The Ultimate Guide to Mixing and Matching Prints Like a Pro

Editor: Chandra Prakash Sharma on Nov 28,2024

 

The tradition of putting away pattern-matched wear has been eliminated which now means mixing prints develops to be an art form of creativity and boldness in itself that can take your entire wardrobe upside down. Whether you’re looking to spice up your daily outfits or experiment with new styles, print-on-print styling is an exciting trend that can give your wardrobe an instant upgrade.

This is the ultimate guide to mixing and matching prints. We shall take you through essential principles of pattern coordination, give tips on how to dress boldly and create confidence in mixing prints, and inspire you for fashion experiments. So, let's dive into the exciting world of patterns and prints!

Know the Basic Rules of Mixing and Matching Prints

couple wearing matching pattern clothes

First of all, one should know the basics of pattern coordination before venturing to mix prints. Mixing prints could be a little scary, but if one is equipped with the right knowledge, he or she can easily make it off as the next stylish trend. Here are the key things to consider.

  • Scale of Prints: These are some of the rules of mixing prints which is playing with the scale of patterns. Mixing large prints with smaller prints is a safe and stylish way. The size difference will keep things from being too busy but just interesting enough. For example using a large, graphic floral print on top of a smaller, more dainty dot print on the bottom, creates an interesting as well as a cohesive outfit.
  • Color Harmony: Since all the prints are coming together and mixed, color coordination is the key. Because as long as prints are different, they can get along once they share a portion of the same color palette. Choose one or two colors dominant in most of the prints then add accenting colors for that variety. For instance, a flower-patterned skirt paired with a striped shirt is right to go if the prints themselves have corresponding colors, like navy, white, and a touch of red.
  • Pattern Pairs that Automatically Work: Some patterns are just meant to work together, start by finding some combinations that have a history of greatness.
  • Leopard print and stripes: Animal print and stripes balance each other out quite well with just the right amount of wild and classic.
  • Print-on Print Styling: This is the ultimate form of pattern coordination. This is where a trend of multiple layering prints in one garment comes to be, often surprising and thrillingly. To execute the look print-on-print style, start by sticking to prints that share the same color or complement each other based on scale. Layering is important since it creates several dimensions and depths for your clothing. Mix up a large print at the top with a small one at the bottom or vice versa.

Consider the Fabric: the kinds of prints you are choosing to use will determine how fluid the mix will be. Lighter fabrics such as cotton and silk are pretty easy to mix and layer while it's pretty hard to work with heavier fabrics like wool or denim as they have a more rigid structure. Mixing textures and prints is possible but balance is the key how to do it

How to Mix Prints Like a Pro

Now that we covered some basics of pattern coordination, it's time to get to some pro tips on mastering the art of mixing and matching prints:

Start with Neutral Prints

If you've just begun to mix prints, neutral colors with similar color palettes will be a good starting point. For example, go for black and white patterns: stripes, polka dots, or even abstract patterns, which will serve as a base foundation for your outfit, so there is no risk of clashing with the patterns themselves.

Mixing different prints with one dominant pattern works.

It is always best to have one dominant pattern in your outfit while mixing prints. The dominant pattern may be bold and attention-grabbing, and the other prints may be subtle to complement the look.

For instance, if you’re wearing a bold floral blouse, choose a pair of striped pants with a smaller stripe width. The floral print becomes the star of the outfit, while the stripes support it without competing for attention. The key is to balance the power of the prints.

Choose Prints with a Common Color

The principle behind mixing prints lies in color harmony. Pick one or two colors visible in all of your chosen patterns since these colors will link the different prints into one garment.

For example, you can wear a plaid shirt with a floral skirt, but the flowers should have one of the colors found in the plaid pattern. If your plaid shirt contains navy and red, ensure that the floral skirt contains those colors to mix well.

Other Solid Colors for Balancing

Sometimes, it can be very overwhelming to mix that many prints. One way of balancing your print-on-print look is to separate them with solid colors. Therefore, you can wear a patterned top and patterned bottom but layer in a solid jacket or blazer on those prints to add structure to the body while allowing those prints to pop.

Other accessories that can make a sense of anchoring and have visual breathing space on the outfit are solid-colored handbags or shoes. The neutral accessory will draw eyes to prints rather than let the outfit become too busy.

Try Texture

When you mix and match prints, then do not forget to experiment with different textures. The texture of the fabric can add another point of interest that makes it look planned, so with a leather jacket and a florally printed dress or wearing that velvet skirt with a graphic tee, you may be prompted to create depth in your outfit while keeping the mix of prints coherently intact.

Textures can also be used to create contrast between the prints. For example, silk combined with the rough texture of denim or leather puts a balance on a well-rounded look that's effortless yet chic.

Play with Proportions

When mixing and matching prints, the proportions of the patterns play a very important role like the color palette. You will have to try balancing big prints with small ones so as not to overcrowd your look. For instance, a large floral print top goes well with a small-scale polka dot skirt. The difference in proportions creates a very appealing look without one print overpowering the other.

For that dash of adventure, you can also make use of large bold prints but with an aid of colors and texture as long as the prints you're combining have a common theme for them such as they complement each other in hue or even pattern, and the use of shapes is interchangeable. 

Inspiration for Outfits: How to Mix and Match Prints

Here are some outfit inspiration ideas to try. These real-life print mixing situations should help you get a better idea of how to mix and match these prints.

Floral and Stripes: A Classic Combo

A combination of floral and stripes is a perfect mix of playful and chic. Try pairing it with a floral blouse and a striped skirt. Keep in mind the colors featured in the floral print and look for stripes that match the colors. White sneakers would be casual, or add heels for a more formal look.

Plaid and Leopard: Bold and Confident

If you're feeling adventurous, plaid can be mixed with leopard print. You want that plaid pattern with warm tones such as red or brown so you can balance it with the leopard print of your scarf or shoes. Prints will not fight each other when it comes to warmth, different textures add depth to an outfit.

Polka dots and checks: fun, yet structured

Classic prints are perfect with polka dots and checks, balancing playfulness with structure. Such a look can be both playful and sophisticated with checkered pants and a polka-dot blouse. To make sure it does not look busy, one pattern should be in a neutral color - black or white - while the other is in a complementary tone, such as navy or red.

Animal Print and Floral: Exotic Meets Feminine

To make print mixing a little more exotic, try pairing animal print with floral. Combining the boldness of something like leopard or zebra prints with feminine florals softens the look. Thus, a leopard print can look great with a matching floral skirt that incorporates that earthy tone, such as beige, brown, and green.

Conclusion

Mixing and matching prints is cool in terms of playing with personal fashion style. Understand a primary pattern coordination principle, you will know how to balance scale play in color harmony and create new texture combinations for bold outfit expressions.

As you try this print-on-print styling, remember to have fun with it, try stepping out of your box. Fashion is an individual expression, and so nothing is better than experimenting with prints. So don't be afraid; do it, mix it, and create.


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