As someone who owns TONS of printed clothing items, I think mixing prints can be so much fun and lead to some really unique outfits! I’ve found that there are just a couple things I try to remember when print mixing, but one thing is far more important than the rest. If YOU like it, wear it! Be yourself, dress for yourself and have fun getting dressed!
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Tip/Where to Begin: Take a printed item you typically pair with a solid piece and replace the solid piece with a print containing that solid color!
Stripes add interest to a print mix, without being too bold!
Scale: When selecting prints to mix, either pick two prints with similar scales (small scale or large scale), or pick on small scale and one large scale item!
The small coral ovals surrounding the white print in the top compliment the size and shape of the print in the shorts!
Intensity: When mixing colors, I try to mix neons with neons, neutrals or soft colors with other soft colors, etc.
Small details pair together exceedingly well when they share a similar color palette.
Color Families: As I stated earlier, if you want to mix cheetah with a neon striped shirt and an anchor print, go for it! I personally try to tie prints into each other by selecting prints that have at least one color in common whether it’s white, neon pink, navy, etc. This helps add a sense of continuity to any outfit.
These two prints share the same color neon pink!
Textures: If you’re just starting to experiment with mixing prints, try starting off by mixing textures! Add seersucker, lace, jacquard, dobby cotton, leather, or sequins to a bold print for an unexpected tactile variation!
Negative Space: Adding cutouts, negative space, and rips to an outfit can add even more interest to any outfit.
This combination of smooth silk with a complex pattern and the white negative space leaf print skirt pair flawlessly for an easy “throw-on” outfit!
Fool Proof Print Mixing Combos:
Animal Print + Complimentary Print
Animal Print + Stripes
Denim + Leather
Denim + Print
Gingham + Seersucker
Gingham + Print
Gingham +Stripes
Geometric Print + Floral
Geometric Print + Stripes/Polka Dots
Large Print + Large Print
Large Print + Small Print
Leather + Lace
Neutrals + Neon
Polka Dots + Lace
Polka Dots + Leather
Seersucker + Print
Seersucker + Stripes
Stripes + Polka Dots
Vertical Stripes + Horizontal Stripes
Turn It Up A Notch: Once you’ve mastered the basics, toss in a third print or texture and watch your outfit options multiply exponentially! Consider mixing background colors, textures, scale of prints, themes, different stripes or different polka dots, different florals, ginghams, cutouts, lace, and absolutely anything!
These two prints pair well with the seersucker in the same color family.
Please tag me in your print mixing outfits on instagram @anniewearsit and leave me a comment down below letting me know what you thought of this blog post, which print mix was your favorite, and what you’d like me to write about next!
Thank you for reading!
taylor says
girlfriend I feel like you are the only person who can pull this off flawlessly! I am interested in what that seersucker piece is. You matched it with a blue and white Tusk In the Sun (or what looks like tusk in the sun). Is it a skirt or shorts? Whatever it is , I want it!
anniewearsit says
Hey Taylor! Thank you so much! I think print mixing is a lot of fun, and something anyone can do flawlessly. Just remember, if YOU like it, that’s all that matters! That is a Lilly Pulitzer Cala Skort in Blue Seersucker! I believe it’s summer 2013 or summer 2014, it also came in the pink “Get Crackin” print. It’s SUPER comfortable and very flattering on everyone I’ve ever seen wear one, but I do recommend sizing up because it’s a bit short otherwise 🙂
Jessica Malinowski says
I definitely couldn’t pull this off!
missamy says
sunglasses and stripes looks great
Jessica Malinowski says
I’d be terrible at mixing!