Mastering the Art of Print Mixing

Believe it or not, there are a few foolproof ways to mix prints in a successful outfit. If it seems like an intimidating hurdle to jump on your style journey, take these tips with you on your next trip to Style Encore. Have a go at putting together something fresh and different to mix up your wardrobe this season—you might not even know what your closet is missing.

Start with a neutral base, but not necessarily with a solid color. A “neutral” print can be a classic stripe or polka dots, which are easy to mix with other prints without overwhelming your look. Plaid and checkerboard fit into this category too, and pair well with complex patterns like florals, animal print, or abstracts, which tend to have a more organic feel and incorporate softness and movement.

Another path I like to take is wearing the same pattern in different colors, or wearing the same colors in different patterns. Wearing a green checked skirt with a pink checked jacket works just as well as wearing a blue floral top with a blue striped trouser. Additionally, don’t forget about scale. Wearing a delicate, ditsy floral print with a bolder stripe or polka dot will create loads of visual contrast. On the other hand, pairing a small stripe with an equally small floral will create more of a sense of balance and harmony.

An even easier way to get started? Look for a single garment that does the print mixing for you: a patchwork blouse or a sweater that varies the striping between the sleeves and the body. After that, graduate to pairing a printed top under a striped cardigan with your everyday jeans and sneakers, or accent a floral dress with a pair of leopard print heels.

Print mixing can open the door to a whole new world inside your closet if you let your imagination run free. At the end of the day, wear what looks good to your eye, because the confidence you wear it with will make an even bigger statement.

Blog By: Chelsea Lankford | @truelane