Baby Steps for Pattern Mixing

Hey gals! How is it Friday already?! The summer is almost over (crying face). But we mustn’t talk of such things. As you may have seen on my Instagram yesterday, I apologize for not posting on Wednesday. I had a post idea all planned out but then I got super caught up in cleaning my bedroom. I dusted, I vacuumed, I sorted through crap, the whole shebang. But today, we’re not discussing room cleans, we’re discussing pattern mixing—WAIT! Don’t freak out. It’s not as bad as you think. 🙂 This post will help you solve all your print phobias.

Why does it matter? Pattern mixing has probably existed for quite a while (I’m no expert) but it has certainly been all the rage these past few years. While you definitely do not have to know how to mix prints to be fashionable, it is a cool style tool to have in your bedazzled back packet. 😉 And it’s probably not as hard as you think! Keep reading to see my three main tips for how to pattern mix for beginners.

1. Stick to the same color scheme. My biggest tip for easily mixing patterns is to make sure they are both in the same color scheme. Not only will the perfect match make your outfit look more polished and put-together, but it will also make you feel more comfortable—sticking to the same color scheme (like I did with my shoes and shorts) is easier to style and it’s way less bold than two completely different patterns in different colors.

2. Only use patterned accessories. Don’t be afraid to start small! You definitely do NOT want to go all out on your first try mixing patterns because then you’ll probably feel uncomfortable and will be scared to try it again. That was me for the longest time! Many years ago, before I was super into fashion, I wore floral jeans with a black and white striped cowl-neck blouse. My dad kept looking at me funny and made some comment along the lines of, “That’s interesting.” I’ve been scarred ever since! So don’t make the mistake I did. Instead, start with a plain outfit—something like a white tee and your favorite skinny jeans, and something that you feel CONFIDENT in—and add two accessories in different prints. A great place to start is your purse and shoes, but you can also consider belts, scarves, hats, or even jewelry. Just remember, only try accessories first. You can see some other pattern mixed outfits here, here, and here.

3. Try one of these pre-approved combinations. When in doubt, use someone else’s ideas! Haha yasss, #plagiarism. But really, there a few combinations of patterns that are really popular and “tested” by top fashion bloggers (and even normal people like us). So don’t be afraid to try something that’s been done before—it’s actually a great place to start. Some combos you can try include:

-black and white stripes and florals

-polka dots and stripes

-plaid and leopard

-black and white stripes and leopard

My favorite combo of all—even though I’ve never actually tried it—is pairing a pattern with itself. Wear polka dots with polka dots and stripes with stripes! The key to this trick is using varying sizes, so you could wear a thinly striped tee with a thick striped bandage skirt.

By the way, I wore this outfit to lunch the other day to meet some of my friends. I’m just glad I made it through my burger without spilling on my white blouse!

What did you think of these tips? Would you try any of them? Have you ever pattern mixed before? I’d love to know! 

Also, in Monday’s Ernest Exposed post, he was hiding in the eighth picture up on the ledge above my head. He’s so camouflaged in that bright light! He’s also hidden in this post, but in the first picture. I have to tell you that because he’s so hard to spot! Have a great weekend everyone. 🙂

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Blouse: Arizona via JCPenney, $22, first time featured on the blog // Shorts: LC Lauren Conrad via Kohl’s, $36, last seen here // Purse: Charming Charlie, $15, last seen here // Shoes: CL by Laundry via DSW, $40, BUY HERE