There is something very fun and freeing about fashion. It is such a fantastic way to self-express. Yet, in my business, I find that many women are scared to try something new or scared to “stand out” by having fun with getting dressed. I think that this is one of the reasons that women gravitate more towards Fall clothing than Spring clothing. Fall clothes are cozy, BUT, typically are more muted in color and allow for women to “hide” from being seen a bit more. I really want women to WANT to be seen, to have FUN getting dressed, and to love showing off who they are through what they wear.
Today, I want to share about the fun you can have with Print Mixing, especially during the Spring and Summer where you where bright colors. Mixing prints is a way to add uniqueness and dimension to your outfits. This is where your true style can really show through.
So, what IS print mixing? Quite simply, it is mixing different patterns and prints in one single outfit. Print mixing can make your outfits truly pop. Some women LOVE print mixing because they see it as that true expression of their own style. These women likely will go bold and big in their print-mixing. For others, and especially those who are new to it, starting off with a bit less boldness makes them feel more comfortable to give it a try! I suggest this is where you start if that is you, but I DO suggest you give it a try. Fun things happen outside of your comfort zone (the best things, really), so I hope that you will take the plunge!
As I mentioned, we are in a season of bright and bold color, and especially now as it is very much trending to wear beautiful, bright colors! It’s easy to mix and match colors, and I am going to share exactly HOW to mix your prints in this article, so don’t you fear!
The first thing to consider as we talk about mixing prints will be the COLOR SCHEME. The key to a cohesive look is to make sure that the items you are print mixing have a similar thread of color throughout. See the image below:
Now, I would consider this a “bold” look, but it perfectly illustrates how using similar colors really allow the print mix to connect. As you cansee in the picture, both of these pieces have cornflower blue, brown, and cream. These pieces were meant to be print mixed together. The color commonality anchors the pieces together beautifully.
The next consideration when you are mixing prints will be SCALE. When mixing prints, it is best to use one print that is larger in scale and one that is smaller in scale. One thing that you will want to keep in mind as you are mixing patterns and prints is that wherever the larger pattern is, that is where the eye will be drawn to. As you are making your print selections, if you are wanting to keep your body type in-balance, think about which area of the body you prefer the eye to be drawn to. This is where you will want your larger scale print to be placed.
Consider keeping your accessories to a minimum (no statement pieces), especially as you get started out wearing prints on 2 pieces of clothing. Then, add some fun elements such as a printed top, a printed bottom, and a striped belt for accent. Have fun!
As I mentioned, if you want to just dip your toe into the print mixing pool, a great way to start is not with your top, bottom, or outer layer at all. Begin with your accessories! Have fun playing with scarves and headbands or even a beautiful statement bag or a belt that features a print. For example, you could wear a navy blouse, a pair of white denim, a nautical striped jacket and add a small floral scarf around your neck to add in that textured print mixed look. Here is an example:
It feels more subtle and less overwhelming when you add in a second print that is on something a bit smaller, as with the scarf in the image.
To take your print mixing to the next level, you can also ground just one of the base pieces of your outfit in a neutral color such as white, brown, navy, or black. This could be showcased as a patterned blouse with a navy bottom and then wear a complimentary printed scarf around the neck.
Here are a few examples of types of prints that are perfect for print mixing and create a stylish, flattering look:
Another simple step into print or pattern mixing could be to utilize different textures in your clothing. Maybe you pair a simple white lace blouse with a plaid bottom that has threads of white running through it. Another option would be to wear a chunky, homespun knit sweater with a polka dot pant.
Regardless of print mixing or not, I ALWAYS advocate taking mirror selfies of your outfits. It gives you a different perspective that they eye doesn’t see otherwise as the wearer. I especially think this will be important as you develop your print mixing skills. Take a picture and make sure your pieces are truly cohesive.
Mixing prints does not have to be overly complicated! If you are ready to give it a try, start small using accessories and one piece of clothing or shoes and then dive in deeper from there. One thing that will make your looks foolproof is your confidence. If you love your look, it’s going to be so becoming on you. Mixing prints and patterns will soon be something fun that really engages your creative brain. The outfits you put together will be so magnetic because they will have a new depth to them. Before you know it, you will be ROCKING full on print fabulousness!
Stylishly Yours,
PS – Need some help with Print Mixing?! Check out my website and work with me! I would love to help you develop your true-to-you style!