How To Mix And Match Patterns And Look Like A Total Goddess

Take a look at these ways to mix and match patterns for your daily outfit looks. From the office to school to street style, we have you covered.

The concept of mix and matching patterns is daunting as it is something we seem to fear, but it shouldn’t be. Maybe it scares us because it’s the fear of the unknown – you’re not sure where to start and it seems as though you would need to take some kind of masterclass in perfecting the trend. Another contributing factor to the scariness of it all is that you think there is no way that you could pull it off and you’re scared of other people judging you, but I’m here to help, as I will explain how to mix and match patterns and present to you my personal favourite prints available on the high street. Mix and match patterns are nothing new, just look at the runway – fashion designers like Versace, Kenzo and Dolce and Gabbana find a way to incorporate several different patterns within their looks and make them work and there is no reason why you can’t do the same.

Design Influence

Because of the designer influence, patterns are everywhere in fashion right now, from midi skirts to play suits, even patterned accessories are in, from shoulder bags to belts, sunglasses and headscarves. Summer seems to be a better time than any to start mix and matching, with bold colours and equally as bold prints; from checks and stripes, to animal, polkadot and floral prints, there are so many potential combinations. So is it just a case of throwing something together and hoping for the best that it looks great? Well, there is no rule book when it comes to pulling off mix and matching patterns, but here are some helpful tips…

Confidence

Confidence is key – Being confident is key with whatever you wear because if you feel confident, you look confident. Confidence is therefore required when mix and matching patterns for the same reason, while I can’t give you confidence as it as a quality you must work on and build up yourself, believe in what you’re wearing and this will show when you step out in your prints. The colour wheel – Hues play an important part in the process of mix and matching patterns because if the colours match so will everything else. Bare this in mind when mix and matching and be aware of the colours that typically clash and don’t compliment each other as this will help you understand what to mix and what not to.

Colour Wheel

The colour wheel – Hues play an important part in the process of mix and matching patterns because if the colours match so will everything else. Bare this in mind when mix and matching and be aware of the colours that typically clash and don’t compliment each other as this will help you understand what to mix and what not to.

Outfit Coordination

Bottom’s up – another useful tip when it comes to mix and matching is to start at the bottom and work your way up. Once you have chosen what you’re going to wear on your bottom half i.e. leopard print flares, you then have a starting point to work with.

Don’t go OTT – add at least two items that are just one colour to your look as this will help to balance everything out and make your outfit less overpowering with the combination of the different patterns.

Add texture – try to incorporate different textures into your look, from cotton and denim, to silk, velvet and leather. All these types of fabrics will make your outfit even more interesting and unique.

So now you’re in the loop, here are three handpicked looks already mixed and matched for you…

Look 1

This look combines a spotty satin ruffled midi skirt and a polka dot tie side bell sleeve top with a pair of blue checked court heels and a striped mesh shopper.

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Look 2

This look incorporates a leaf print button camisole and a yellow plaid A-line mini skirt with a pair of floral print peep toe wooden block heels and a 90’s monogram inspired shoulder bag.

Look 3

This look includes an off the shoulder flounced jacquard weave top and a bright check wrap midi skirt with a pair of pointed floral side tie slingbacks and a weave chain detail tote bag. This is one of the most classic ways to mix and match patterns within your wardrobe.