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Fashion Trend Report: Mixing Prints & Patterns
It seems that, for many of us, when we think about mixing prints, our automatic reaction is fear. But good news! It doesn’t need to be! Mixing prints can be easy, fun, and incredibly fashionable. You just have to keep a few things in mind so you don’t look like a fashion disaster.
The most important thing to keep in mind when mixing prints and patterns is unity. The two prints you decide to mix can’t be just any patterns you find in your closet. There needs to be some factor that makes the marriage of the two pleasing to the eye. For example, if you have a wild floral print skirt in mostly blue tones, you won’t want to wear a top that is mainly red. Choose a patterned top that has some blues in it to complement the skirt. A common color in the two patterns is necessary to pulling off the look. Also, keep in mind that if one print is wild, the other should be more subtle. That way you won’t look overbearing and you will feel more confident in your outfit. An easy go-to way to accomplish this is a striped tee or plaid blouse in more neutral colors. They are perfect accents to bright prints. This striped top from Anthropologie is a perfect piece to pair with almost any big pattern. (Plus, I love the shoulder detail!) It goes great with the skirt shown below, also from Anthropologie. By keeping the stripes the same colors that are in the skirt, the two complement each other, even if they weren’t made to be partners.
Fancified Boatneck $58.00
Jacquard Missive Skirt $128.00
These two items go well together because they have a common theme. The pattern on top is of a larger scale, and the shorts have such a small print that is almost seems like a texture (which is also a great way to add interest to an outfit). By having the silver in both items, it makes the two pieces seem perfect for each other. Both of these items are also from Anthropologie.
Firewing Blouse $198.00
Simmering Streets Shorts $98.00
A great way to cheat the system is to buy an item that already has multiple patterns in it. This dress from Urban Outfitters has everything on the mixing prints checklist: the two prints have a common color scheme, and one print is larger than the other. Sometimes it is easier to let the stores do the work for you and then reap the benefits!
Reformed Ava Dress $78.00
If you don’t think you’re quite ready for something as busy as the outfits shown here, you can still take part in this fashion trend. Try a patterned skirt and a solid top, and then incorporate a scarf or cardigan with a small print. That way you’re outfit is not as loud because you have broken up the prints with a neutral. However you decide to work it, this trend is nothing to be afraid of. Give it a try; I bet you’ll find it’s easier than you think! And for any of the great pieces shown here, come to Santana Row, where you’ll be able to match your prints with ease!
