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Mixing Patterns for Beginners

February 17, 2017 by Wifeeclectic 23 Comments

I used to be so hesitant to mix prints. What if I look ridiculous? Every outfit I put together looked like the one be;pw. Cute, but a little monochromatic. Then finally I decided, I would rather be happy, comfortable in my clothes and feel good about myself. So I have tried to jump out of my comfort zone and add mix patterns in my clothing. Here are some great tips for beginners.

Use a fun accessory to mix a pattern. This is a more subtle way to mix up patterns and a great way to start out if you aren’t sure about adding patterns together. I like pairing a small pattern with a large pattern that way the outfit doesn’t seem too overwhelming and there is still a focal point in the outfit. For florals like the skirt I am wearing, polka dots and stripes are easy and natural pairings.

 

One of my favorite ways to mix patterns is to add a graphic shirt to a patterned skirt. It is comfortable and a fun way to add a little bit of geek or sass to an outfit. I do this one a lot, it lets me wear Storm Trooper and Harry Potter shirts to church with a fun floral skirt. It dresses up the skirt and I almost look like a grown up. 😉

 

A really easy way to start adding new prints is to add a monochromatic piece that matches the colors in your other patterned piece. Match colors, not prints. When it comes to patterns, animal print is considered a neutral so get a little wild crazy with it!

What is your favorite way to mix patterns?

These gorgeous Floral Skirts are on sale for just $19.95 right now! Head over here to grab one with code FLORALSTORY. 
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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Fashion

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Comments

  1. Amanda Love says

    February 17, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    That's a lovely style idea. Mixing patterns can be a little tricky but with proper advice like this, obne can easily nail it. I love the the floral skirts!

    Reply
  2. Laurie says

    February 17, 2017 at 4:27 pm

    Everything you put together looked terrific. I'd like to do the same because I'm always a pattern with a solid girl. Would be nice to switch it up a bit.

    Reply
  3. Jessi Joachim says

    February 17, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    I really love that floral skirt! I have always been nervous about mixing prints, but you make it look so effortless.

    Reply
  4. Angela Tolsma says

    February 17, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    I love how you've mixed your patterns. I've done lots of mixing over the years. Generally a black pattern bottom with mixed pattern scarves!

    Reply
  5. Cynthia says

    February 18, 2017 at 4:01 am

    I never have enough confidence to mix and match prints I'm going to follow your lead and give it a try

    Reply
  6. Channelling Dolly says

    February 18, 2017 at 4:26 am

    I love mixing patterns. I used to be so afraid of it and then I realized it was no different than mixing patterns when choosing home decor. You did a great job with it!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    February 18, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Mixing patterns is so fun! I love floral and stripes together, they work perfectly

    Reply
  8. Wow Di says

    February 18, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Noooo. I'm not there yet. Seriously just 5 years ago my wardrobe consisted of black and the occasional blues. I did not do color or patterns. One of my clients was an interior designer and pushed me to try colors and patterns and whoa, I started to like it! I still don't mix yet. Maybe another 5 years 😉

    Reply
  9. Nicole Feliciano says

    February 19, 2017 at 2:07 am

    Love your examples. You make it easy to follow the simple steps to fashion success.

    Reply
  10. Reesa Lewandowski says

    February 19, 2017 at 3:06 am

    When it comes to fashion, I am awful! I need all of the advice I can get!

    Reply
  11. Tereza Kohutova says

    February 19, 2017 at 7:22 am

    The floral skirt you've picked is wonderful – it has such a beautiful pattern! Well done on coming up with so many outfits, I'd definitely struggle with clashing patterns but you can really pull them off! x

    Reply
  12. Cecilia C. Cannon says

    February 19, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    My best friend mixes patterns like a pro. She can always pull it off and I love how it looks too!

    Reply
  13. Brittany F says

    February 19, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    I really love how you paired that light pink striped top with the floral skirt. I think skirts lend themselves to mixing patterns more so than any other piece of clothing. Great advice.

    Reply
  14. blythe32 says

    February 19, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    I probably mix color more than I mix pattern. I don't look good in very busy patterns, they tend to wash me out, so I do find the mixing a struggle. I do love what you did by putting the pattern on the bottom and changing up the top with color or subtle patterns.

    Reply
  15. Six Time Mommy TEST says

    February 19, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    This is really great .I've never mixed patterns like this before, I'm afraid to try anything because I just dont have a good eye. Love this though! – Jeanine

    Reply
  16. Haley Bradley says

    February 19, 2017 at 11:06 pm

    I love that skirt! The floral pattern is nice and big… I could see it going with so many different tops, and you paired it nicely.

    Reply
  17. Nikki Arnold says

    February 20, 2017 at 1:49 am

    This floral skirt looks so cute and comfy. These are some really cool options for mixing patterns. My favorite is the graphic tee and the skirt.

    Reply
  18. Olivia Aragon says

    February 20, 2017 at 4:47 am

    girl, you are gorgeous! I am so nervous and kind of afraid to even wear patterns… lol let alone mix them! I'm a very plain jane… but after seeing you pull it off, you have inspired me!

    Reply
  19. slaywithamyrae says

    February 20, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    I don't wear much prints, let alone mix them! I am much more of a plain style girl. Lots of grey and mauve solid color clothing. But you do a good job showing how to mix prints if I ever want to!

    Reply
  20. Kerri says

    February 21, 2017 at 1:12 am

    What a great way to mix prints. I love the floral skirts and they are such a great price! Going to take a look at them now!

    Reply
  21. Kiwi says

    February 21, 2017 at 2:57 am

    SPring is coming fast so great you are showing off this floral skirt. You styled it in so many different way so versatile!

    Reply
  22. Kecia says

    February 23, 2017 at 12:08 am

    I will be honest, I have no idea how to mix patterns – so I rarely do it! Your outfits look amazing though….maybe I will start playing around with my different patterns too.

    Reply
  23. javhd.com.au says

    November 15, 2018 at 2:24 am

    Interesting Post! thanks!

    Reply

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Welcome to Housewife Eclectic

Debra Hawkins - Housewife EclecticHi, I'm Debra. I am a craftaholic photographer married to a web-programming amateur chef with two sassy littles keeping it interesting. It gets crazy around here. Read More…

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