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June 14, 2021 4 min read
Wearing only solid colors gets old pretty quick. There are only so many combinations of neutrals you can wear before getting bored. Maybe you’ve started to add in some patterns like stripes, plaid, or floral, but don’t know where to go for your next inspiration. This is the perfect time to take the next fashion step: pattern mixing.
Pattern mixing seems like that scary realm that only fashion bloggers, celebrities, and models can enter, but we’re here to tell you that it’s easier than you think! Take those stripes, plaid, and floral patterns you already have in your closet and start mixing them together! Be careful, though, because sometimes the variety of prints and patterns can becomes overwhelming. It's important to remember not to go overboard, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun.To give you a better idea of where to start, check out these pattern mixing combinations below.
For a beginner pattern mixer, stripes are a must! Stripes are the one pattern that everyone has in their closet, and if you don’t, what are you waiting for? Stripes are the starting point of pattern mixing and pair well with pretty much any pattern because they’re basically a neutral. The best part: stripes come in so many varieties! Not only can you switch up the color(s), but the stripe width comes in thin, bold, and everything in-between! We’re picturing a bold floral skirt with a thin striped top or even a bold striped pants paired with a leopard print blouse.
Pair with: floral, gingham, plaid, polka dots, contrasting stripes, and more complicated patterns for more advanced mixing. Switch between thin and bold stripes depending on the pattern.
Plaid is the other pattern that I’m sure you have in your wardrobe. Plaid patterns vary in size, color, and the number of colors, but there are a few simple tricks to pattern mixing with plaid. Try pairing two plaid patterns together, but use opposites! A large, simple plaid looks perfect when paired with a smaller, busier, more colorful plaid. You can’t go wrong with black on black so try pairing with stripes or more plaid in black, white, or grey. Like all pattern mixing, the key to pairing plaids is to mix complementary colors and tones. Try pairing a plaid scarf with a thin striped tee.
Pair with: stripes, more plaid, graphics, gingham, and herringbone.
Gingham is the another print that you’re almost sure to have in your closet. Gingham comes in a wide range of prints, from patterns that look more like plaid to prints with tiny checkers. General gingham rule of thumb: If a pattern looks like checker print with even grids, it’s gingham. If it has a lot of extra, uneven lines, it’s plaid. When in doubt about what to pair gingham with, always choose polka dots or floral.
Pair with: floral, plaid, polka dots, and other complex patterns (anchor print).
Polka dots were probably one of your favorite patterns since you were little.You might even think you’ve outgrown them, but we’re here to tell you to try again! Polka dots can be super fun for pattern mixing. One of the more playful combinations is mixing a polka dot print with another contrasting polka dot print, aka, a print with larger or smaller dots. Try a larger polka dot on top and pair with a small polka dot print skirt on the bottom.
Pair with: stripes, floral, graphics, and contrasting size polka dots.
Floral is one of those trends that just keeps coming back and we’re perfectly okay with that. Whether you’re a bold floral or small print floral kind of girl, you need to be pattern mixing with floral! Floral prints are one of the more versatile patterns in fashion.When in doubt, always pair floral patterns with stripes! There is almost no better beginner pattern mixing than this duo, just imagine a bold floral shirt with a lighter pinstripe pant. Mix and match the scale of both prints to create countless perfect pattern mixed outfits that will have you looking like a fashion blogger.
Pair with: stripes, gingham, polka dots, animal prints, and contrasting floral.
Animal prints have always been considered a neutral and can be mixed with just about anything! If you’re one to shy away from animal prints in general, start small! Animal prints make for great accessories as shoes, handbags, and neck scarves. Start with leopard and branch out from there!
Pair with: stripes, floral, gingham, herringbone, and other animal prints.
- Stay within the same color palette and tones. The thing that makes pattern mixing work is pairing two patterns together with similar colors. Along with that, match tones when pattern mixing. Pair neutrals with neutrals and bold prints with other bold prints, otherwise your bold will overtake your neutral pattern.
- If pattern mixing still seems intimidating, start small with your accessories. Pair your pattern with some animal print shoes, a fun patterned purse, or even a belt. Your pattern mixing options are practically limitless when it comes to accessories.
- Start small. You don’t have to start with mixing bold, funky patterns! Start with patterns you’re already comfortable with by pairing plaid or floral with stripes. Expand your horizons when you’re comfortable with that or just stick to basic pattern mixing. Wear what makes you feel good and rock those pattern mixing outfits!
- Think about scale. Small pattern prints pair well with larger scale prints. Pairing two bold or large prints together can make your outfit look too busy. For example, match a small scale polka dot top with a larger scale floral skirt.
What pattern mixing trends are you excited to try? Which trends are still a little intimidating? Comment below!
*This blog post was originally published December 2017 and has since been updated with new content.
Are you ready to start shopping for different patterns? Here are a few of our favorite collections where you'll be able to find everything you need to start pattern mixing!
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As an avid fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of pattern mixing, I can attest to the transformative power it has on one's style. The Bella Ella Fashion Blog touches upon a key aspect of fashion evolution: moving beyond the confines of solid colors and exploring the dynamic world of patterns. I've not only followed these trends but have also actively experimented with various pattern combinations to create unique and eye-catching looks.
The article rightly points out that pattern mixing can initially seem daunting, reserved for fashion bloggers, celebrities, and models. However, from personal experience, I can confidently assert that it is more accessible than it appears. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Stripes:
- Stripes serve as the perfect starting point for pattern mixing, acting as a neutral base.
- They come in various colors and widths, allowing for versatile combinations.
- Recommended pairings include floral, gingham, plaid, polka dots, contrasting stripes, and more complex patterns for advanced mixing.
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Plaid:
- Plaid, a staple in most wardrobes, offers diverse options for pattern mixing.
- Mixing opposite plaid patterns, especially in terms of size and complexity, creates visually appealing combinations.
- Complementary colors and tones are crucial when pairing plaids, and suggestions include stripes, more plaid, graphics, gingham, and herringbone.
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Gingham:
- Gingham, characterized by even checker print, presents a versatile pattern for mixing.
- Recommended pairings involve floral, plaid, polka dots, and other intricate patterns like anchor prints.
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Polka Dots:
- Polka dots, often associated with playful vibes, offer exciting options for pattern mixing.
- Combining different-sized polka dots creates a lively look.
- Suitable pairings include stripes, floral, graphics, and contrasting size polka dots.
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Floral:
- Floral patterns, known for their versatility, are highly recommended for pattern mixing.
- Stripes are suggested as an excellent match for floral patterns.
- Mixing and matching the scale of floral prints with stripes, gingham, polka dots, animal prints, and contrasting florals creates diverse outfits.
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Animal Prints:
- Animal prints are considered neutrals and can be seamlessly mixed with various patterns.
- Starting with small accessories like shoes, handbags, or scarves is advised for those new to animal prints.
- Pairing with stripes, floral, gingham, herringbone, and other animal prints within the same color palette is emphasized.
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Pattern Mixing Tips:
- Scale considerations are crucial – pair small pattern prints with larger-scale prints for balanced looks.
- Gradually explore bolder patterns once comfortable, or stick to basic mixing.
- Accessorizing with patterned items like shoes, purses, or belts offers limitless options for pattern mixing.
In conclusion, pattern mixing is not only a fashion trend but an art form that allows individuals to express their unique style. As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion, I encourage everyone to embrace the excitement of pattern mixing and let their creativity shine through their clothing choices.
