ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | FASHION
Article Published on: 21ST OCT 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Mixing and matching prints is one of the boldest ways to express your personal style, adding flair, depth, and creativity to any outfit. While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right approach, mixing prints can elevate your look from ordinary to runway-ready. This guide will show you how to master the art of mixing prints like a pro by understanding the key principles and rules, as well as how to break them with confidence.
1. Start with Familiar Basics
If you’re new to mixing prints, the best place to start is with patterns that you’re already comfortable wearing. Classic prints like stripes, polka dots, plaid, and florals are universally flattering and easy to pair. These timeless patterns act as great building blocks for creating bolder print combinations.
Stripes: Stripes are a neutral pattern and can act as a base print when pairing with other bolder designs. A striped shirt can be easily worn with floral pants, animal print skirts, or plaid jackets. The key is to keep one of the patterns (usually the stripes) more understated to allow the other pattern to shine.
Polka Dots: Polka dots are another versatile print that pairs well with florals, stripes, and even animal prints. Opt for subtle polka dots for a more understated look, or go bold with larger dots to create a playful, attention-grabbing outfit.
Florals: Floral prints are a wardrobe staple and can serve as either the primary or secondary print in an ensemble. Mixing florals with stripes, gingham, or leopard print can create an exciting and fashionable contrast.
Photo by Blubel | Source: www.unsplash.com
2. Stick to a Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to successfully mix prints is to stick to a cohesive color palette. When mixing multiple prints, having similar colors in both patterns helps the outfit feel harmonious rather than chaotic.
Monochromatic Looks: Pairing prints in the same color family creates a polished and cohesive look. For instance, mixing black-and-white polka dots with black-and-white stripes creates a sleek, visually interesting outfit while keeping it minimal and easy to wear.
Analogous Colors: These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel (such as blue and green or red and orange). Choosing patterns in analogous colors ensures that the hues naturally complement each other, making the print mixing less overwhelming. For example, a green plaid skirt can pair beautifully with a blue striped blouse, as both colors work harmoniously together.
Bold Contrasts: If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can opt for complementary colors (opposite sides of the color wheel) like red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow. The key here is to let one print stand out while the other supports it. For instance, a bold floral print in bright orange can be toned down with a subtler blue gingham print.
3. Play with Scale
The scale of your prints—whether small, medium, or large—plays a crucial role in successfully mixing patterns. A well-balanced mix of different print sizes can prevent an outfit from feeling too busy or overwhelming.
Large Print + Small Print: Pairing a large, bold print with a smaller, more delicate pattern is a foolproof way to mix prints. For example, try pairing a blouse with tiny polka dots with a large floral skirt. The difference in scale creates visual interest without competing for attention.
Equal Print Size: Mixing prints of the same size can work too, but it requires careful consideration. To pull off this look, make sure the colors and themes of the prints align. For instance, wearing a medium-sized plaid print with a similarly sized houndstooth pattern in matching tones can create a chic, balanced outfit.
Break Up Bold Prints: If you’re mixing two larger or more prominent prints, consider adding a solid color layer (like a belt, cardigan, or jacket) to break up the intensity. This helps the eye focus on the key elements of your look without overwhelming the viewer with too much pattern all at once.
4. Mixing Themes
When mixing prints, you’re not limited to keeping within one theme. Combining different types of prints can make for some of the most interesting and fashion-forward outfits. For example:
Floral and Animal Prints: One of the most stylish and unexpected combinations is pairing florals with animal prints. A leopard print jacket with a floral dress can create a chic juxtaposition of feminine and edgy, making your outfit stand out.
Stripes and Plaid: Another excellent combination is stripes with plaid. These two prints complement each other when paired in similar tones or colors. A striped sweater with plaid trousers feels polished and modern, especially when balanced with neutral accessories.
Geometric and Organic Prints: Geometric prints like checks, polka dots, or chevrons are very structured and symmetrical, while organic prints like florals and tie-dye have a more free-flowing, asymmetrical appearance. Mixing these two styles can create a striking contrast. For example, a chevron-print blouse with a fluid floral skirt combines precision with playfulness.
Photo by Anthony Tran | Source: www.unsplash.com
5. Mind the Proportions
While mixing prints, it’s important to be mindful of the overall proportions of your outfit. If one part of your outfit is busy with patterns, balance it with a sleeker, more fitted silhouette to avoid looking overwhelmed by the clothes.
Accentuating One Area: Focus on one part of your body with a bold print and keep the rest of the outfit more understated. For example, wear printed trousers with a neutral top or a printed blouse with solid jeans. This approach allows you to dip your toes into print mixing without going overboard.
Balancing Volume: If you’re wearing a voluminous piece like a wide-leg pant in a bold print, balance it with a more fitted top in a complementary print or solid color. Similarly, if you’re mixing prints on the top, keep the bottom half streamlined and tailored for balance.
6. The Rule of Three
A general guideline to remember when mixing prints is the rule of three. In any outfit, limit your prints to three different patterns at most. Any more, and your outfit may feel too chaotic. These three prints should vary in scale, and at least one of them should be more neutral or understated.
Three-Piece Outfits: If you want to incorporate three prints, try to distribute them across your entire outfit. For example, you could wear a polka dot blouse, a striped scarf, and plaid trousers. The prints are different, but because they are spread across the outfit and differ in scale, they will complement each other instead of competing.
7. Confidence is Key
The most important aspect of mixing and matching prints is confidence. Fashion rules are guidelines, but the real magic happens when you feel comfortable and confident in your choices. If you love how your outfit looks and feel good in it, your confidence will shine through, and the outfit will work, no matter how daring your print choices are.
Own Your Style: Take risks and experiment with different combinations. You’ll never know how well two prints can work together until you try them on. Whether you're mixing bold stripes with animal print or pairing polka dots with gingham, the most essential ingredient is self-assurance. When you wear your prints with confidence, you create a signature look that feels uniquely you.
Photo by Mikail Duran | Source: www.unsplash.com
Conclusion
Mixing and matching prints like a pro requires a combination of creativity, balance, and a strong understanding of how colors, scales, and themes work together. Start small by mixing familiar prints, and as you gain confidence, experiment with bolder combinations. By sticking to cohesive color palettes, playing with print scales, and balancing proportions, you can create fashion-forward outfits that reflect your personal style. And remember, confidence is your best accessory—when you feel good in your outfit, it will always look great.