Wearing different patterns is a great way to add in some interest to your daily looks. However, mixing different patterns together in the same outfit is a high-value styling skill many find intimidating. It’s definitely something that takes some trial and error to figure out the best combinations. But if you own a ton of classic prints (stripes, florals, animal print, etc), it could be easier than you think. Learning the right way to mix patterns can instantly elevate outfits and make your outfits stand out even more. Today’s post is going to be a guide on how to mix different prints in an outfit in a way that looks chic and stylish.

For more information on building the perfect wardrobe, check out these posts below:

Women’s Wardrobe Essentials

Building a Work Capsule Wardrobe

My Two Favorite Denim Styles That Everyone Should Have in Their Closet

How To Mix Patterns

Pattern mixing is always trending on runways and street style alike but can be hard to translate into real everyday outfits. But once you understand a few basics on which patterns look best together and how to balance out your look with various prints, it’s not as daunting as you might imagine. The right mix of patterns can create interest and visual personality in outfits. Learning the basic pattern pairing principles and color coordination rules can help you create outfit formulas that work every time.

Can You Mix Patterns in Fashion?

Pattern mixing is timeless and will always be a way to keep your outfits modern and current.

Rules For Mixing Patterns in Clothing

Color Cohesion

Choose prints that share at least one key color

Scale Contrast

Mix small and large scale patterns for balance.

Limit the Number

No more than 3 patterns at once

Dominant vs. Supporting Prints

One print should lead while others should support without overtaking.

What Patterns Go Together

Stripes and Polka Dots

Classic combo that’s easy and visually balanced.

Florals and Stripes

Best when they share color tones.

Animal Prints And Neutrals / Geometric Patterns

Animal prints act like neutral anchors.

Checks And Thin Stripes

Varying the pattern scale creates harmony.

Pattern And Texture Pairing

Include texture contrast or next-level interest

How to Mix and Match Patterns Like a Stylist

Step 1: Choose a Color Anchor

Start with a base color common to all patterns.

Step 2: Vary the Scales

Pair large prints with small prints to avoid visual competition.

Step 3: Use Neutrals as Breathers

Use black, white, or beige pieces to ground the look.

Step 4: Build from Classic to Bold

Begin with safe combos before experimenting with bolder ones.

Step 5: Accessorize Smartly

Patterned accessories are excellent intro pieces for beginners.

Mixed Pattern Outfits

Large stripes paired with smaller stripes

Outfit details: Cardigan (similar) | Tank (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses

Many brands will actually sell sets together that mix patterns like this cardigan set I bought earlier this year. The shades and tones are the same in each piece but it’s the mixing of the larger stripes with the smaller stripes that really creates interest. If the stripes were both the same size, this combination would not work. There needs to be a difference in scale to create a balanced cohesive look.

Mixing prints with textures

Outfit details: Dress | Vest (similar) | Boots | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

If you are not yet ready to mix prints together, mixing prints and textures are the next best option. Textures like faux fur, leather, suede, woven materials, etc look great with prints and patterns. The texture acts as a pattern of sorts even though the piece itself may only be one color. Wearing different textures together in a look is one of my favorite ways to create an interesting outfit. But if you have something with a print or pattern like this floral dress, it will easily work with a textural piece like my leather/faux shearling vest. The vest is in the same color family as the dress (cream/brown) so that is the common denominator that I used when deciding if they could work together.

Using printed accessories

Outfit details: Cardigan (similar) | Jeans | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

Another great way to experiment with pattern mixing is to add printed accessories to your outfit. It’s a small addition to a look that doesn’t bring too much attention but can add dimension and personality to your outfit. The key is combining prints that are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of size and scale. My bag has a very small and compact houndstooth print while my cardigan has large scale abstract prints all over. What makes these two work together is the colors of the bag (black and cream) can be found in the large portions of my cardigan.

Mixing prints in the same tones

Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Shoes (similar) | Sunglasses | Bag (similar)

While the prints in this dress are nearly the same size and scale, they are all in the same color palette so it manages to work effortlessly. This dress came like this which makes pattern mixing so easy because the work was already done for me.

Outfit details: Blouse (discount code: MAREE10) | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Belt | Sunglasses

1. I was on the hunt for a new pair of white jeans to wear this spring. I looked at a ton of different styles but decided to take a chance on this pair despite not owning anything from this brand. The jeans just arrived and I LOVE them! The fit is great and the length is perfection for my 5’4′ height (no alterations needed).

2. As someone who has done laser hair removal for both my bikini line and lower legs, I am so excited to try this at home device! Laser hair removal has been a game changer for me because I have such fair skin and dark hair. I had it done more than 15 years ago but have never had regrowth which is amazing. The only place I haven’t had it done was under my arms so will be trying this device on that area. I will keep you posted and do a full review once I’ve do a thorough testing!

3. Heaven Mayhem just launched their rings and I will be ordering another style ASAP! They sent me this one which I love and I plan to also order this style which is STUNNING! (use my Heaven Mayhem code: MAREE20 for 20% off if you want to order a style for yourself)

4. I love turquoise jewelry especially in the warmer months so I immediately fell in love with this turquoise tennis necklace!

5. Large chunky beaded necklaces are trending right now which makes me so happy because I love a bold statement necklace. This is a great affordable option under $90 that looks so much more expensive. My favorite colorway is the Alpine version – that green is gorgeous.

6. Good H&M finds always go fast so I am pretty sure this gorgeous sundress will sell out quickly!

7. I wish I could pick a favorite from Boden’s new spring arrivals but honestly I love it all. The colors, the prints – it’s all gorgeous.

8. Another new seasonal collection that I will definitely be ordering from. I own so many pieces from them because they are my favorite athleisure brand to wear.

9. As a lover of mixed metal jewelry pieces, how chic are these new woven square earrings!

10. I need something besides jeans to wear all the time so I am forcing myself to try different pants to see if I can find a brand/style that I love. These pull-on linen pants are currently in my cart so I will definitely report back!