Fashion Conundrums: Mixed Prints

Hello fashion world,

I admit that activity on this blog has been rather minimal (if not non-existent) and I'm ashamed. Lately I've been placing all of my efforts on my other website, The Athenian Chic,which is more travel/lifestyle-oriented. However, maintaining this blog and fueling it with interesting content is on top of my priorities this year.

If there's one thing that keeps me from posting often is that there's a lot of work that usually goes into curating a post. I want the advice offered on here to be informed and well-rounded and actually useful to someone.

So following up on an idea I had back in December, I decided to start a series of posts on how to tackle various fashion conundrums and offer my personal take on them.

On top of my list of "tricky trends" was a styling practice I actually love which is none other than mixing prints.

Print mixing is admittedly a controversial trend and usually reserved for hardcore fashion fanatics. Most people tend to shy away for fear of looking clownish or out of place. It's definitely intimidating at first, but if you follow a few simple cues you might find another world of creativity hidden inside your closet. And that is the reason why I love styling. Fun, unorthodox pairings can make you re-discover old favorites or breathe new life into items you thought you had no use for.



Here's how to nail it:

THE FOOLPROOF WAY: SIMILAR PRINT & TONES

source: zara.com

MY WAY

The easiest way to match prints is to choose a similar print in the same color palette. Whether it's stripes or polka dots or florals, picking one and sticking with it is certain to garner good results.

SAME PRINT, DIFFERENT TONES

Another relatively easy way of mixing prints is to choose the same print in a different scale and a different color scheme. If there's one color that runs through both pieces it helps because it keeps the outfit looking cohesive, however it's not absolutely necessary. The end goal is to give the impression that the top and bottom could've been part of one single piece.

DIFFERENT PRINT, SAME TONES

The exact opposite of above combination is to match two different prints that belong in the same tonal palette. If the color scheme is similar in both pieces it's easy to trick the eye into thinking it could be one piece. Dark colors are easiest because even when they're not identical it's difficult for the eye to discern any tonal differentiations.

MY WAY

THE HARD WAY: MISMATCHED

MY WAY

Two printed pieces can be completely different and still somehow work together in an outfit. The reason why it works is the stark contrast between the two. They're so opposite that they match! Weird I know, but don't knock it 'til you try it!

Additional TIPS:

• A classic striped shirt is always the easiest way to match prints because it's like a passe-partout. Works with everything. 
• If it helps you, make sure there's one color that runs through both top and bottom that pulls the whole thing together.
• Add a belt! It makes things look more polished and intentional.
• Don't limit yourself to just to tops and bottoms. You can mix a patterned dress and a patterned coat, or even accessories. Just maybe don't do it all at once. 
• When in doubt, choose black and white prints. 
• Experiment with your closet! The only way to find out if two patterned items match is by playing dressup with your own clothes! I can guarantee you there's combinations in there you hadn't even thought of before. Be creative and you will succeed.

Was this helpful? Would you try matching two prints now? Let me know!