Mixing prints is a bold, creative way to add excitement and personality to Regularblackgirl your wardrobe. While it might seem intimidating at first, when done right, combining different patterns can create a stylish, balanced look. Whether you’re aiming for a chic and sophisticated vibe or a playful, eclectic ensemble, mixing prints can take your outfit to the next level. Here’s how to successfully mix and match prints in your outfit without overdoing it.
Start with a Common Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to mix prints is by starting with a shared color palette. When the colors in the prints complement each other, the overall look will feel more cohesive and intentional, rather than clashing.
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Choose Prints with Similar Colors: For example, pair a floral print in shades of red and pink with a striped piece that also has a hint of red.
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Neutral Base: If you’re unsure, start with a neutral base like black, white, or navy, then incorporate prints that have touches of those colors.
Pair a polka dot top with a floral skirt if both prints share a neutral color, like black or white. The consistency in color ties the look together.
Pair a Bold Print with a Subtle One
A great way to mix prints is by balancing a loud, bold print with something more subtle or muted. This creates a layered effect, with one print making a statement and the other adding depth without competing for attention.
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Match a Large, Bold Print with a Smaller, Subtle Print: Think of pairing a large floral print with tiny polka dots or stripes. The smaller print won’t overwhelm the bold pattern, creating a harmonious contrast.
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Consider the Scale: Use scale to your advantage—larger prints, like a wide floral pattern, can be balanced with smaller, more delicate prints,
A striped blouse with thick, wide stripes works beautifully with a smaller, delicate floral skirt. The contrast in size makes both prints stand out while maintaining a balanced look.
Keep the Prints in the Same Family
Another effective approach to mixing prints is keeping them within the same family. Whether it’s floral, geometric, or animal print, sticking to one print type but varying the size, shape, or orientation of the pattern helps maintain visual consistency.
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Stick to the Same Print Type: For instance, mix different types of florals—one might be a bold, large bloom, while the other could be a smaller, delicate floral pattern.
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Use Similar Geometric Prints: You can mix a striped pattern with a checkered one, as both are geometric in nature, so they will naturally complement each other.
Pair a leopard print scarf with a zebra print dress, using similar tones (brown, black, and beige) to create a unified look, even though the patterns are different.
Play with the Same Print in Different Directions
Mixing prints doesn’t have to involve completely different patterns. You can play with the same print in different directions for a unique, cohesive effect.
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Mix Prints in Different Orientations: For example, pair vertical stripes with horizontal stripes. While both prints are stripes, their different directions add texture and depth to the outfit.
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Vary the Print’s Scale: You can combine smaller stripes with larger stripes for a playful and stylish look.
A vertical striped blouse can be paired with a horizontal striped skirt, ensuring the prints are of complementary widths to avoid overwhelming the look.
Incorporate a Neutral Pattern as a Bridge
Neutral prints are a great way to tone down or soften the contrast between bold, mismatched patterns. These prints act as a bridge between other prints in the outfit, preventing them from competing for attention.
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Use a Neutral Print: Incorporate a subtle print like houndstooth, checkered, or polka dots to blend and balance the more dominant patterns in your outfit.
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Use Neutrals as Backgrounds: A solid black or white pattern can act as a neutral base to allow bold prints to shine without clashing
Pair a floral print blouse with a subtle black-and-white polka dot skirt. The polka dots act as a neutral, balancing the boldness of the florals.
Add Texture to Break Up the Prints
When mixing prints, sometimes adding a textured piece (like a knit sweater or leather jacket) can break up the prints and help them flow together more seamlessly. This can add dimension to your look, preventing it from feeling too busy.
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Add a Textured Layer: A denim jacket, a textured sweater, or a leather bag can break up the busy patterns, adding some visual balance.
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Balance Light and Heavy Textures: Pair a light cotton print with a heavier material like leather, or mix light textures with more luxurious fabrics like silk.
Pair a floral dress with a denim jacket or a woven clutch to break up the prints and add some structure to your outfit.
Match the Mood of the Prints
It’s important that the mood of the prints you’re pairing aligns. For instance, if you’re combining patterns for a casual day look, make sure the prints are equally relaxed. Contrasting moods—like pairing a formal print with a casual one—can create a disjointed look.
How to Do It:
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Match Casual with Casual: Combine a laid-back gingham print with a soft floral print, both of which have a relaxed vibe.
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Formal with Formal: Pair a sharp checkered print with a pinstripe pattern for a more sophisticated, professional look.
For a boho-chic vibe, pair a paisley print top with a geometric print skirt. Both prints will carry a free-spirited, eclectic feel, creating a cohesive outfit.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
While these tips provide a solid foundation, fashion is all about self-expression. Mixing prints is an opportunity to experiment with your style, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Have fun, and trust your instincts!
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Mix Prints that Aren’t Traditionally Paired: For example, pair animal print with floral or mix stripes with abstract prints. The key is to balance them with color and texture so the combination still looks intentional.
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Test Your Outfit: Before heading out, take a look in the mirror and assess whether the prints feel balanced. If something feels off, consider tweaking one of the pieces.
For an edgy look, mix a graffiti-style graphic with a plaid print. This combination, when done thoughtfully, can be unexpected and stylish.