This week I briefly touched on pattern mixing tips and how this can really take your outfit from basic to exceptional.
Sweater (TTS, wearing S) | Jeans (size up) or (final sale here) | Shoes (TTS) | Bag (similar)
Because it can be intimidating, let’s start with the most basic of pattern mixing tips. (And if we’re being honest, that most fits our style, anyway.)
1. Pattern Mixing Tips – Color
At the most basic level, if the colors look good together (when you put them side-by-side), then the patterns will probably look good together.
If you are unsure about color mixing, this article provides a good overview of the 5 ways to easily mix colors in fashion.
The very easiest way to pattern mix is by picking two patterns that share common tones (eg warms or cools) or that share at least one color in common.
Both of these looks share similar tones and colors.
Left: Jeans (TTS) or here | Bag | Bag Strap
Right: Sweater (TTS, wearing S) | Jeans (size up) or (final sale here) | Shoes (TTS) | Bag (similar)
2. Pattern Mixing Tips – Break It Up With Solids
I find pattern mixing to be more attractive when the pieces aren’t done head to toe. While it can be done, it’s definitely trickier to pair a patterned top with a different patterned bottom.
I like to mix in a decent amount of solids to break up the pattern which makes the individual pieces stand out even more and still look classic and chic.
For this look, I paired a cool-toned solid denim to break up all that warmth. I could definitely wear black pants with this look, but it wouldn’t stand out nearly as well and you’d notice the pattern mixing much less.
Sweater (TTS, wearing S) | Jeans (size up) or (final sale here) | Shoes (TTS) | Bag (similar)
By wearing cool-toned denim, you are mixing contrasting hues (blue jeans with orange clutch – opposites on the color wheel). The article linked above goes more in depth on this topic.
3. Pattern Mixing Tips – Balance Prints
To avoid your prints competing with each other, it works best to pair a bold print with a simple or neutral print. Stripes are a neutral print and will go with pretty much any other pattern.
The other way to do this effectively is to pair a large print with a small print.
Because I’m using the neutral print of stripes, I could have effectively used most other prints. But in this case I’m using a very bold and high contrast stripe, and my bag has a very small animal print pattern.
4. Pattern Mixing Tips – Make One Print An Accent
Choose one item to be the star and main focus, and add additional pieces to complement it.
In this case, my sweater is the main focus (the larger piece) and my bag and shoes are the complements (the smaller pieces).
Sweater (TTS, wearing S) | Jeans (size up) or (final sale here) | Shoes (TTS) | Bag (similar)
5. Pattern Mixing Tips – Don’t Overdo it
Sometimes less is more and that’s how I feel about pattern mixing – a little can go a long way.
In both my outfits this week, half of my outfit consists of a solid.
Left: Sweater (TTS, wearing S) | Jeans (size up) or (final sale here) | Shoes (TTS) | Bag (similar)
Right: Jeans (TTS) or here | Bag | Bag Strap
You must also consider your own personal style. I don’t have a ton of patterned pieces and those I do are fairly neutral (like stripes or animal print). That makes it easier to mix and match.
If your personality is bolder, then the sky is the limit with pattern mixing. There are many articles online on pattern mixing tips for a bolder look. Eventually you’ll train your eye to know what will and won’t work together.
My Exact Outfit
- Reformation Cashmere Boyfriend sweater in oatmeal stripe, size small. It is soft and drapey, and lightweight enough to carry you through Spring and to easily tuck.
- Mother Denim Rambler in colorway Holy Melancholy. These are tighter and therefore I sized up to 27.
- L’Agence Gisele in Leopard, size 7.5 (TTS). These are some of the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn with a padded footbed. It will be hard to wear other heels after these beauties! They come in many colorways and I just recently received the snake print which is another neutral print that pairs beautifully with almost all colors! See them in snakeskin print here!See them in snakeskin print here!
More Style Inspo
Shop It
And those are my very basic pattern mixing tips – perfect for beginners!
Do you already mix your patterns? If yes, are you a simple or bold pattern mixer? And if no, have I inspired you to try it yourself?
If you love snakeskin print, you might like this articleyou might like this article!
Interestingly, in going through the blog, I noticed we haven’t done a lot of pattern mixing here. Aside from this recent post, most of our pattern mixing has been very subtle. We promise to make more of an effort in the future!
For more denim inspiration, head over to our article What To Wear With Wide Leg Jeans. And also see our article Reformation Sizing Review + Favorite Pieces as Tammy’s newest favorite wide leg crops are available and affordable!
