How to Mix Prints and Patterns

Mixing prints and patterns is a bold, fashion-forward move that can transform any outfit from basic to brilliant. Though it may seem daunting at first, mastering the art of mixing prints opens up endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you're looking to experiment with florals and stripes or animal prints and polka dots, this guide will help you confidently combine patterns like a pro. Here’s how to mix prints and patterns in a way that feels effortless, stylish, and modern.

Step 1: Start with a Neutral Base

When you're new to mixing prints, it's a good idea to start small. Incorporating neutral colors into your outfit creates a balanced backdrop that allows your prints to shine without overwhelming the look. Begin with a base of solid, neutral tones like black, white, beige, or gray. You can build your prints and patterns around these shades to keep your outfit cohesive and chic.

Why This Works:

Neutrals ground the outfit, providing a foundation that makes prints more approachable.

By keeping part of your outfit simple, you avoid looking too busy or chaotic.

Pro Tip: Start with classic pairings like a striped top in black and white with a neutral floral skirt. This creates contrast without clashing, allowing you to experiment while staying within a safe zone.

Step 2: Choose a Dominant Print

When mixing prints, it's important to designate one print as the dominant pattern and another as the secondary. The dominant print should cover a larger portion of your outfit or be bolder in terms of color and size. The secondary print can be more subtle or in a smaller area, like an accessory or shoes, to complement the dominant pattern.

How to Choose:

Pick a larger, more eye-catching print for one piece, such as a floral blouse or a geometric-patterned skirt.

Pair it with a more subdued, smaller-scale print, like stripes or polka dots, to create harmony.

Pro Tip: If you’re wearing a bold floral dress, balance it with a smaller, understated pattern like thin stripes or subtle polka dots in neutral tones for a perfectly mixed look.

Step 3: Stick to a Cohesive Color Scheme

Color coordination is crucial when mixing prints and patterns. Stick to a consistent color palette to keep the outfit looking polished and unified. This doesn’t mean you have to wear monochrome, but choosing prints that share similar hues or complementary tones will help tie the look together.

Here’s how:

Choose a color family (e.g., earth tones, pastels, or jewel tones) and stick to it throughout the outfit.

Look for common colors in both prints. For instance, if your floral top has hints of blue, pair it with striped pants that also feature shades of blue.

Pro Tip: Black and white are great colors to start with when mixing prints. They act as a neutral base that works with virtually any color scheme, making it easier to introduce a secondary print without fear of clashing.

Step 4: Mix Patterns of Different Scales

The key to a balanced, stylish look when mixing prints is varying the scale of the patterns. Pairing a large, bold print with a smaller, more delicate one creates visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Too many large prints can make an outfit look chaotic, while too many small prints might get lost in the mix.

How to Scale It:

If you’re wearing an oversized plaid shirt, balance it with a smaller, tighter polka dot skirt.

Pair bold, wide stripes with tiny floral prints or delicate checks for a modern, playful look.

Pro Tip: Mixing large and small prints also helps create dimension and movement, keeping the eye engaged and enhancing the overall silhouette of your outfit.

Step 5: Incorporate Texture and Accessories

Print mixing doesn’t stop with your clothing—accessories and textured fabrics can also play a role in creating a dynamic, layered look. Incorporating different textures like silk, velvet, or denim adds depth and dimension, helping your prints stand out even more. Additionally, accessories like patterned scarves, belts, or handbags can introduce subtle print mixing without committing to a full-on bold look.

How to Accessorize:

Add a patterned scarf with stripes or polka dots to an otherwise neutral outfit for a pop of pattern.

Mix a leopard-print clutch with a floral dress for a fun and unexpected combination.

Incorporate textured fabrics like a leather jacket or a chunky knit sweater to break up the patterns and add richness to the look.

Pro Tip: Animal prints like leopard, zebra, or snake can act as a neutral in print-mixing. Pair these with bolder patterns like plaid or florals to make the animal print feel more versatile and approachable.

Step 6: Confidence is Key

At the end of the day, confidence is your best accessory when mixing prints and patterns. Fashion is all about self-expression, and wearing bold combinations is a surefire way to showcase your personality. If you feel good in your outfit, it will show—and that’s what makes any look truly stylish.

Final Thoughts:

Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find what works for you.

Remember that print mixing can be playful and fun—embrace the unexpected!

Wear your outfit with confidence, and you'll turn heads for all the right reasons.

Bonus Print-Mixing Tips for Every Fashionista:

Floral and Stripes: This classic combination never goes out of style. Pair a floral skirt with a striped top for an instantly chic look.

Polka Dots and Animal Prints: Mix small polka dots with a bold animal print like leopard for an adventurous yet balanced outfit.

Gingham and Plaid: These similar but distinct patterns look effortlessly stylish when worn together, especially in neutral tones.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to rock a look that’s modern, bold, and uniquely yours. Whether you're just starting out with subtle patterns or diving into high-fashion pairings, mastering the art of print-mixing will elevate your style game and set you apart from the crowd.