The Dos and Don’ts of Mixing Patterns

Mixing patterns is a fashion trend that can make your outfits more interesting and unique. However, it can also be tricky to pull off without clashing or overwhelming your look. To help you master this skill, here are some dos and don’ts of mixing patterns in fashion.

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Do: Vary the size of the patterns

One of the easiest ways to mix patterns is to vary the size of the patterns. For example, you can pair a large floral print with a small polka dot print, or a wide stripe with a thin stripe. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in your outfit, as the smaller pattern acts like a solid and complements the larger pattern.

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Don’t: Mix too many patterns

While mixing patterns can be fun, you don’t want to go overboard and mix too many patterns at once. This can make your outfit look busy and chaotic, and distract from your overall style. A good rule of thumb is to stick to two or three patterns per outfit, and make sure they have something in common, such as color, theme, or shape.

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Do: Use solids to break up the patterns

Another way to mix patterns is to use solids to break up the patterns. For example, you can wear a solid jacket, skirt, pants, or shoes with your patterned top, dress, or blouse. This creates some contrast and breathing space in your outfit, and makes the patterns stand out more.

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Don’t: Mix patterns that clash

Not all patterns go well together. Some patterns can clash and create a disharmonious effect in your outfit. For example, you might want to avoid mixing two different types of animal prints, such as leopard and zebra, or two different types of florals, such as roses and daisies. These patterns can compete for attention and create confusion in your look.

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Do: Use accessories to add patterns

Accessories are a great way to add patterns to your outfit without going over the top. For example, you can wear a patterned scarf, hat, belt, bag, or jewelry with your solid outfit, or vice versa. Accessories can also help you tie together different patterns in your outfit by repeating the same color or motif.

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Don’t: Forget about textures

Textures are another element that can affect how you mix patterns. Some textures can act like patterns themselves, such as lace, knit, or sequins. These textures can add some interest and dimension to your outfit, but they can also clash with other patterns if not done carefully. To avoid this, try to match the texture with the pattern in terms of scale and style. For example, you can wear a lace top with a floral skirt, or a knit sweater with a plaid shirt.

Conclusion

Mixing patterns can be a fun and creative way to spice up your outfits. But it can also be tricky to pull off without looking like a mess. To help you master this skill, follow these dos and don’ts of mixing patterns in fashion:

• Do vary the size of the patterns
• Don’t mix too many patterns
• Do use solids to break up the patterns
• Don’t mix patterns that clash
• Do use accessories to add patterns
• Don’t forget about textures

With these tips, you can mix patterns like an expert and create stylish and unique outfits.