For anyone who loves fashion, nothing can be more delicious to the eye than viewing a runway filled with an array of colors, patterns and styles. We just love it! But when it comes to wearing anything that’s a bit out of our comfort zone- particularly mixed prints…well that’s another story!
I’m here to help out if I may- with a few tips on how to get started and how to make you more comfortable in this area if you want to dabble in this exciting form of expression.
You probably do love prints, patterns and colors- but you’re not sure if you could pull off the look. Sometimes it feels too daring and there’s also risk associated wit feeling “too out there”. Too often the risks- especially for us past the middle point (age-wise) are all of the ‘social’ kind.
Here’s the list of risks that too often stop us from expressing ourselves:
I’m too old to wear something that outrageous.
Prints make me look older than my age…frumpish (age- related)
The colors are too loud for me (age related again)
I don’t suit patterns or too much color (they make me look fat; I’m too short; too tall; they make me look bulky; make my bones stand out…oh dear, just fill in your own blanks.)
I only suit black.
The list goes on.
News Flash: Yes, You’re here. Yes, You’re aging. Yes, You’re still alive. Your life is not over!! How old are you really in your heart and head? Life’s too short, start having fun (it’s only clothes…fashion comes and goes- style it up hun!)
Now- let’s get onto Print and pattern mixing!
READY?? I’ll give you the easiest and quickest way to SAFELY dabble into print mixing… Here it comes: Stay within the same Color Family. How easy is that??
Beginner EXERCISE for you:
- Go to your closet and pick the one print you absolutely love (top, pants, dress, scarf…)
- With the garment in hand move along your racks to see if at least ONE of the colors in the garment can be found in another piece
- Once you’ve found that piece, start matching it up!
Intermediate Exercise for you:
- Repeat the above exercise using different garments, OR, from those two pieces you previously put together, find one more item that has, either the dominant color -OR- a complimentary color (of the dominant one) and style it up! See color charts for examples- you can easily find this on the Internet😊
Advanced Exercise for you:
- Try it with 3 different garments or just add a third piece to the original mix you created previously- this one MUST be another print! This could mean that your accessory should also be a print! Then add an extra layer (jacket for example). Let this one also should have the dominant color or a bold complimentary!
Expert Exercise for you:
- Try styling up more than 2 patterns and prints. Color does not matter at this point. In fact, you can have the same color but different patterns. A good example of this would be two different garments with two different patterns but both are black and white. From this add a third pattern that is of a completely different color for a splash of contrast.
FINAL TIP: Who made up these rules anyway? Honestly- this is just a guideline. Sometimes items that are not even color, print or pattern related just go together so well!
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL IS GREAT FIT!!
And there you have it! You’re on your way to print-mixing! Now, all you have to do is style it up!
Watch this clip for a detailed look on how I styled up my prints and patterns.
An now Here’s to my Favourite Fashion Diva of the Week:
The Beautiful and oh-so- chic Jess from Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
I love this blogging community and the interesting weekly blog posts. (Click on the Links below to see where I go read, comment and link up every week!)
MONDAY LINKS
TUESDAY LINKS:
Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas
Jenerally Informed
WEDNESDAY LINKS:
Jersey Girl Texan Heart
Straight A Style Blog
THURSDAY LINKS:
Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom
Thursday Moda by Elegance & Mommyhood
FRIDAY Links:
I also do a Link Party every Friday! Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva
i think the last tip of the fit makes such a difference. if the clothes fit you well, you will look incredible no matter what you wear. I may have to try some of these exercises: I usually add my extra pattern as an accessory or as a stripe.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
To add your print as an accessory is the best way to tie it all in with prints! And, yes- absolutely the fit! Let me know if the exercises are of some help:) Thanks!
Love your print mixing fun. I have a buffalo plaid skirt that I’m itching to style. I may go bolder than originally planned. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
Great!! I wanna see it you know!!
Great post and tips!
Love how you mix and match print and pattern!
Gold Necklaces for Layering
Thanks so much- hope it inspires:)
Fantastic pattern mixing outfits Lucy! I especially love the black, white and red outfit. Those red sunglasses are fabulous! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Hi Emma! I love that one too- it’s so fun and a bit out there! xx
You are the master of pattern mixing (“mistress” doesn’t sound right!). I love all of those outfits. You make it look so easy!
Hahaha! That’s cute! It really is very easy though!! xx
Your print mixing looks FABULOUS! I love how bright and bold your style is!!
Thanks so much- made my day!!
I love your attitude, sister- you are an inspiration! And YES YES YES I love how you wore these super fun, super chic outfits. You look amazing!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks so much Ashley!! It makes me so happy to know this- made my day. xx
You inspire me so much Lucy! I feel like I’m always so Matchey matchey and I need to mix it up more! I loved your YouTube about this and like I said, no one is as good at print mixing as you are!
Andrea, are you kidding me?!! You’re my fashion icon!! And thank you so much for your kindness always xx
Wow, you are such a whiz at pattern mixing. This is something I struggle with if it isn’t just something simple like mixing stripes and polka dots.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Oh I do love a good print mix, Lucy! And you are like a master! That tie dye dress is so amazing. I love the way you styled it with a red blazer. So cool!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I love this post, Lucy! Such fabulous mixed print outfits! I am pining this post for reference. It’s funny, when I was a kid I loved wearing all the colors, but when I started caring what my peers thought my wardrobe became more dull. Next dress requirements at work further diminished my wardrobe. Now that I am retired, all of those colors are making a come back.
Oh good I’m happy that you’re doing this- colors are so fun! Thanks MIchelle xx
You are a print mixing master! I love how you broke up your tips with beginner, intermediate, and expert! All of these looks are fabulous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much – I’m happy you enjoyed it!! xx
Hi, Lucy – This post was so inspiring! I had to go run off to my closet and play with the prints even though I’ve done it before. There are always new pieces to play with over time! Thanks – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thank you- I’m so happy to inspire! Love your blog- I just subscribed! xx
Thanks, I’m honored to have you as a subscriber. Enjoy the Kaftan Style Guide! Even if you already have your own ideas, it’s a good reminder to pull out a kaftan now and then. 😉
Thank you!!
Love these looks! Wow. Stunning with the different prints, I love the striped belt with the polka dots and that red jacket with your tie dye looks so stylish on you! I do a bit of print mixing and always enjoy it, I should try it more. THank you for featuring me ! 🙂
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedsandstylish.com
It was an honour for me to feature you!! YOu are so stylish and beautiful always!! Thanks Jess xx