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:
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.
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