By Diva Dressing 
Prints are a fun and creative way to express your personality through fashion, but mastering the art of mixing and matching patterns can seem daunting. When done right, mixing prints can elevate your outfit to a whole new level, adding texture, color, and interest. From bold florals to classic stripes and playful polka dots, learning how to combine different prints is the key to achieving a chic, fashion-forward look.
Start with One Dominant Print
The easiest way to dive into mixing prints is by starting with one dominant pattern. This will serve as the focal point of your outfit, allowing the second print to complement without overwhelming the look.
Go Bold: Choose a bold pattern as your dominant print, such as large florals, animal prints, or geometric shapes. This print will be the centerpiece of your outfit, so pick something that speaks to your personal style.
Neutral Backgrounds: Opt for a print with a neutral or solid background to keep the overall look cohesive. If your dominant print features bright colors, keep the background simple to avoid visual clutter.
Scale Matters: When selecting a dominant print, consider the size of the pattern. Larger, more prominent prints should take center stage, while smaller, more subtle patterns can act as supporting prints.
Play with Scale: Big vs. Small Prints
Mixing prints of different sizes helps create balance in your outfit. Combining large prints with smaller ones ensures that the look doesn’t feel overwhelming or chaotic.
Large + Small: Pair a large, bold print with a smaller, more delicate one. For example, pair a large polka dot skirt with a smaller polka dot or striped top to create visual interest without competing for attention.
Medium-Scale Prints: When in doubt, opt for medium-scale prints for one of your pieces. These patterns are versatile and can bridge the gap between larger and smaller prints.
Balance is Key: If your top has a large, attention-grabbing print, make sure your bottom half features a smaller, more understated pattern to keep the outfit harmonious.
Stay Within a Color Family
One of the most important factors in mastering print mixing is keeping your color palette cohesive. Choosing prints in the same color family ensures that your outfit looks intentional and polished.
Monochromatic Prints: Start with prints that share the same base color. This makes it easier to mix patterns without clashing. For example, mix different shades of blue, black, or beige in your prints for a sleek, unified look.
Complementary Colors: Choose prints with complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel). This creates contrast without overwhelming the eye.
Use Neutrals: Adding neutral tones like black, white, or beige into your prints can help ground the look. Neutrals work as a base and allow more vibrant patterns to shine without looking too busy.
Incorporate Classic Prints
Classic prints like stripes, polka dots, and plaid are easy to mix with more playful or modern patterns. These timeless prints act as a neutral base, allowing you to experiment without going too far outside your comfort zone.
Stripes as a Base: Stripes are one of the easiest prints to mix with others. They provide a clean, structured look and pair well with florals, animal prints, and even abstract patterns.
Polka Dots for Fun: Polka dots are playful and pair surprisingly well with more serious patterns like plaid or houndstooth. The key is to keep the dots small if you’re mixing them with bold prints.
Plaid for Structure: Plaid can anchor more whimsical prints like florals or animal patterns, adding structure and contrast to your outfit.
Confidence is Key
Ultimately, the best way to pull off mixed prints is by wearing them with confidence. Fashion is about self-expression, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your wardrobe.
Own Your Style: If you feel good in your outfit, it will show. Don’t worry too much about “rules”—fashion is personal, and your confidence is what makes the look work.
Start Small: If you’re new to mixing prints, start with subtle combinations like stripes and polka dots, then gradually move on to bolder pairings as you feel more comfortable.
Trust Your Instincts: If a combination feels right to you, go for it! Mixing prints is about creativity and breaking the mold, so trust your style instincts.
