How to Become a Master at Mixing It Up

Hey there!

Picture this:

It’s Sunday evening and you’re getting your outfit ready for tomorrow. As you’re thumbing through your closet you decide to experiment a little, step out of your comfort zone and play with pattern by choosing to mix up a few different prints in your outfit. The result is a fun new outfit from pieces that you’ve had in your closet for a long time but have never worn together. Cool. You feel proud of yourself that you’re getting more mileage out of the items you already own.

Monday morning rolls around and you wake up feeling a little giddy because you’re excited to wear your new outfit that you laid out the night before. As you put it on, you keep thinking of all the compliments you’re sure to get over your latest combination creation.

Outfit on and looking good. Ready to roll.

You smear on some lipgloss, smile, and take one last look in your full length mirror. As you turn to leave, you do a double take.

Hesitation.

You stare and think, “Does this really work?” And then, the longer you stare the more you’re unsure. Your next thought is, “I have no idea if this works.”

And then…doubt floods in.

“Does this look silly? Do I look like I know what I’m doing? What if no one says anything to me? Maybe there’s a reason I’ve never worn these pieces together before.”

Does this sound like you?

Mixing patterns into an outfit can feel intimidating, but when you know a few simple rules and no fail tricks, you’ll be way ahead in the game of style.

First let me give you the definition of a pattern:

A pattern is created when a stripe, motif, or decorative design is printed onto fabric in a repeated process. This pattern is sometimes called a print. A pattern can also be a repeated motif or decorative design that is actually woven into the fabric, such as a twill or herringbone pattern.

Here’s some simple rules and tricks to try that will most always work.

Mix up…

1. …Patterns that are exactly the same motif and color but different sizes.
2. …Stripes, dots, and florals that have at least one common color between the 2 or 3 patterns that you are combining into one outfit.
3. …Stripes that are of varying sizes but all the same color or tone.
4. …Patterns that are similar in shape and color but different sizes.
5. …3 patterns (One small, one medium, one large) that have the exact same colors (or at least 3 of the same colors) throughout. The different size patterns allows the eye to be able to appreciate the visual interest without each pattern competing with the other patterns for attention.
6. …Patterns that are the same or similar but in opposite contrast.

Feeling a little more daring?  Follow these tips and you’ll look like the queen of pattern mixing.

1. Patterns or textures that have a common origin or ethnicity (Think Native American, Asian, African, etc.) will blend well together even if there is no common color or pattern between the items being worn together. 
2. Two patterns that have no relationship to each other, nor anything else in common except that each contain the same colors as the other, and have one motif or variation of one motif, can also create a very interesting outfit combination. Notice how in the example the spacing in between each of the motifs is similar in both patterns. This too helps to create a connection between the two. However, notice where your eye goes. You may find that your eye continually switches back and forth between the top and the pants – each pattern is vying hard for your attention. It is obvious that this combination is worn to do just that!  
3. If when you combine patterns that have nothing in common such as motifs or ethnic theme, as long as you match at least one or two colors depending on the patterns, it can work. 

Lastly, some people are really good at mixing it up. Some people, not so good. However when it’s worn with a good dose of confidence, and a “I-don’t-care-what-anyone-thinks attitude, it’s all one needs to don such avant-garde attire. 

Even if you don’t think someone’s outfit is visually appealing, this kind of attitude can trick the public into thinking whatever they have created is way over the top too cool. And if you don’t like it, it’s because you just don’t get it.

I want to end with my favorite quote from Diana Vreeland, that I think is apropos and says it all:

“Never fear being vulgar, just boring.”

That’s it for this week. Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below. Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. Don’t even ask. 🙂

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle