable for every day so you can wear them more often.

3. Match colours or tonal range

To create a unified look when mixing patterns, you want to stick to colours in the same tonal range. Whether you stick to neutral tones, or pick a colour from one pattern to match the other one, having one colour that runs through the outfit will help the outfit to look more blended. This doesn’t mean you need to have a monochromatic look but picking a colour from your prints or patterns and matching it to the rest of your outfit will give it a sleek, put together finish. For example, if you have a floral pattern that’s pink and white, having another pattern that has the same shade of pink running through it will help match the two together better.

If you’re finding it hard to match the colours, or you’d prefer the colours to stand out more; then try and have a neutral colour as the base so it doesn’t clash or look too harsh. Neutral tones are always a good idea when it comes to mixing and matching patterns as they give the outfit a soft and calm vibe which is sometimes needed with patterns and prints.

4. Start with outerwear

If you’re just starting to wear patterns, or you want to change up your style, then mixing patterns is a fun way to make your outfits stand out but it can be a bit daunting in the beginning. The best way to get into it is to start with outerwear. Outerwear is great when mixing patterns as you can easily remove it.

It takes a lot of confidence to mix and match patterns as it is a bold look, so starting with pieces that can be removed is a great comfort if it gets too much. Start with a striped or plaid coat, and pair it with accessories like a checked scarf. If your main outfit has a patterned piece in it then style it with a printed bag, starting small is always a good idea as you can build on it whilst getting used to a different style.

5. Be confident with it

When it comes to fashion, confidence is key. Over the last few years, fashion has become all about following trends, and wearing the latest pieces; but fashion is meant to be fun and a way of expressing yourself. You don’t need to stick to trends or what celebrities are wearing, if you want to mix and match patterns then go for it.

Pair patterns that you feel shouldn’t be paired together and you’ll probably end up liking what it looks like, experiment with all different patterns until you find what works for you. Patterns and prints are bold, they’re going to make any outfit a statement so wear it with confidence.

Summary

I hope this has given you a few ways you can mix and match patterns to have fun with fashion. The fashion scene is full of trial and error so give new looks a go and, you might be able to find your new go-to style. Mixing patterns and prints is a good way to change up your wardrobe, so if you’re thinking about changing your style, this may be a good place to start.