Knowing how to mix prints is a major style feat and a bold and fashionable way to increase your wardrobe options. Use this handy guide to giving your wardrobe an update by mastering the art of mixing prints without clashing
Mixing different prints in the same outfit can create a sophisticated look that exudes on-trend cool. Stripes are one of the easiest prints to mix; they versatile, deceptively simple and can act as the neutral of the print world, matching everything from florals to polka dots. Nail the trend and create many more looks from your existing wardrobe by learning how to mix stripes with other prints.
The clash of the stripes
When mixing stripes with stripes, play with size and pattern for instant chic. Having prints in a range of sizes creates visual harmony instead of chaos. If your top half has thin and narrow stripes, opt for wider stripes at the bottom. Playing with uneven stripes can also score style points, if you wear a top with vertical stripes, make sure the stripes on the bottom half are asymmetrical to create playful and bold look. If you’re after something a little more subtle, add a solid colour to break up the outfit and neutralise your look. Wear a solid white or black jacket or top with a printed bottom or opt for a top with clashing stripes and pair with solid bottoms.
It’s all a big 70’s time warp
Nail 70’s-inspired stripes and florals by mixing the two together; when you mix prints, you can treat stripes as a neutral. Mixing stipes and florals allows you to balance the bold nature of stripes with the soft appeal of florals. To create a clean look, choose stripes and floral prints in similar colours. If your top is navy, choose a floral skirt or a pair of trousers with navy accents as this type of styling will help your stripes and floral prints to gel. To create balance within your outfit, choose a large-scale stripe and mix it with a medium or small floral print and if you have a skirt with a large floral pattern, try pairing it with a thin-striped top so that no single pattern can overpower another.
Now that’s spot on
The secret to mixing stripes and polka dots is to invert the colours. For example, if you choose a black top with polka dots, pair with a white trousers or a skirt with black stripes. To add interest to an otherwise monochromatic look, add a pop of colour with accessories. Making one print the focus of your outfit can also be visually striking; if large stripes are the focus of your outfit, mix with small polka dots to complement the outfit. However, bold prints can complement each other if they are almost exactly the same scale, as long as you invert the colours. This style always works best when worn with horizontal stripes, as opposed to vertical.