The Art Of Mixing Prints

Mixing prints is one of my favorite ways to express myself. It can feel a little intimidating at first but it's a lot easier than you think!

These are just some tips that can help you get started on creating fun looks. Keep in mind that you don't have to follow all of these rules but just think of them as a starting point. I like to break the rules a lot too! (heehee)

Let's get started!

Pick prints that share the same color

A good rule of thumb for mixing prints is if they share a similar color or belong to the same color family then they will flow. So if you have some prints you're not sure about, you can most definitely put it off with some kind of unity between them which would be the same color.

Double the print

You can take the same print on top and on bottom. You can also switch the colors as well.

For example: Tiny dots on your blouse and bigger dots on your pants.

Vary the scale of the pattern

So if you have a really busy print, have the other print be bigger in the design or patterns. That way it's a lot easier on the eye so each print isn't competing but more complimenting each other.

For example: Tiny dots on your blouse and bigger dots on your pants.

Think of cheetah and floral as a neutral

I read in a seventeen magazine and have always remembered that cheetah and florals as neutrals. I'm not really sure why cheetah is a neutral but I've paired it with several outfits and really love using it just spice things up. I can see why floral is because I think it has a better flow with other patterns. If you're not too crazy on making a bold statement, having cheetah flats or a scarf is a great way to add a tiny hint of it. Same with floral, if you don't feel comfortable with big loud prints, just do small doses.

Mix up the formality

If you have a fancy skirt with a very floral pattern, you can make it more laid back with a different pattern on let's say on a graphic tee. It's fun to spin pieces that would normally be worn in two different occasions!

Patterns Combos

These are some combos I think look cool together. However, there are much more out there waiting to be discovered! Let me know in the comments what you like.

• Camo + Neon

• Stripes + Dots

• Plaid + Stripes

• Floral + Dots

• Cheetah + Geometric

• Camo + Stripes

So in summation, I think you can mix a lot of different prints together! My favorite rule of thumb is if there is a similar color in both patterns you can tie it together. Remember fashion is supposed to be fun! Not restricted. Fashion at the end of the day is what you want to do with it. So you can keep these rules in mind but remember you are not limited to them!

Now go out and experiment!